Oolong tea is not “technically” a green tea, and it isn’t quite a black tea either. It does offer significant health benefits such as aiding in weight loss, but it also carries some risks as well. To learn more about Oolong tea, keep reading our guide to oolong tea!
- What Is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is made from the leaves of the “Camillia sinensis” plant, which is also where the tea plants for black and green teas come from. This particular variety of tea gets its name from the Chinese word “Wu Long”, which literally means “Black Dragon.” Traditionally, these teas were only roasted for a short amount of time, and then left to oxidize after drying for a long period of time. Today, however, modern technology has changed the process to make it easier than ever to make this traditional tea!
- Is It Healthy?
While there isn’t a tremendous amount of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of oolong tea, there are still a few studies that show that drinking it regularly can be very healthy. In fact, oolong green tea may even promote weight loss! According to recent studies published in the Asian Journal of Cancer Prevention, regular consumption of “rich water” tea, regardless of whether it’s black or green, can help encourage weight loss.
So how exactly does oolong green tea help you lose weight? The chemicals in oolong tea act on the body by getting rid of fat cells in several different ways. For example, they inhibit an enzyme called “PPAR-α” which is associated with obesity. What’s more is that oolong tea also seems to help control the metabolism, which means that you’ll burn calories faster. The caffeine content of oolong tea also adds a diuretic effect which aids the kidneys in removing excess water from the body — perfect for ridding the body of puffiness and extra water weight.
- How Much Should I Drink?
There are no official guidelines for how much oolong tea should be consumed each day. However, studies have shown that as little as 3 cups per day can help reduce body fat and prevent weight gain in overweight people.
- How Does It Compare to Other Teas?
Oolong tea is one of the most diverse types of tea that can offer a variety of flavor profiles as well as health benefits. While green teas have more of a “grassy” taste, oolong teas have a smoother taste suitable for the majority of tea drinkers. The biggest question is: which do you think tastes better?
- What Are Some of the Risks?
While drinking oolong tea is highly beneficial for your health overall, it does come with some disadvantages as well. Some individuals experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and increased intestinal gas after consuming too much of it on a short-term basis. A balanced diet is key!
- How Do You Make It?
We recommend bringing cold water to a rolling boil (or 180° F). Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for about three minutes maximum. An added bonus about oolong tea? You can brew it multiple times because of how it has been rolled! Each subsequent brew helps unravel this specialty rolled tea.
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