What Is Oolong Tea?

Following are some other benefits of oolong tea highlighted below

Weight Loss

Oolong tea is an intermediate between green tea and black tea, which means that it contains properties of both -that is, aiding metabolism through the catechins present in the tea as well as relieving stress in an individual.

According to a research study conducted by “The Department Of Applied Nutrition” in the year 2003 by T Komatsu et al, to study the effect of energy expenditure after the consumption of green tea versus oolong tea, it was observed that after consuming green tea, the energy expenditure rate increased by 4 % after 120 minutes whereas the energy expenditure increased by 10 percent after 120 minutes after consumption of oolong tea. This means that oolong tea increases the metabolic rate even faster than green tea owing to the caffeine content present in it.

Skin Health

Many individuals, especially females worldwide have a common complaint of skin problems like acne, pimples and stretch marks. Quite surprisingly, oolong tea is a magical tea which cures such skin issues. It is also known to treat eczema. According to various research studies, oolong tea is known to prevent cancer, especially skin cancer owing to the flavonoids present in it which helps to destroy the free radicals scavenging our body, thus preventing cancer. The thioflavin-like compounds act as a magical compound to treat skin-related problems.

Prevents and Cures Type 2 Diabetes

Oolong tea can prevent and cure type-2 diabetes in obese individuals due to the compound called as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present in it, which can increase glucose uptake inside cells and thus prevent hyperglycemia (increase in blood glucose levels). It thus helps to improve the insulin sensitivity. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, oolong tea aids in lipid metabolism along with a daily recommended amount of physical activity, thus stimulating the lipase activity which breaks down fat cells and thus improving type-2 diabetes symptoms by improving the blood sugar levels.

Prevents Tooth Decay

According to the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention (2013), oolong tea helps to prevent tooth decay and dental caries. The catechins like EGCG possess antibacterial effects, thus preventing tooth decay and maintaining oral hygiene. Therefore, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with oolong leaves and 100 ml of water for antibacterial effects. These leaves are known to reduce the acid production in the mouth by Streptococcus mutans.

Improves Symptoms of Bipolar Disease and Alzheimer's Disease

Many people suffering from bipolar disease have a chronic depression phase which may involve sleeplessness, hallucinations and manic phase where it is very difficult to control the person without putting the person on severe medication. According to many research studies, oolong tea helps to reduce the severity of its symptoms and the time period of the symptoms as it contains a compound called L-theanine which helps stabilize the mood of the person affected by bipolar disease. Oolong tea not only helps to cure symptoms of the bipolar disorder, but also helps increase memory power, concentration and alertness in patients affected by Alzheimer's disease. It also helps to improve sharpness level in an individual.

Improves Heart Health

According to many studies, oolong tea is known to promote heart health by reducing the cholesterol level and maintaining it within the normal range. Thus it helps to eradicate heart-related issues like arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. You can safely give a heart patient oolong tea to reduce the bad fat levels (very low-density lipoproteins) and to increase the good fat levels (high-density lipoprotein) in blood. Another way to improve your good fat levels is to consume omega three rich fatty acids like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, fish and consumption of good quality oil like rice bran oil, canola oil or olive pomace oil. Avoid trans-fat and processed foods high in sodium and saturated fat which is not good for the heart.

Prevents Osteoporosis and Maintains Healthy Bone Health

Oolong tea is a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. All these nutrients are specifically known to promote bone health. Oolong tea contains essential compounds called as flavonoids which regulate the osteoblast and osteocyte activity of the bone, that is, bone formation and bone reabsorption activity from the bones when less calcium is available in the blood.

Side-Effects of Oolong Tea

Always remember that too much of anything will definitely cause trouble. The ideal consumption of oolong tea is up to 300 ml/day or even three small cups a day would be fine. However, an excess consumption of oolong tea would lead to inhibition of iron absorption in our body thus leading to anemia.

It could also lead to symptoms like severe headache due to high caffeine content from the oolong tea due to overconsumption. Other symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, confusions, heartburn, tremor and heartbeat fluctuation.

Therefore, moderation is the key. Do not overdo something. Always remember that it could have side effects too.