The world has many types of tea. However, to be considered a true tea, it has to be derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, commonly known as the tea plant. Therefore, you can say there only four types of true tea: white tea, back tea, green tea, and oolong tea. Although the four types of tea are derived from the same plant, they have different colors, nutrients, and flavours since they’re processed differently.
Oolong tea is not the most famous of the four teas. It only accounts for 2% of all tea consumption in the world. However, it is one of the most consumed beverages besides water in China. Oolong tea is popularly known as a traditional Chinese tea.
This tea combines the qualities of black and green tea, making it very beneficial to your health. This article will help you understand oolong tea and its associated health benefits. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Oolong tea?
All types of true tea are processed through oxidation. This is where you expose the tea leaves to air, causing them to ferment. However, what creates the difference between the color, flavour, and nutrient content of tea is the time taken to oxidize the leaves. For example, less oxidised yellow gold oolongs provide a lighter flavour, while more oxidized oolong leaves will bring out a deeper flavour.
Green tea is made from unoxidized tea leaves. This explains why the tea retains the green color and the earthy taste. Similarly, since green tea is unoxidized, it retains some nutrients, such as catechins, a plant-based antioxidant.
On the other hand, the leaves used to process black tea are crushed for maximum oxidation. This process fully oxidizes black tea, giving it a deeper and richer flavour. It also explains why the tea is black. When the leaves are fully oxidized, they form a strong antioxidant known as theaflavins. So when you drink black tea, you take in these nutrients not found in green tea or oolong.
The oxidation process of tea leaves used to make oolong tea is partial. To ensure that the tea leaves are exposed to the sun first, they’re slightly bruised. As a result, this process releases different flavours and nutrients unique to oolong tea. Oolong tea is mostly described as having a fruity, vegetal flavour with a floral aroma. However, the flavour becomes more roasted with more oxidation.
Nutrients In Oolong Tea
All types of tea contain minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants beneficial to human health. However, since oolong tea is partially oxidized, its nutrients and antioxidants are stronger and, therefore, have a more powerful effect. For example, a cup of oolong tea contains 3mg caffeine compared to 29mg caffeine found in green tea.
However, the health benefits derived from oolong tea are mainly from the antioxidants produced from partial oxidation. These antioxidants include
- polyphenols,
- theaflavins,
- EGCG, and
Antioxidants protect human cells from damage caused by the environment, lifestyle, and aging. If not controlled, this damage may lead to chronic diseases. Fortunately, the antioxidants in oolong tea can protect you from cell damage or slow it down.
Here are some of the health benefits you get from drinking oolong tea:
- It Lowers The Risk Of Getting Diabetes
Generally, tea has been shown to lower the risk of diabetes by reducing insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar levels, and decreasing inflammation. Oolong tea contains polyphenols found to reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of diabetes.
A different study revealed that oolong tea lowers plasma glucose and helps ease the impact of type 2 diabetes. However, experts are still researching the role of oolong tea in reducing the risk of diabetes. One study disputed these claims by showing that men who drank more than 2 cups of oolong tea a day were at a higher risk of developing diabetes than those who consumed a cup or no oolong tea at all.
- It helps with Weight Loss.
Oolong tea boosts your metabolism for up to two hours after taking it. So if you’re consistently drinking a cup of tea at least daily, your metabolism rate will increase, helping you burn fat and lose weight.
Additionally, the polyphenols in oolong tea may help reduce your appetite. You’re likely to lose weight over time when you eat less. Also, caffeine in oolong tea can help you maintain a lean frame.
Also, if you want to use oolong tea to help you lose weight, you shouldn’t add sweeteners to it for the best results. Sweeteners like sugar or generally sweet food are key contributors to gaining weight because they contain high levels of calories. If you want a sweeter oolong tea, consider using very small amounts of maple syrup, natural honey, stevia, or agave syrup.
- Oolong Tea Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels
The polyphenol molecule in oolong tea activates the lipase enzyme. Lipase is an enzyme found in the pancreas known to help dissolve body fat. Therefore, one way you can reduce cholesterol levels in your body is by consistently drinking a healthy amount of oolong tea.
- It Helps Enhance The Health Of Your Heart
As previously discussed, oolong tea may help you lose weight and reduce cholesterol levels. These two things are vital in helping you maintain a healthy heart. For one, individuals who are obese are more likely to suffer from a heart condition.
Similarly, a type of fat called triglycerides thickens the walls of your artery, increasing the risk of you suffering a stroke, a heart attack, or any other heart condition. Oolong tea contains polyphenols that may help break down triglycerides, improving your heart health.
Summary
Although there are thousands of teas, there are only four types of real tea: green, black, oolong, and white tea. These types of teas are considered true teas since they’re derived from the tea plant. However, the flavour, color and nutrient content of these types of teas differ due to different oxidization processes. Oolong tea, specifically, is partially oxidized.
Because of this partial oxidation, oolong also contains nutrients and antioxidants found in green and black tea. However, their difference is that oolong tea may have more powerful antioxidants than black or green tea. That’s why some studies have found oolong tea to help reduce the risk of diabetes. It may also help boost metabolism, reduce cholesterol levels, and boost heart health. There are many more benefits of oolong tea, so try drinking a cup today.
Leave a Reply