Oolong tea one of the few pristine and traditional chinese teas. Often refered to as blue tea or dragon tea, Oolong tea is a semi oxidized product derived from the tea plant (camellia sinensis) giving it a unique aroma and composition. Several varieties are produced throughout southeast asia mainly in China (Wuju mountains, Fujian, Guangong) and Taiwan.

Health benefits

A unique tea with unique health benefits.

Oolong is best know for the weight loss properties. In addition of increasing metabolism and promoting fat burn at a higher rate Oolong tea can also block fat absorbtion in the intestines. Oolong has been used as a complement to classical treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Beneficial for the hearth and cardiovascular system in general as it reduces blood concentrations of triglycerides. Other studies have shown the decrease of cholesterol levels in regular consumers of Oolong tea.

A host of skin problems such as eczema can be cured with Oolong tea.

Oolong can also reduce and keep in check high blood pressure.

Oolong is the best of the three most consumed teas in preventing tooth decay.

Processing

After being picked the green leaves of tea are first dried in the sun to remove excess moisture. Then the leaves are cooled in a shaded area and gently bruised in preparation of the oxidation process. The leaves are then heated in an oven or large pan this is where the oxidation takes place. The leaves are then rolled in strands and heated at low temperature. This phase is crucial to the forming of the aroma of oolong tea.

Taste

Its taste is unique although closer to green tea than black tea. It lacks the grassy notes of the green and the rosy aroma of the black teas. In turn it is characterized by a bitter punch and a sweet fruity aftertaste.

Brewing

About two teaspoons of Oolong tea should be poored into 200ml of hot water (approx. 80°C). The tea should be steeped for around 3 minutes. Multiple brews are possible with high quality Oolong tea.

Many things have been said about oolong tea. Among the most prominent benefits weight loss certainly stands out.Lets take a moment to learn how drinking Oolong tea can affect your weight and consequently your health.

Studies have shown that Oolong tea does effectively three thing that combined contribute to weight loss.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a potent stimulant. It increases body metabolism and thus energy consumption. A recent Chinese has shown that by drinking Oolong tea a person experiences and increased energy conumption of about 3% or 70 calories.

Impressive? Not really. 70 calories is really not that much - an average person requires approx. 1000 calories so 70 in comparison is not that much. And lets not forget that caffeine is present in many drinks in greater concentration than in Oolong tea. But there’s more!

Fat burn

The same study has shown a 12% increase in fat oxidation in the test subjects. It was speculated that the Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) present in Oolong tea combined with caffeine was the formula that allowed for the unprecedented fat burning properties of Oolong

Polyphenols

A later Japanese study comaring the weight loss effects of Green tea and Oolong tea expanded on the results of the Chinese study. Carefully analysed green and Oolong tea were given to the test subjects. As expected the fat burn effects were stronger with the Oolong tea but when measuring the caffeine and EGCG concentrations in the two teas it was found that both teas have the same amounts of the substances that were thought to bring the weight loss effects. A third group of substances - polyphenols -  were found in much greater concentration in Oolong tea than in Green tea. This find finally showed the real active substance of Oolong tea.

Of course Oolong tea is not a miracle drug for weight loss. The same rules apply as with every weight loss attempt. Watch your eating, excercise and dring Oolong tea. The tea might just give you that initial boost so you see the results quickly and don’t give up in the first two weeks.

So good luck with your weight loss and have that cup of Oolong tea.