Oolong Green Tea for Your Health + Immune System
What is oolong tea?
Just like all real types of tea, oolong tea is made from the leaves, buds and branches of camellia sinensis plant.
Flavor ranges from light floral tones to cinnamon, toasted bread, ripe fruit, and caramel notes.
Some Oolong tea benefits- Aiding weight loss.
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Improving sleep.
- Anti-hyperglycemic effect.
- Improving gut microbiome.
- Fighting cancer.
- Decreasing vascular inflammation.
- Protecting the brain.
1. Aiding weight loss
Oolong tea is one of the most popular weight-loss teas for a reason. Chinese study on 102 over-weight and obese patients showed that 70% of patients lost 1 kg in only 6 weeks of daily oolong tea consumption. Furthermore, almost one quarter of patients, 22%, lost up to 3 kg[7]. Furthermore, studies have showed that drinking full-strength oolong tea may increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation by 12%[8].
2. Improving sleep
Research showed that GABA in combination with L-theanine, might be cause longer sleep and reduce sleep latency. Oolong contains both of them.
3. Anti-hyperglycemic effect
Polyphenols in oolong tea might be helpful in inhibiting digestive enzyme α–amylase.[11] Over-activity of α–amylase is responsible for high blood sugar levels, making oolong tea potentially helpful to people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
4. Improving gut microbiome
A disbalance in gut bacteria is a trigger for many health problems—from inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, metabolic disorders and liver disease[12]. Oolong tea may help in improving the balance of healthy bacteria and provide support, especially when eating high-fat diet[13].
5. Fighting cancer
Studies showed that polyphenols in oolong tea might inhibit breast cancer cells growth[14]. Drinking oolong tea regularly may help in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer too[16].
6. Protecting brain
Drinking tea regularly may help in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Studies showed that drinking 3 cups of tea per day for 10 years might reduce the risk even up to 28%. Scientists say this is because of EGCG and its ability to fight free radicals[18].
7. Reducing cholesterol levels
Consuming oolong tea on a regular daily basis may impact cholesterol levels. One clinical trial showed that drinking 600 ml of oolong tea per day decreases LDL or bad cholesterol by 6.69% and may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. In another trial, people who drank 1000 ml of oolong tea per day had reduced levels of both LDL and hemoglobin A1c, linked to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
8. Improving bone mineral density
Although this might not be something you often think about when it comes to benefits, bone mineral density is very important in prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. Polyphenols in tea may help to increase bone mass and bone strength.[20]
9. Reducing dental plaque and preventing tooth decay
Drinking oolong tea before and after a meal might help in keeping your teeth clean and healthy. One study showed that rinsing mouth with oolong tea exact may “significantly inhibit plaque deposition[21]”.
10. Reducing the risk of stroke
Both oolong and green tea may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. Scientific data says that individuals drinking 1 cup of green or oolong tea per day were less at risk from ischemic stroke than non-regular tea drinkers, and those who drink 3 cups daily 21% lower risk than those who drink only one[23].
11. Improving mood and de-stressing
L-theanine in tea may help you improve general mood and help de-stress. This amino acid is present in almost all tea types except in pu’erh where the levels are negligible. One study showed that white, green and oolong teas on average have a higher value of L-theanine than black tea. A trial on 16 healthy volunteers showed that L-theanine caused decrease in anxiety and lowered high blood pressure caused by high-stress situations[24].
Creme Brulee Oolong tea
12. Treating persistent eczema
A clinical trial from Japan proved that drinking 10 grams of oolong tea per day had significant results in 63% of patients with eczema after only 1-2 weeks of treatment.[25]
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is not to diagnose or treat any diseases, or to replace an opinion of a professional doctor. Never self-treat any diseases, or drink large quantities of tea, real or herbal, if you are suffering from serious diseases, are pregnant or breastfeeding. As every person is different, it’s impossible to make a general statement about the benefits or side-effects.