Know About The Amazing Benefits of Oolong Tea

Health & FitnessAugust 25, 2017

Traditional Chinese tea “Oolong tea” is made from Camellia sinensis plant. It is also used to making both black and green tea. Green tea is oxidized for a small period of time, where as black tea undergoes for the full oxidation process. Oolong tea undergoes a time period of oxidation “smack-dab” in the middle.

It contains plenty of bioactive compounds and nutrients including antioxidants, fluoride, and flavonoids.

Read on to know about 10 health benefits of drinking oolong tea.

1. Improves mental performance

Oolong tea helps in improving mental performance, including both alertness and cognition. This is just an immediate benefit, various research gives evidence that long-term tea consumption of oolong tea helps in improving cognition in adults.

2. Boosts memory

In 2004 a research found that regular consumption of oolong tea help in improvising your memory long term.This health benefit is because it slows down the activity of acetylcholinesterase. It’s an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters known for decreasing in those with Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Maintains heart health

Various studies have shown that oolong tea can help in preventing coronary artery disease and heart disease. One study found the 11% decrease in the risk of heart attacks with a consumption of 3 cups of tea a day. Oolong tea also controls the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), known as bad cholesterol.

4. Prevents tooth decay

A cup of oolong tea contains antioxidants and fluoride that help in promoting healthy teeth. It also contains antibacterial properties that help in preventing cavities and decreasing acidity of your saliva, which wear down the enamel.

5. Promotes healthy skin

Skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema are painful or uncomfortable conditions, however, oolong tea can provide some relief. A study revealed that oolong tea, together with green tea, reduces the allergic dermatitis reactions.

There are also proofs of skin cancer risk being reduced when consumed regularly as it has with anticancer properties.

6. Aids in weight loss

Oolong tea catechins are the main active compounds, that helps in fat loss, thereby improving your metabolism. Plus oolong tea is much safer in comparison to a large number of weight loss supplements.

7. Have anticancer properties

Both green tea and oolong tea both have strong antioxidant compound, which helps your body to protect against free radical damage that causes cancer. The polyphenols can also help in preventing or lowering the rate of cancerous cell division.

The research strongly support in the field of prevention of ovarian cancer, although oolong tea can also help in preventing other cancers, too.

8. Reduces risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Oolong tea’s antioxidants help in prevent rheumatoid arthritis. According to some studies drinking about 3 cups a day of results in a decrease of risk from this arthritis as compared to those who never consumed tea.

9. Stabilizes blood sugar

Maintaining blood sugar is one of the biggest tasks for a lot of people with diabetes. But oolong tea has to help in stabilizing blood sugar. In 2003 one study found that oolong tea can be a good complementary therapy along with traditional medications.

10. Fights off bacteria

Oolong tea has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which may help your body fight against bad bacteria. Oolong tea also has antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and various other types of bacteria.

How to make oolong tea

Making oolong tea is very simple. Use the amount of tea as recommended. Heat water kettle or cup to 180 – 200˚F. Add the tea leaves to the boiling water, and let it steep between 1 and 5 minutes. Steeping it for full 5 minutes gives the strongest flavor and the highest number of various health benefits. Remove the infuser, and allow the tea cool to at a comfortable temperature to drink it.

Side effects of oolong tea

Oolong tea is usually safe for most of the people to intake on the regular basis, though some individuals can be negatively affected by the caffeine.

Caffeine can interact with prescription drugs like amphetamines. Women who are pregnant should avoid caffeine intake. If you are having any heart conditions, such as irregular heartbeat, then consult your doctor before increasing the dosage of your caffeine intake. The caffeine may also make the anxiety disorders more intense.

You should consult your doctor about it if you are having diabetes. While some studies show that it can help in controlling diabetes, however, that it can interfere with the blood sugar level which is something you need to discuss with your doctor at first place so that you can adjust your medicines if needed.