Oolong tea is the middle brother in the family of Oriental teas. Its siblings, Green Tea, and Black Tea might enjoy a higher level of popularity and consumption in the Western world, but oolong currently reigns as no.1 in the preferences of Asian cultures. The thing that separates oolong tea from the other two varieties is its semi-fermented nature, which ranges between 8% and 85%. As a result, the taste you get from drinking this herbal infusion has a lower quantity of caffeine than the black tea, but a richer flavor than the green tea.
Daily consumption of oolong tea is a reliable method of maintaining a healthy body and an energized mind. Even if its weight loss benefits were proved by an official study of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the curing effect of this infusion escapes the typical Western consumer even today. The research revealed that people struggling with extra pounds increased their fat burning rate by 12% simply by drinking oolong tea. In fact, there are plenty more wellness advantages contained in this drink that you can add to your list of homemade remedies for various medical conditions.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Types of Oolong
- Short history
- Production
- How to grow Camellia Sinensis at home
- Effects of caffeine
- Is it safe to drink?
- Benefits
- How to prepare it
- Recipes
- What is the best oolong tea
- Lose weight catalyst
- Side effects
- Where to buy
- Conclusion
What is Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a type of Chinese tea obtained from the same plant as green tea and black tea – Camellia sinensis. Chinese tea producers get the oolong assortment from this flowering shrub by exposing its leaves to a limited process of oxidation. The petals tend to twist and turn during this process and gain a dark, thread-like look.
The drink obtained from infusing the dehydrated petals lacks in worldwide popularity, but people in South East Asia consume it on a regular basis. Weight loss, healthy skin, diabetes control and cancer prevention are just a few of the many oolong tea benefits that you can get from a single cup of this infusion.
Before we get into real story, here is some very interesting drawn data about our tea, in one long infographic.
There are four main types of oolong tea
They are classified by their originating area:
- Wu Yi
- Anxi
- Phoenix
- Taiwan Tung Ting
Wu Yi Tea
Gets its name from the Wuyi Mountains in the Northern Fujian region of China, where the plant is successfully grown since ancient times. This variety is also called Cliff Tea, and it comprises the most expensive assortments of oolong infusions. Tea enthusiasts consider that the unique production process behind the Wu Yi tea delivers the leaves with the highest organic value. Some of the most famous types of oolong tea grown in this area include:
- Bai Jiguan (aka White Cockscomb)
- Da Hong Pao (aka Big Red Robe)
- Rougui (aka Cassia)
- Shui Jin Gui (aka Golden Water Turtle)
- Shui Xian (aka Narcissus)
- Tielohuan (aka Iron Arhat)
Anxi
The Southern Fujian region is the second largest producer of oolong tea. The leaves grown here are called Anxi after the county’s name and enjoy a relatively smaller fame than the Wu Yi sort produced in the North. Nevertheless, two of its versions have gained global recognition, and they often end in the cupboards of many Western world families. These two variations of oolong tea are:
- Tie Guan Yin (aka Chinese Oolong or Iron Goddess of Mercy)
- Huangjin Gui (aka Golden Cassia)
Phoenix
The Phoenix tea is a particular assortment of oolong tea because it is not produced by Camellia sinensis, but by a similar tea tree that can imitate other plants. The Dancong Tree is the chameleon of tea plants and boasts the unique natural characteristic of duplicating another tree’s flowers, fruits, and scent. The Phoenix oolong tea is produced from the Dancong trees that grow solely in the Guangdong province of China. Even if the resulting tea petals are not as sharp as the original oolong leaves, the Phoenix tea is considered a delicacy and a highly-prized good. It is almost impossible to find this product outside the Guangdong area or in neighboring Asian countries.
Taiwan Tung Ting
Taiwan produces large amounts of oolong tea after importing a few Wu Yi assortments in the 18th century. However, many tea connoisseurs consider this product to be of a lower quality than the one produced in the Fujian province. In fact, the Chinese refuse to consider it a real sort of oolong tea or to consume the infusions that result from it. Because Taiwan has a relatively different climate than China and the weather conditions vary drastically from season to season, the quality of the oolong tea produced here also varies every year.
The Taiwan oolong tea, also called Tung Ting is consumed mainly by Taiwanese people, who praise its powerful curing effects against common ailments. Some of the most popular variations of oolong tea produced on the island include:
- Dongding (aka High Mountain);
- Dongfan Meiren (aka Oriental Beauty);
- Pouchong;
- Ruan Zhi.
Oolong Tea from other regions
The health benefits of oolong tea are yet unknown to the Western world, but its remedial action is enjoying increasing popularity in other Asian countries. In fact, many tea producers had imported oolong tea variations and managed to adapt them to climate conditions that differ from the ones in the Fujian province. Currently, other countries that successfully produce oolong tea include:
- India, with two modern variations: Darjeeling oolong and Assam oolong;
- Vietnam, with the Vietnamese oolong.
A short history of oolong tea
The first official record of oolong tea dates back to the 7th century AD when China was under the rule of the Tang dynasty. At that time, the leaves came from large plantations of Camellia sinensis located in the Beyun area of the Fujian province. Because of its twisted form that it gets during the oxidation process, and which resembles the body of a mythical dragon, oolong tea was known then as Black Dragon Tea.
The Chinese people discovered the health benefits of oolong tea and steadily elaborated better ways to produce and store it. Eventually, during the 10th century, in the time of the Song dynasty, oolong tea gained the status of tribute tea because of its high quality and its curing action. Tribute teas were then given as royal gifts by the Imperial court, and the emperor ordered the mass production of Camellia sinensis in the Fujian province.
Oolong tea grew to an immense level of popularity during the Middle Ages. The Ming dynasty and the succeeding Qing dynasty held this infusion in great regard and praised its relaxing properties. At that time, oolong tea was called Cliff tea due to its stone-like taste, which differed greatly from the green tea savor or the rich taste of black tea.
During the 18th century, the tea producers from the Wu Yi Mountains and the Anxi area perfected the oxidation process of Camellia sinensis leaves which they still use in present day. They renamed the infusion as oolong, after the original growing place of the plant and they popularized it all across China.
Oolong tea production process
Tea growers in China produce oolong tea following an ancient practice that has been developed over the centuries. While large companies resort to modern methods to increase and stimulate greater quantity of selling product, small manufacturers stick to the traditional recipe of producing this herbal remedy. There are seven essential steps that they follow to obtain a natural product with remarkable health benefits:
Shrinking
Growers harvest the new leaves and buds from a Camellia sinensis shrub, and they spread them over a large cover in direct sunlight. This process forces the petals to release their moisture through evaporation and to turn soft. The period of exposure varies between one and six hours.
Shaking
This step requires the shaking and tossing of the tea leaves to balance the shrinking process. It also prepares the produce for the oxidation stage by mixing the chemical elements contained in the leaves. The natural bitterness of the tea leaves is also eliminated in the process.
Oxidation
This is a crucial step in the production of oolong tea as it marks the beginning of fermentation. The leaves are spread once again in direct sunlight for a variable period that eventually determines the prowess and the flavor of the tea. If the resting period is short, the resulting infusion will have a flowery or fruity savor. On the other hand, if the leaves stay longer in the sun, the beverage will have an earth-stone taste, reminiscent of its traditional name “Cliff tea.”
During oxidation, the tea leaves begin to curl and twist as their color grows even darker. These changes led the first Chinese growers into calling it “Dragon tea,” as it resembles the elongated tail of the legendary creature.
Fixing
This is the step of oolong tea production that prevents it from becoming black tea. The growers stop the fermentation process by removing the leaves from sunlight and steaming them or gently frying them in a pan.
Rolling
In this step, farmers use hot or cold rollers made of wood to grind the leaves. This process brings the produce to its final form and releases the flavor from the petals.
Drying
A second drying process is needed to prevent the tea leaves from developing mold or from attracting bacteria. The produce is laid once again into the sun or on a hot pan. This step terminates the fermentation process completely and gives oolong tea its genuine, unmistakable taste.
Firing
This step is optional for most oolong tea growers. Some of them use charcoal-based smokehouses to give the leaves a smoky scent or to increase its fruity savor.
Can you grow Camellia sinensis at home?
Camellia sinensis is a plant native to South East Asia. Its flowers and leaves are used to produce teas and other beverages rich in antioxidants. Tea was one of the keystones of the British Colonial Empire. A few centuries ago people were struggling to grow this plant anywhere outside the Asian continent. Nowadays, after years of gardening evolution, Camellia sinensis became a plant that you can easily grow at home and even brew your oolong tea.
If you have decided to add Camellia sinensis to your gardening prospects, you should consider the underlying conditions that this shrub needs for full development. To grow oolong tea leaves at home, you will need:
- Space – The tea tree grows to a maximum height of 2m, with extended foliage that reaches a radius distance of 1m.
- Special soil – Camellia sinensis develops better in a well-drained soil with acidic properties. Many growers add river sand to replicate the natural environment where the shrub usually grows.
- Lots of sunlight – The tea shrub needs a lot of natural light to develop in a fast and healthy manner. Pick the sunniest spot in your garden for its plantation.
- Moisture – Maintain a constant state of moisture by watering the plant regularly.
- Routine pruning – Camellia sinensis needs regular pruning to help its foliage grow to a full extent.
- Geographical position – To grow Camellia sinensis in your outside garden you need to live in a tropical or temperate climate zone.
Here is a step-by-step guide to grow a tea shrub in your garden and make oolong tea from it:
- Buy a seedling – Approach a local plant grower and purchase Camellia sinensis seedlings in early autumn.
- Prepare the soil – Mix a good quantity of natural soil with fertilized soil and river sand. Use this mixture as the planting base for the tea shrub.
- Plant the seedling – Dig a 50cm-deep hole. Pour the soil mixture inside, add a generous amount of water (at least 5l) and place the tea seedling into it, with its top branches firmly fixed above the ground.
- Watering and pruning – Camellia sinensis reaches its maturation period three years after planting. During this time, you have to water it constantly and groom its development into a vertical shape.
- Harvesting – The tea shrub is ready for harvesting in spring. During this period you can collect its youngest leaves and buds.
Produce oolong tea
- Spread the leaves on a large towel in a strongly sunlit area. Leave them there for an hour.
- Take the leaves inside and let them stay at room temperature overnight.
- You can notice the oxidation process when the leaves turn slightly red
- Arrange the dried leaves on a tray pre-lined with baking foil and place them in the oven for 15 minutes at 200-250oF.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the leaves cool before storing them in an air-tight container.
- Use a small grinder to obtain smaller leaves. (Optional)
- Prepare oolong tea from homegrown Camellia sinensis by infusing a few leaves in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes.
You do not have to be an avid tea drinker to grow Camellia sinensis in your backyard. Many people plant it solely for its decorative purpose. During autumn, the plant responsible for oolong tea flourishes into a colorful spectacle that is very easy on the eye. Nevertheless, the main advantage of having a tea shrub at home is that you can enjoy a fresh, invigorating brew anytime you like.
How much caffeine is in oolong tea?
There is a growing concern among tea drinkers that this beverage contains a similar amount of caffeine to coffee brews. Some consumers have even put a stop to their 5’o clock tea routine because they fear the impact that this beverage might have on their health. Before jumping to conclusions it is important to consider the scientific facts that we know about tea and caffeine, and how these substances alter our metabolism.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a neurologic stimulant with psychoactive properties. Its main action is to block the internal receptors that respond to drowsiness, lack of energy and apathy. Caffeine is also a performance improver and a catalyst for good mood, which is why it is often included in soft beverages. The coffee bean contains the largest amount of caffeine. Other plants that hold a smaller dose of this chemical compound are tea leaves, cocoa beans, guarana berries, yerba mate and kola nuts.
According to a National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study, there are several advantages and side effects related to the regular consumption of caffeine-based products:
Health benefits of caffeine:
- Induces energy
- Increases productivity
- Decreases the risk of Parkinson’s disease
- Prevents certain types of cancer
Health hazards of caffeine:
- Favors cardiovascular diseases
- Increases the chances of having a stroke
- Insomnia
Is it safe to drink oolong tea?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink oolong tea on a regular basis. Caffeine is present in all types of tea, with the largest dose of it present in black tea and the smallest amount of it in green tea. Being in the middle point between these two variations, oolong tea contains slightly more caffeine than its green sibling and less than the rich black tea. Nevertheless, it is very unlikely that you will suffer any side effects by drinking this beverage every day instead of coffee or other energy drinks.
The average caffeine levels in tea, according to a 2005 publication by The Journal of Food Science:
- Green tea – Between 4mg and 11.25mg per 250ml*
- Oolong tea – Between 16.6mg and 55.4mg per 250ml*
- Black tea – Between 49mg and 150mg per 250ml*
*These figures represent synthesized data from a variety of tea products. The quantity of caffeine is usually specified on the packaging, and we recommend that you always consume caffeine-based beverages that do not inflict on your current health condition or medical history.
The World Health Organization developed a research study on the carcinogenicity of caffeine-based beverages and concluded that humans cannot develop any form of cancer by consuming tea, regardless of its production process. Also, the study shows that the small amount of caffeine comprised in Camellia sinensis beverages protects the consumer against cancer of the colon and rectum. Therefore, drinking oolong tea is a healthy way of ingesting caffeine without experiencing any adverse health consequences.
Benefits of Oolong tea
The researchers at the Harvard University conducted an extensive study on the health benefits of drinking tea on a regular basis. Oolong tea is more than just a refreshing drink. It is a natural source of antioxidants and nutrients that increase your metabolism rate and boost your immune system. This tea assortment delivers a stronger kick than the usual green tea and a milder blow than the regular black tea. There is almost no end to the wide range of wellness advantages provided by oolong tea. Here are the most important ones:
- Weight management
- Reduces cancer risk
- Fights diabetes symptoms
- Averts cardiovascular diseases
- Lowers cholesterol
- Balances blood sugar levels
- Boosts metabolism
- Fortifies the immune system
- Improves digestion
- Relieves stress
- Increases mental agility
- Strengthens hair and skin health
- Ensures teeth and bone solidity
Weight management
Oolong tea is rich in polyphenol, a chemical compound that has a significant role in fighting obesity. Scientists have discovered that your body burns fat at a faster rate than usual in the first three hours after drinking a cup of this beverage. Fat oxidation takes place when certain enzymes in your body prevent the fat cells from accumulating. Therefore, you can lose weight and maintain a fit appearance by drinking oolong tea, provided that you do not add sugar or synthetic sweeteners to it. Combine the habit of consuming this beverage with weekly exercise and a stress-free lifestyle to get the best out of its weight reduction benefits.
Reduces cancer risk
Oolong tea contains an abundance of anti-cancer properties. Again, its power lies within the high dose of polyphenol that it contains. This chemical compound has an additional role in managing and removing free radicals in your body. With less radical compounds altering the cellular configuration of your organs, you have a decreased chance of developing a tumor. A daily cup of oolong tea can maintain your wellness and reduce the risk of severe medical conditions like ovarian cancer, stomach tumors or rectum cancer.
Fights diabetes symptoms
Oolong tea is a recurrent treatment against type-2 diabetes in alternative medicine. Patients who suffer from this medical condition are recommended to include oolong tea in their daily intake of herbal remedies. Oolong tea is a natural stabilizer of insulin and has an increased positive effect if it is combined with hyperglycemic medication. Nevertheless, you should not view this beverage as a magical drink that cures your diabetes, but more like a relief from the usual symptoms inflicted by this ailment. Most diabetics have seen their condition improving after at least 30 days of daily oolong tea consumption.
Averts cardiovascular diseases
Tea is associated with a lower risk of suffering from heart diseases and high blood pressure. In fact, you are less likely to experience a stroke in your life if you consume oolong tea on a regular basis. The rich composition of antioxidants and the energy boosting effect that you get from this beverage maintain a low pressure in your arteries. As a result, your heart is not forced to function at its maximum capacity, but at a rhythm that allows its cells to reproduce at a steady, natural pace.
Lowers cholesterol
The human body uses a particular enzyme to burn fat, called lipase. Few types of polyphenol molecules manage to activate this enzyme correctly, and oolong tea contains a high level of them. By making oolong tea a regular presence of your herbal infusions intake, you can lower bad cholesterol to a simple level. The benefits that follow are a reduced risk of heart disease, weight gain, and high blood pressure.
Balances blood sugar levels
One of the first symptoms of type-2 diabetes is a high standard of sugar in your blood. If a medical exam reveals that there is too much glucose running through your veins, you should consider a diabetes prevention treatment. One of the best ways to stabilize the blood sugar level is to consume herbal drinks rich in antioxidants, like oolong tea. Constant consumption of this beverage helps the body metabolize glucose faster and without any side effects.
Boosts metabolism
Multiple benefits result from having a high-running metabolism. First of all, you have a lower chance of gaining extra weight. Secondly, your energy levels are high enough to help you be productive and upbeat every day. Last, but not least, you are less likely to develop serious illnesses like arterial disease or mental ailments. Oolong tea is like natural fuel for people who are struggling with apathy, weight problems, and memory loss.
Fortifies the immune system
Individuals who are sensitive to common illnesses and suffer from a different medical condition every month have a weak immune system. The cause of this problem is the cellular damage that can only be repaired with a consistent intake of anti-oxidant flavonoids. Oolong tea contains a significant amount of these healthy molecules that strengthen the immune system and cure it back to full health. Regular consumption of oolong tea prevents minor ailments like common colds, headaches, and seasonal disorders.
Improves digestion
Oolong tea is ideal for people struggling with stomach aches, acid reflux, intestinal problems, and ulcers. The high quantity of soluble compounds contained in this herbal infusion strengthens the stomach tissue and clears any digestive residue in the intestines. Oolong tea also reduces the inflammation produced by the stomach acid that overflows the esophagus. People who are sensitive to caffeine should drink smaller amounts than usual to avoid diarrhea.
Relieves stress
Stress and mental pressure are commonly associated with blocked neural receptors in your brain. This condition can severely affect your productivity and your mental health. Daily consumption of oolong tea relieves the pressure on your brain receptors through essential amino acids like L-theanine. A single cup of oolong tea increases cognitive activity in the brain and reduces the stress level.
Increases mental agility
Oolong tea combines a high amount of antioxidants with a moderate quantity of caffeine to deliver a revitalizing effect. This green drink is ideal for people who want to improve their productivity and increase their focus. If you want to raise your energy level, but you do not want to consume coffee or black tea, you can drink a cup of oolong tea and benefit from its invigorating effect without the rush that one usually gets from the other two beverages.
Strengthens hair and skin health
A healthy body is sustained by a vast and constant intake of antioxidants. These minerals prevent the deterioration of your cells, including the ones that are responsible for hair growth and healthy skin. Oolong tea uses antioxidants to improve the strength of your hair follicles and to restore your mane to thickness and luster. Doctors also recommend this herbal infusion for people who suffer from dermatitis, skin rashes or decaying epidermis. A daily cup of oolong tea helps your skin cells reproduce at a faster rate and keeps your skin shiny and robust.
Ensures teeth and bone solidity
The primary cause for tooth decay is the growth of bacteria in your mouth. You can maintain this phenomenon under control by improving your oral hygiene with oolong tea. This herbal beverage destroys the acidic microorganisms that settle on your gums and teeth and prevents the plaque from building up. S
Oolong tea is a proven pain relief for people who suffer from osteoporosis. This bone disease affects the joints and skeleton of most middle-aged and old people. Due to the magnesium and calcium contained in Camellia sinensis leaves, oolong tea can stop the deterioration of your bones and relieve the pain that comes with it.
How to prepare Oolong tea
For people who drink green tea on a regular basis, making oolong tea comes easy and natural. The process is similar to both drinks, and you can quickly fix a cup of this refreshing drink in just a few minutes. However, if you are just introducing tea to your daily nutritional habits, you should consider these indications:
- Drink oolong tea moderately due to the fair amount of caffeine that it contains.
- Stick to maximum 2 cups of oolong tea per day to maximize its strong effect.
- Avoid oolong tea if you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
- Consult a doctor before adding new types of herbal infusions to your diet.
Prepare oolong tea in 3 simple steps
Oolong tea is very easy to make, whether you buy it as loose leaves or stored in teabags. Here’s how to do it:
- Put a teabag of oolong tea or a teaspoon of leaves in a cup.
- Boil 200-250ml of water and pour it over the tea.
- Cover the cup and let it rest for 2-7 minutes. The longer you let it rest, the stronger the flavor and the energizing effect will be.
Oolong tea recipes
There are multiple ways of manipulating the basic recipe of oolong tea to obtain a beverage that suits your personal taste. The rule of thumb is to refrain from adding sugar or any sweeteners to it, as it will destroy its curing benefits and it will raise the level of glucose in your blood. Here are two alternative ways of preparing and drinking oolong tea:
Hot oolong tea with cinnamon and cloves
A cup of hot oolong tea is a soothing relief during the cold days of winter. If you add a bit of cinnamon and cloves to it, you obtain the ideal beverage for the Christmas holidays.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 250ml of water
- One teabag / one teaspoon of oolong tea
- One stick of cinnamon
- 1-2 cloves
Instructions
- Boil the water in a small pot over medium heat.
- Put the teabag or the leaves in a cup and pour the water over them.
- Add a stick of cinnamon and 1 or 2 cloves to the cup before covering it for a few minutes
- Remove the cover and extract the cloves. You can leave the cinnamon stick for an increased flavor.
- Serve warm.
Chilled oolong tea with lemon and mint
Some people believe that serving oolong tea at any other temperature than steaming hot is an insult to the traditional tea culture. Others stick to their nonconformist nature and experiment with this healthy beverage to obtain other tea recipes. One of these recipes contains ice, lemon, and fresh mint to become a refreshing, cold drink for the hot summer days.
Ingredients (4 servings)
- • 1l of water
- • Four tea bags / four teaspoons of oolong tea leaves
- • Two tablespoons of lemon juice
- • One lemon, sliced
- • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- • 2-4 ice cubes
Instructions
- Boil the water in a pot over medium heat
- Put the teabags or the oolong leaves in a large recipient and pour the boiled water over them.
- Cover and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Remove the cover and put it aside until it reaches room temperature.
- Place the lemon slices, the ice cubes and the lemon juice in a large carafe.
- Strain the tea and pour it into the carafe.
- Add the mint leaves and stir thoroughly.
- Serve right away!
What is the best Oolong tea?
Tea purists believe that green drinks should only use organic leaves from a well-established source. They believe that using teabags is just a waste of water and the only benefit you get by drinking it is a placebo effect. However, when it comes to oolong tea, the health advantages are present in both forms that you can find on the market. More than that, because of its oxidation process, oolong tea maintains its antioxidant properties even during long periods of storage.
Doctors recommend that you drink herbal infusions on a regular basis if they do not inflict with your current medical condition. Oolong tea is one of the most beneficial natural beverages that you can consume and the presentation form in which you buy it counts very little. Nevertheless, it is a good rule of thumb to refrain from buying by-products that only resemble oolong tea and which have a tiny nutritional value.
In the end, if you meet all the conditions of growing Camellia sinensis at home, you can produce oolong tea without worrying too much about its lack of healthy benefits. It might take a few years before you master the skill of growing and harvesting a tea shrub, but you will see your efforts paying off when you can proudly brew a cup of 100% homemade oolong tea.
How Oolong tea helps you lose weight
Oolong tea has long been the subject of several medical studies that analyzed its health benefits against heart diseases, obesity, and cancer. Clinical research has determined that this herb can prevent weight gain and encourage the fat burning process if it consumed on a regular basis. These weight management processes are possible due to the high level of polyphenols and antioxidants contained in oolong tea.
In fact, a study conducted in 2001 by a team of international scientists has revealed that regular consumption of oolong tea increases the metabolic rate and fat oxidation in adults. The research concluded that energy expenditure was positively influenced by this herbal beverage and that the subjects stopped gaining weight during the study. More than that, their bodies started burning the store fat at a faster rate than usual, a process which scientists believe that it can lead to healthily sustainable weight loss in the long term.
Oolong tea stops the fat cells from multiplying, and it forces your body to release the stored fat as energy for your muscles. The result is a high-running metabolism that allows you to lose weight faster and to maintain your fitness.
However, you will need more than just two cups of oolong tea per day to prevent obesity. This herbal infusion only works as a weight loss treatment if you make it part of a nutritious, fat-free diet and a healthy lifestyle. You need to establish a synergist relationship between oolong tea and other factors to increase your chances of obtaining a slim figure.
Here are a few things that you can add to your daily routine to increase the weight loss effect of oolong tea:
Proper nutrition
Healthy food should be a fundamental part of your lifestyle even if you do not drink herbal infusions on a regular basis. However, to maximize the wellness benefits provided by oolong tea, you should seriously consider your eating habits. Include more fresh vegetables and organic fruit into your diet. Combine full grains with low-fat dairy or dairy substitutes, and decrease the amount of red meat you consume.
A sure way to lose weight while drinking oolong tea on a daily basis is to reduce or eliminate sugar, saturated fat and highly processed food from your diet. From organic produce and naturally-sourced foods, you obtain the necessary nutrients that create a reliable weight loss process in combination with the polyphenols from oolong tea.
Constant hydration
Sweetened beverages and alcohol are two of the main factors that lead to weight gain and obesity. By replacing them with a low-caloric beverage like water or oolong tea, you prevent the increase of glucose in your blood. This process maintains a healthy metabolism and reduces the risk of accumulating excess fat cells.
Regular exercise
Most of the people who want to lose weight fear a scenario of exhausting and painful workouts. The truth is that you do not need to sweat your heart out every day to get rid of some extra pounds. All you need is at most three days per week of moderate exercise that keeps your metabolism at a constant high-running rate. Combine long walks, jogging or team sports with daily cups of oolong tea and you will lose weight in a healthy and steady way.
A stable resting routine
Proper rest is essential for a weight loss program. Try to implement a sleeping routine in your lifestyle, like going to sleep and waking up at the same hours. Spend between 6-8 hours per night on a regular basis to allow your muscles and your mind a proper rest. These factors enable a better digestion and a constant fat burning process. If you add oolong tea to this healthy habit, you provide your body with a powerful source of antioxidants and polyphenols that prevent it from storing more fat.
Reduce vices
Oolong tea can easily replace coffee in your diet. This dietary change provides an energy boost without the side effects produced by the unusual amount of caffeine that a cup of java usually contains. However, this energy is wasted if your life is marred by vices like alcohol consumption or tobacco smoking, which slow your metabolism and prevent it from sustaining a healthy weight loss process. Try to reduce these vices, or eliminate them entirely from your daily routine. Seek medical or professional advice to ensure the success of this life-changing endeavor.
Side effects and contraindications
Oolong tea has a significant number of health benefits if it is a regular part of a balanced diet and a productive lifestyle. However, just like most of the herbal infusions, this beverage might produce undesired side effects for some consumers. Depending on your current medical condition or sensitivity to certain chemical compounds you could experience one or more negative consequences. Here are a few factors that you need to take into consideration before consuming oolong tea:
Oolong tea and pregnancy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly recommend that women should refrain from drinking beverages that contain caffeine during their pregnancy or throughout the breastfeeding stage. As oolong tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, you should consult your doctor before drinking it if you are in one of the two above mentioned conditions.
Oolong tea and consumer age
Beverages based on Camellia sinensis have a powerful energizing effect and are mainly efficient for adult consumers. Children can occasionally consume green tea, but black tea should never be a part of their diet. It is relatively safe for children and seniors to drink oolong tea 2-3 times per week. If you want to give oolong tea to your child, prepare the infusion with a double quantity of water than you usually make for you. Nevertheless, you should consult with your child’s pediatrician or your doctor before introducing oolong tea to their diet.
Caffeine sensitivity and oolong tea
The amount of caffeine that oolong tea contains is harmless for the regular consumer. However, if you have any sensitivity to this substance, you should avoid drinking oolong tea. People who develop allergic reactions to caffeine, and drink this herbal infusion experience symptoms like diarrhea, dizziness and sleep deprivation. Nevertheless, caffeine sensitivity is sometimes confused with other medical conditions. Doctors usually recommend undergoing extensive medical exams before obtaining a definite diagnose regarding this condition.
Interactions between oolong tea and other drugs
There are no specific studies that correlate oolong tea consumption and its interaction with other drugs to major health concerns. However, doctors recommend that you reduce the number of herbal infusions or eliminate them altogether during a medical treatment that includes one of these drugs:
- Adenosine
- Aspirin
- Chemotherapy
- Clozapine
- Benzodiazepine
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Ephedrine
- Lithium
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
- Iron deficiency
Some physicians believe that there is a relevant connection between iron deficiency and oolong tea. They think that people who drink this herbal infusion create a chemical imbalance that prevents their body from assimilating iron molecules from any food. Furthermore, they place the consumption of oolong tea as a cause for anemia and other medical conditions associated with the lack of iron and vitamin B6. At this moment, no official study supports this theory, and there is no conclusion whether people who struggle with a lack of iron compounds in their bloodstream should refrain from drinking oolong tea.
Where to buy Oolong tea?
When you purchase oolong tea, you should consider its origin, the amount of caffeine it contains and the impact it has on your current medical condition. Always look to buy real oolong tea and not substitute plants that are usually available at a much smaller price. You can find oolong tea in several places that include:
- Tea shops
- Traditional Chinese pharmacies
- Alternative medicine drug stores
- Supermarkets
- Farmer’s markets
- Online shops
The best way to determine the differences between real oolong tea and fake spin-off products is to ask the tea producer/seller about the origins and the production process behind the product. Here are a few selected brands that you can trust when you decide to purchase good oolong tea, as reviewed by Amazon users:
- Prince of Peace Organic Tea, Oolong, 100 Tea Bags – $7.10
- Bigelow Chinese Oolong Tea, 20-Count Boxes (Pack of 6) – $16.13
- Twining’s China Oolong Tea, Tea Bags, 20 Count – $6.20
- Foojoy China Classic Min-nan Oolong Tea, 2g X 100 Teabags – $9.90
- The Tao of Tea, Black Dragon Oolong Tea, Loose Leaf, 3.5 Ounce Tin – $8.08
- Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea – Iron Goddess of Mercy – Net Wt. 5.3oz – $8.29
- Maharaja Chai Oolong Tea by Teavana – $12.62
- Revolution Tea Dragon Eye Oolong Tea, 30 Count – $15.87
- High Mountain Oolong Tea, Ali Shan Taiwan, Loose Leaf for Infusers – $20.89
- Davidson’s Tea Bulk, Organic Mountain Copper Oolong, 16-Ounce Bag – $24.11
These brands represent the top preferences of Amazon users and only have an informational value. Their prices have an oscillatory characteristic and in conformity with the date at which this article was written. Please consult several retailers before purchasing an oolong tea brand of your choice.
Final thoughts
Oolong tea was once the only resemblance between a poor Chinese farmer and a member of the Imperial family. Nowadays, it connects people worldwide in the fight for a healthier and happier world. After transcending centuries of evolution and increasing appreciation, this herbal beverage has become a natural solution for a significant number of medical conditions that we used to treat with chemical drugs. Today, many people embrace the health benefits provided by oolong tea, and its rising popularity is a clear sign of how natural medicine is slowly regaining its traditional relevance.
High-quality herbs have become a staple of our current society, and you do not have to travel all the way to China to buy the best oolong tea. Instead, you can purchase the leaves at your local market, or even online. One of the primary goals of modern people is to live a healthy lifestyle. To reach this objective one must sustain a high-running metabolism, a fit body, and an energized mind. Thankfully, these aspects are all benefits of drinking oolong tea. You can find a complete life-changer that will help you lose weight and improve your overall health in a small, simple cup of herbal infusion.
