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Oolong tea, a traditional Chinese tea dating back almost 400 years, is slowly gaining traction in the health and wellness world owing to its wonderful health benefits. Like all tea, it is also derived from the camellia sinensis plant.
Oolong tea is partially oxidized and can be said to lie in the middle between fully oxidized black tea and unoxidized green tea in terms of richness in flavor, color, and overall appearance. It is this process of partial oxidation that lends oolong its unique health benefits and bold taste.
So if you are curious about adopting oolong tea as part of your daily routine, you are in the right place! We have rounded up the top reasons why oolong tea should be part of your routine healthy nutrition.
Good For Your Digestive System
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Oolong tea is fantastic for promoting a healthy digestive system. It does this by helping to promote healthy gut bacteria that help to prevent common metabolic disorders and bowel problems. Oolong tea also reduces inflammation by alkalizing the digestive system, which makes it immensely helpful for people who regularly suffer from acid reflux or ulcers.
So if you want to consider flushing your body of toxins and unhealthy bacteria, consuming oolong tea may be excellent for regulating the gut microbiome and increasing overall body immunity.
Great For Weight Loss
Oolong tea helps reduce weight by boosting the body’s metabolism and decreasing the absorption rate of fats in the body. Basically, compounds such as polyphenols in oolong tea allow more calories and fat to be burned up, which helps in weight loss. Some studies also claim that regular consumption of oolong tea may be effective in preventing obesity in the long run.
So if you are on a journey that involves watching your weight and are in search of organic ways to complement your diet, oolong tea is the ideal choice for you.
Reduces The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
The prevalence of diabetes has been rising at a rapid rate around the world, and health professionals urge people to alter their diet in order to prevent or reduce its consequences. This is where oolong tea comes in.
Consuming oolong tea has been associated with a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes as the polyphenol antioxidant helps to regulate and normalize blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. So if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, sipping on a cup of oolong tea may be worth your while.
Promotes Healthy Skin And Hair
Drinking oolong tea has plenty of awesome benefits for your skin and hair since it contains antioxidants. It is particularly beneficial for people suffering from eczema, which is a skin condition characterized by itchy and inflamed skin. Generally, the antioxidants help to fight off acne, blemishes, and signs of aging including wrinkles and fine lines, thereby allowing the skin to look more radiant and youthful.
There is also some evidence that oolong tea helps prevent hair fall as well as dandruff and itchy scalp to promote healthy hair.
Helps To Keep Your Blood Pressure In Check
Currently, with an estimated 1.13 billion people suffering from hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, there is an urgent need for natural ways to help keep it under control. In this regard, oolong tea is a lifesaver.
Scientific studies have proven that consuming oolong tea has allowed people to keep their blood pressure in check. While the caffeine in oolong can sometimes raise blood pressure, this is not the case if you are a regular caffeine consumer. The trick is to regulate your intake and find that sweet spot so that you reap the maximum benefits with the least side effects.
Maintains Heart Health
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Regularly drinking oolong tea is beneficial for maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as reducing the risk of heart disease. In fact, there is a wealth of research that has found oolong tea to lower the risk of cardiovascular inflammation, stroke, and heart attack. This is linked to oolong tea’s ability to activate an enzyme in the body that is responsible for breaking down a type of fat, called triglyceride, which is associated with causing heart problems.
Improves Bone And Dental Health
Oolong is highly sought after for its ability to promote bone and dental health. Firstly, it helps to increase bone mineral density, which is important to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis or fractures. Secondly, it also aids in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing dental plaque and decay as it is a great source of fluoride.
So if you feel you need to supplement your existing diet with something that helps to strengthen your bones and teeth, oolong tea is your best bet.
Aids In Brain Function and Brain Health
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Drinking oolong tea can be amazing for preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s due to its ability to fight off free radicals. What’s more is that oolong helps to prevent the overall decline in brain function, which means that regular drinkers benefit from improved cognitive abilities.
Therefore, to reduce the risk of cognitive decay, we highly recommend incorporating oolong tea as part of your daily diet.
A Great Way To Relax
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Oolong tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that is known to have a relaxing effect on the body. This helps to improve the quality of sleep and prevent symptoms of stress and anxiety as well. Therefore, regular and moderated consumption of oolong tea can induce better sleep and help you deal with high-stress situations.
Additionally, oolong is also known to enhance productivity by increasing alertness and attention span. This means that you can swap your afternoon coffee for a much healthier alternative and achieve similar results.
Parting Thoughts
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With such a wide range of benefits, you probably can’t wait to get your hands on some oolong tea. If that is the case, we are here to give you some top tips to brew the perfect cup.
Generally, your brew time will vary according to the type of oolong tea. As a rule of thumb, brew less oxidized oolong at a lower temperature of 180°F to 190°F, and heavily oxidized oolong at 210°F. This will help preserve both the flavor and the antioxidants in the tea.
Start by boiling some water till it reaches the optimal temperature and add a teaspoon of loose tea leaves for every cup you make. Let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes and discard the leaves using a sieve. If you wish to make it sweet, consider adding raw honey as a sweetener as opposed to sugar. Finally, relax and enjoy a cup full of amazing benefits for your mental and physical health.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.