Oolong tea is a fragrant type of tea with a fruity flavor and a pleasant aroma. Although it contains caffeine, it still has a relaxing effect on the body. Oolong tea has a lot of health benefits because it contains a combination of green and black tea. This tea originated in China almost 400 years ago. It's a fermented tea that's "semi-green." As soon as the leaves of the tea start to change their color, the fermentation process stops. This is why it's considered as semi-green because the leaves are only partially oxidized.
Supports Brain Health
Consuming this tea can have a good effect on cognitive functions. It contains L-theanine and caffeine; these components are well-known for their impact on the functions of the brain. These nutrients can help improve levels of attention, processing of visual information, calmness, and alertness too. The polyphenols found in the tea helps maintain and improve the functions of the hippocampus which is in charge of memory and learning.
Helps Prevent Heart Disease
When looking at a larger scale, regularly consuming Oolong tea helps to lower the risk of death from heart-related diseases. In particular, people who suffer from coronary heart diseases can benefit a lot from this tea. Studies have shown that patients who drink the tea won't experience narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Oolong tea can also help reduce the risk of developing dyslipidemia. The tea can prevent the initial increase in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides or both. If these levels aren't regulated, it could lead to the development of dyslipidemia. Also, the tea can prevent the death of cells in the tissues of the heart which makes it a heart-friendly drink!
Prevents Bone Loss and Inflammation
Oolong tea contains a lot of antioxidants which are essential to the body. The antioxidants in the tea target specific genes which cause inflammation and signals them to reduce the swelling. As people age, they will start to experience bone loss. If left unchecked and untreated, this could lead to conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis. Drinking Oolong tea regularly can help prevent bone loss and maintain the bone density.
Promotes Weight Loss
Oolong tea also promotes weight loss which is why it's prevalent. Drinking the beverage will help the body generate more heat through a process known as thermogenesis. This, in turn, would help increase the rate of metabolism. Also, regularly consuming Oolong tea can hinder new fat cell production. This will help the body burn fats at a faster rate. The weight-loss effect of Oolong tea isn't just in the short-term. The long-term impact is that it can help protect the body from obesity.
Reduces the Risk of Developing Eczema
Oolong tea can be very beneficial to the skin, particularly in the prevention of eczema. But there are certain medications which can help decrease its appearance on the skin. When it comes to eczema, a person's diet plays a huge role in its occurrence. According to studies, drinking the tea on a regular basis can help reduce the condition or prevent it from developing. Oolong tea eliminates eczema from its roots.
Reduces the Risk of Developing Cancer
Remember that Oolong tea is rich in antioxidants. Because of this, drinking this tea has a significant effect in reducing the risk of developing certain cancers such as pancreatic and ovarian cancers. Oolong tea also has a preventive effect on melanoma growth. The anti-cancer benefits of Oolong tea have their support from studies and research. Because of this, the National Cancer Institute is even sharing the information to patients. They claim that the tea has some excellent cancer-fighting properties.
Aids in Stress Management
Research shows that those who drink Oolong tea have lower stress levels than as compared to others. This is mainly because of the polyphenols which the beverage contains. Apparently, these components are very useful stress-busters. Also, Oolong tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid which blocks the L-glutamic acid in the brain's glutamate receptors. Usually, this would cause stimulation in the neurons. This leads to increased neural stress responses and cognitive activity too. Because of this, you will be able to have a calmer mind even in stressful situations.
Helps in Prevention of Diabetes
The tea can also help in the prevention of diabetes, particularly, type 2 diabetes. This is a metabolic condition caused by insulin resistance and high levels of blood sugar. Consuming Oolong tea daily can help reverse the condition or prevent it from occurring naturally. The tea can also become part of the development of diabetes medication in the future.
Promotes Dental Health
This healthy tea can also promote dental health. This is because the tea leaves contain fluoride. This is a component that's typically added to mouthwash, toothpaste, and drinking water to prevent cavities. So this means that drinking Oolong tea can also help prevent the formation of cavities. It helps to keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Rich in Anti-Oxidants
Just like other varieties of tea, Oolong is rich in antioxidants. This is why it's incredibly beneficial to health. Specifically, Oolong tea contains a lot of bioflavonoids. This is a type of antioxidant which you can also find in vegetables and fruits. The bioflavonoids fight allergies, inflammation, heart diseases, and the aging process. They can also help enhance a person's physical endurance.
Disclaimer
This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.