Know The Health Benefits of Drinking Oolong Tea

With today’s busy lifestyle and hectic schedule many individuals these days are putting on a lot of weight owing to their sedentary lifestyle. Sadly this sedentary lifestyle has taken a negative toll on the health of the people.

Interestingly according to many research studies, a tea which has its origins in China has certain amazing properties of increasing the metabolism of a person by at least 20% if consumed at least twice daily. Oolong Tea contains certain antioxidants called as polyphenols which activate the enzyme lipase which enhances fat breakdown thus aiding weight loss in individuals with a higher waist circumference and a higher basal metabolic rate. It is a partially oxidized tea and available in colors intermediate between green and black tea.

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Some benefits of Oolong Tea highlighted below

Weight Loss

Oolong Tea is an intermediate between green tea and black tea which means that it contains properties of both green tea and black tea aiding metabolism through the catechins present in the tea as well as relieving stress. A research conducted by “The Department Of Applied Nutrition” in the year 2003 by T Komatsu et al, to study the effect of energy expenditure after the consumption of Green tea versus Oolong tea, observed that after consuming green tea, the energy expenditure rate increased by 4 percent after 120 minutes whereas, the energy expenditure increased by 10 percent after 120 minutes after consumption of Oolong Tea. This means that Oolong tea increases the metabolic rate even faster than green tea owing to the caffeine content present in the Oolong tea.

Skin Health

Many individuals, especially females worldwide, have a very common complaint about skin problems like acne, pimples and stretch marks. Quite surprisingly, Oolong tea is a magical tea which cures such skin issues. It is also known to treat eczema. According to various research studies, Oolong tea is known to prevent cancer, especially skin cancer owing to the flavonoids present in Oolong tea which helps to destroy the free radical scavenging in our body thus preventing cancer. The thioflavine like compounds act as a magical compound to treat skin related problems.

Prevents And Cures Type 2 Diabetes

Yes. Oolong Tea can prevent and cure type 2 diabetes in obese individuals due to the compound called as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present in Oolong tea which can increase glucose uptake inside cells and thus prevent hyperglycemia, that is, the increase of blood glucose levels. It therefore, helps to improve the insulin sensitivity. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oolong tea aids in lipid metabolism along with a daily recommended amount of physical activity thus stimulating the lipase activity which breaks down fat cells and thus improving type 2 diabetes symptoms by improving the blood sugar levels.

Prevents Tooth Decay

According to the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention (2013), Oolong tea helps to prevent tooth decay and prevent dental caries. The catechins like EGCG present in Oolong tea possess antibacterial effects thus preventing tooth decay and maintaining oral hygiene. Therefore, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with Oolong leaves and 100ml of water for antibacterial effects as these Oolong tea leaves are known to reduce the acid production in the mouth by Streptococcus mutans.

Improves The Symptoms of Bipolar Disease And Alzheimer’s Disease

Many people suffering from bipolar disease have a chronic depression phase which may involve sleeplessness, hallucinations and manic phase where it is very difficult to control the person without putting the person on severe medication. According to many research studies, Oolong tea helps to relieve the symptoms of bipolar diseases by reducing the severity of its symptoms and the time period of the symptoms occurring as it contains a compound called as L-theanine which helps to stabilize the mood of the person affected by bipolar disease. Oolong tea not only helps to cure symptoms of bipolar disease but also helps to increase memory power, concentration and alertness in patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps to improve sharpness levels in an individual.

Improves Heart Health

According to many studies, Oolong tea is known to promote healthy heart health by reducing the cholesterol level and maintaining it within the normal range. Thus it helps to eradicate heart-related issues like arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. So, always give a heart patient Oolong tea to reduce the bad fat levels, that is very, low-density lipoproteins and to increase the good fat levels, that is, high-density lipoprotein in the blood. Another way to improve your good fat levels is to consume Omega three rich fatty acids like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, fish and consumption of good quality oil like rice bran oil, canola oil or olive pomace oil. Avoid trans-fat and processed foods high in sodium and saturated fat which is not good for the heart.

Prevents Osteoporosis And Maintain Bone Health

Oolong tea is an essential source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. All these nutrients are specifically known to promote healthy bone health. Oolong tea contains essential compounds called as flavonoids which regulate the osteoblast and osteocyte activity of the bone, that is, bone formation and bone reabsorption activity from the bones when less calcium is available in the blood.

Side-Effects of Oolong Tea

Always remember that too much of anything will definitely land you in trouble.

The ideal consumption of Oolong tea can be up to 300ml/day or even 3 small cups a day too would be fine. However, an excess consumption of Oolong tea would lead to inhibition of iron absorption in our body thus leading to anemia.

It could also lead to symptoms like severe headache due to high caffeine content consumption from the oolong tea due to overconsumption. Other symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, confusions, heartburn, tremor and heartbeat fluctuation.

Therefore, moderation is the key. Do not overdo something. Always remember that it could have side effects too.