Why Oolong Tea Should Be Your Newest Favorite Tea
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We know that green tea helps in losing weight. But not many are aware of the better weight loss benefits of oolong tea. This tea is popular for its weight loss properties and many other benefits in the countries of its origins, that is China and Taiwan. Here is all about the Chinese and Taiwanese oolong tea you wanted to know. ~ Ed.
Among the hundreds of tea-varieties available in the market, green tea is one of the most popular due to its ability to boost your metabolism.
However, this is not the only tea that can help you lose weight. Unknown to many, there is another type of tea that is more effective than green tea when it comes to burning fats. It is called Oolong tea. In fact, in China, this tea is considered a weight-loss elixir.
What is Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a traditional, partially oxidized, and semi-fermented Chinese tea that is made of Camellia Sinensis plant–the same plant that is used for black and green teas.
The leaves, buds, and stems of this plant are dried up under the strong heat of the sun. This drying process is important to create a unique taste that is different from green and black teas. In fact, because of this drying process and production, oolong tea flavors can range from sweet and fruity to grassy and roasty.
Different Types of Oolong Tea
In general, there are two types of oolong tea in the world: Chinese Oolong Tea and Taiwanese Oolong Tea. Let’s get to know each of the varieties.
Chinese Oolong Tea
Wuyi Da Hong Pao Tea (Big Red Robe)
Wuyi Da Hong Pao Tea (Big Red Robe) is a member of Si Da Ming Cong bushes and was first harvested on Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province, China.
Iron Goddess of Mercy (Ti Kuan Yin or Tie Guan Yin)
Ti Kuan Yin is also one of the most famous among varieties of Chinese tea. The plant used for tea-making is cultivated in the high mountainous region of the southern Fujian province and is specifically harvested in the Anxi region.
Phoenix Tea (Dan Chong or Dan Cong)
Phoenix Tea is among the bestseller teas in China. It is produced in the Guangdong Province of China.
Taiwanese Oolong Tea
Milk Oolong Tea (Jin Xuan Tea)
Milk oolong tea is grown in the Fujian Province of mainland China and it is highly cultivated at the higher places in Thailand.
High Mountain Oolong Tea (Gaosham)
This type of oolong tea is grown at the highest mountains in Taiwan and is usually a seasonal tea because it tends to grow slowly as compared to others.
Si Ju Chun (Four Seasons)
This variety originates from the Nantou area of Taiwan. Its plant is among the high-grown.
Ali Shan
Ali Shan is also a fast-growing plant in Taiwan. It has a similar taste to Si Ju Chun.
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5 Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
Known for being the most celebrated beverage in China, oolong tea is also packed with several health benefits as supported by a number of scientific journals. The benefits of consuming it daily are elaborated as follows:
Boosts Metabolism
Oolong tea is a natural metabolism booster that can help you lose weight. Compared to green tea, this tea has a larger amount of polyphenols – a micro-nutrient and reducing agent that blocks enzymes from building fat. This means that it can help you burn fats faster than when you drink green tea.
Tip: Drink oolong tea 5 minutes after you eat to help you digest.
Improves Mental Alertness
Another benefit of oolong tea is its ability to improve your mental alertness and brain performance. This is mainly because it contains caffeine that stimulates the brain and central nervous system. A cup of tea can help you stay awake throughout the day and prevent the onset of tiredness.
Tip: Drink oolong tea in the afternoon to prevent you from feeling sleepy.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level
Several studies have shown that consuming oolong tea on a daily basis can inhibit glucose absorption within our body. The antioxidants in oolong have the ability to decrease and metabolize sugar, thus it can help you to achieve a healthy blood glucose level.
Tip: Put honey instead of sugar to sweeten your tea.
Promotes Healthy Hair and Skin
Regular intake of oolong tea promotes healthy hair and youthful skin. It can help you achieve thicker, shinier, silkier hair. Also, it can help you reduce spots and blemishes. Generally, because it contains a high level of antioxidants that can prevent hair loss and fight free radicals.
Tip: Make use of tea to rinse off your hair.
Lower cholesterol level
Did you know that every 100 grams of dried oxidized oolong have at least 150mg of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)? GABA is a non-protein amino acid that is used for stabilizing blood pressure. And because this tea is also a metabolism booster, it prevents fats from building up that may affect your heart. That is why oolong tea is good for reducing cholesterol levels and for promoting a healthy heart.
Tip: Drink oolong tea after every meal.
Where to Get the Best Quality of Oolong Tea
It is said that the supreme quality of oolong tea leaves originated from the mountainous regions of Fujian, China. It is mainly because this place has ideal weather for Camellia Sinensis plants to grow and to produce the best leaves and buds necessary for tea-making. Thus, China is famous for having the best oolong tea.
However, you do not need to visit China just to be able to get the best quality. You can purchase online and it will deliver to you even wherever you are. Just make sure that the product you want to purchase is authentic.
The Best Way to Consume Oolong Tea
Due to its high caffeine content, it’s important to consume oolong tea in moderation. The recommended amount is two-to-three cups of tea per day; one cup in the morning (preferably during meal/snack) and another one in the afternoon so your sleep schedule won’t be affected.
For the best serving recommendation, pour six ounces of hot water over one teabag (or ¾ teaspoon of loose tea-leaves). Let it infuse for two minutes before serving. This process will allow the leaves to uncurl and release their antioxidants content along with their brownish hue and pleasant flavor.
Takeaway
Whether it is a Chinese or Taiwanese oolong tea, once you taste it you will get addicted to its unique flavor.
Despite not being known worldwide, Oolong tea is still the best tea you can enjoy while you are reading a book or watching the sunset. It has benefits that can help you improve your diet and stay healthy. However, it is important to take it in moderation to avoid side effects.
Over to you
Have you tried oolong tea? What is your favorite type of oolong tea? Share it with us and let’s discuss your thoughts and experience with your favorite tea and oolong tea in the comment section below.
Disclaimer: Though the views expressed are of the author’s own, this article has been checked for its authenticity of information and resource links provided for a better and deeper understanding of the subject matter. However, you're suggested to make your diligent research and consult subject experts to decide what is best for you. If you spot any factual errors, spelling, or grammatical mistakes in the article, please report at [email protected]. Thanks.
I visited Taiwan R.O.C. in 1992. I had the opportunity to participate in a simple tea tasting, testing different Formosa Oolong tea varieties.
All the Best,
Martin