Oolong Tea Benefits

The origin and history of tea is inseparably linked to China and its neighboring countries, as various types of teas have been developed and enjoyed by the people of this region, throughout the centuries. Now, tea is a favorite beverage across the world and people are familiar with the different types of teas, like oolong tea, black tea, green tea and white tea. All these types of teas differ in flavor and other properties, owing to the variations in the manufacturing process. Even though, black tea is used widely, green tea and oolong tea are also gaining popularity for their health benefits, apart from the unique flavor and taste, they offer. Like other types of tea, oolong tea is also the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, but processed in a different way, as compared to other types of tea. Oolong tea, which is also referred to as Wu Long tea, is believed to have its origin in the Fukien province of China, 400 years ago. There are many varieties of oolong tea and as per the Chinese culture, all these types are collectively known as qingcha, which means 'clear tea'. Oolong tea is considered to be the most fragrant among the various types of teas, and its taste is more similar to green tea than black tea. It can be said that oolong tea tastes somewhere between green tea and black tea, but lacks the grassy notes of green tea and the sweet aroma of black tea. Oolong tea has a brownish color and a floral or fruity taste with some bitterness, but leaves a sweet and melony aftertaste. Oolong tea manufactured in the Fukien province of China and some parts of Taiwan is very popular and the most sought after among the Chinese teas. Let's to take a look at the oolong tea benefits.

Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

The health benefits of oolong tea is almost similar to green tea benefits, as the former is also a rich source of polyphenols. These polyphenols fight the triglycerides and free radicals in the body, which are responsible for many diseases, like cancer. The polyphenols in tea leaves are destroyed by the process of oxidation and this is the reason for the high levels of polyphenols in green tea and oolong tea, when compared to that of black tea, which undergoes 100 percent oxidation. Even though, oolong tea has slightly less amount of polyphenols than green tea, the former is also found to be having various health benefits. The following is a list of oolong tea health benefits.

• One of the most important oolong tea benefits is that it is beneficial in reducing the blood cholesterol.
• It can prevent heart disease and is also found to be effective in treating digestive disorders.
• Oolong tea is also good for bone health and prevents diseases like, osteoporosis.
• Health benefits of oolong tea includes its effectiveness in fighting tooth decay and thus promoting dental health.
• It is also good for stimulating and strengthening the immune system.
• Oolong tea is also beneficial for skin care. Oolong tea is known to keep the skin healthy and radiant skin. It said to prevent wrinkles, dark pigmentation, liver spots, etc. and also skin diseases, like eczema.
• Above all, the association between oolong tea and weight loss, is quite important. Regular consumption of oolong tea enhances fat metabolism and thus results in weight loss. So, you may also adopt oolong tea diet for the purpose of weight loss.

Oolong Tea Processing
Processing is the most important part of tea making, as it is this factor, which decides the overall character of the tea, including its taste, aroma, etc. Even though, the various types of teas are made by different processing methods, they all undergo the process of oxidation (fermentation). This takes place, when the tea leaves are broken, bruised and crushed to release the enzymes in it, which get oxidized. The rate of oxidation depends upon how much enzymes are exposed and the period of exposure. Oolong tea is also referred to as semi-fermented tea, as the oxidation process in this tea is somewhere between 10 percent to 70 percent. This range comes between the rate of oxidation in green tea and black tea. After plucking the tea leaves, they are immediately laid out under the heat of the sun to get wilted. The leaves are wilted for about 8 to 24 hours and within this time, most of the water content in the leaves get evaporated. After this, the leaves are taken in bamboo baskets and tossed to bruise the edges, so that the enzymes and oils in them are released.

This bruising process ensures that only a small quantity of enzymes is exposed to air and gets oxidized. The bruised leaves are dried and undergo a special heating process, which stalls further oxidation and gives a unique taste to the oolong tea. The taste of oolong tea depends on the rate of oxidation and can vary with different types. While some are more similar to green tea in taste, others taste more like black tea. Once the whole process is over, the leaves look like loosely twisted balls, which are brown or brownish-green in color. This is the basic process of oolong tea manufacture, which may slightly vary with the various forms.

In order to reap the oolong tea benefits to the full extent, you have to know the right way to brew it. For this purpose, you have to use one teabag or one and a half teaspoon of oolong tea per cup. After which you can add boiling water to the cup of oolong tea. Allow the tea to steep for three to four minutes and then strain it. You may add sugar, milk or honey to the tea before serving.

Even though, there are many oolong tea benefits, make sure to take the advice of your doctor, before adopting oolong tea for weight loss. It is also advisable to start with small quantities and increase the amount of consumption gradually, as overuse can prove harmful. Apart from taking advantage of the health benefits of oolong tea, stick to a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health.