Oolong tea is a traditional tea first used by the Chinese. It ismade up of leaves from a tree known as Camellia sinensis. The Chinese use both green and black leaves of the tree to make this special tea. The difference between Oolong and the normal tea- commonly used today lies in the preparation. Oolong tea is made by oxidation of the green fresh tea leaves, while black tea is crushed into fine particles to incorporate air. This oxidation process gives the tea its special color.
Oolong Tea Nutrients
Oolong tea is rich in arubugins and theaflavinsantioxidants, highly concentrated in the fresh green leaves of the Camellia sinensis tree.These antioxidants enable the tea to fight some lifestyle diseases. Furthermore, Oolong tea has other nutrients, such as magnesium, vitamins, minerals, calcium, potassium, amino acids, and traces of caffeine.
Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
Aids weight loss
Taking this tea has been linked to losing weight through different mechanisms. Too much drinking of tea leads to loss of appetite, which reducesdaily calorieconsumption, resulting in weight loss. Furthermore, the antioxidants in oolong tea play a part in losing weight by reducing body fats through oxidation. The intake of oolong tea increases the body’s ability to use energy, increasing calorie loss and ultimate weight cut.
Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
Scientific research shows the relationship between antioxidants and the fight against the growth of cancerous cells. Antioxidants inhibit the division of cancer cells and prevent cell mutations that lead to cancerous cell development. The antioxidant-rich oolong tea can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas, colon, rectum, lungs, and liver.
Assist in fighting diabetes
Diabetes is a common lifestyle disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by insulin resistance in the body or the inability of insulin to convert sugars in the body. However, consuming oolong tea has been proven to increase the polyphenol antioxidants in the body, which ease insulin resistance, improving blood sugar management.
Improving bones and teeth strength
Drinking black or green tea daily increases antioxidant levels in the body, enriching the bones with higher mineral density. High mineral density in our bodies increases bone strength, reducing the chances of getting bone fractures. Furthermore, antioxidantsdecrease the ability of bacteria to thrive in the body. This reduces the chances of developing dental plaque, resulting in stronger teeth.
Improving heart health
Antioxidants play a vital role in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Increased cholesterol and blood pressure can lead to serious heart diseases, such as heart failure and heart attack. Both green and black tea contain antioxidant which improves heart health. However, oolong tea contains caffeine that contributes to a rise in blood pressure.
Improves the functioning of the human brain
Memory loss is a serious brain issue that mostly affects older people. As age increase, the chances of memory loss increase. The amino acids present in oolong tea prevent an increase in anxiety and improve alertness. Consequently, this improves brain functioning by boosting memory. Furthermore, caffeine improves alertness and attention and decreases sleepiness.
Improves skin health
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by skin itching and reddening, especially in children. It is caused by allergens that cause the skin to be inflamed. Antioxidants found in oolong tea are capable of reversing this condition due to their anti-inflammatory properties. In a study, children with this condition showed some improvement after taking oolong tea regularly.
Assists in boosting immunity
Regular intake of oolong tea increases the chances of having a strong immunity. Oolong tea contains antioxidants with inflammatory effects on fighting bacterial and fungal infections in the body. It hinders the multiplication of bacteria and also denying them a conducive environment to thrive in the body. This can indeed improve immunity.
Improves digestive system
Black and green tea contains antioxidants that fight inflammation. Some diseases that attack the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can be solved by this effect.
Side effects of oolong tea
Too much consumption of oolong tea increases the chances of taking in a lot of caffeine, which is addictive. Furthermore, it might lead to side effects, such as chronic headaches, increased anxiety, and lack of sleep. Caffeine is also linked to increased blood pressure when taken in large amounts.
Accumulation of antioxidants in the body reduces iron absorption. Pregnant women taking too much of this tea might increase their chances of developing blood pressure. They are therefore advised to decrease their intake.
Conclusion
Oolong tea might not be common in all communities, but you can ensure that you get the healthy benefits from this tea by ensuring you take the black and green tea. The rich antioxidants found in this special tea are immensely beneficial to the body, especially in preventing various lifestyle diseases. However, it is advisable to consider its negative effects to avoid health complications.
I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.
- Bell Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits - April 19, 2024
- Products That Assist with Stress Relief - September 21, 2023
- TRÈFLE – THE ROAD TO THE 15TH - July 29, 2023
