Oolong (in Chinese: 烏龍) tea originally came from the Chinese name (烏龍茶) which means “black dragon tea” and is a traditional Chinese tea (from the Camellia sinensis species of evergreen shrub). It is obtained from this same plant used to make green tea and black tea but is processed differently. It is partially fermented (green tea is not fermented and black tea is fully fermented) while the plant withers under the sun and oxidated before twisting and curling. It is very popular in the South and Fujian regions of China. Read on for these Top 5 Health Benefits of Oolong Tea!
1. Mental performance and alertness
Regularly drinking caffeine-rich Oolong tea improves mental alertness and performance throughout the day.
2. Helps prevent ovarian cancer
Women who drink (green or black) Oolong tea appear to have a significantly lowered risk of developing ovarian cancer. According to a study, drinking two or more cups of the tea lowers the risk of ovarian cancer by almost half!
3. Helps improve symptoms of eczema
Research seems to show that drinking three to four cups of Oolong tea throughout the day improves eczema symptoms that may not have responded to other treatments. Beneficial results can usually be noted after one to two weeks’ of treatment. A study in 2001 showed that 54% of participants showed long-lasting results in their skin conditions after consuming Oolong tea daily for six months.
4. Diabetes control
Oolong tea can be used in addition to other medication for treating type-2 diabetes. Research has shown that drinking it can help balance insulin and blood sugar levels as well as prevent sudden blood glucose crashes in most test participants.
5. Bone health
Powerful antioxidants in Oolong tea are thought to help prevent bone weakening (osteoporosis), teeth decay and also actually strengthen and increase your bones’ mineral density. Evidence from research shows that people who have been drinking Oolong (or black) tea for more than ten years were less likely to experience loss of bone density; it is believed that Oolong tea stimulates mineral retention from the food you eat.
There are several varieties of Oolong tea and they can vary widely in taste, strength and price! Dan Cong tea, for example, is known as the “champagne of Oolong”. Originally from Chao Zhou (in Guangdong, China), it makes for an orange-brown tea that explodes with an intense taste of honey and apricot in the mouth. Definitely one to put on your Oolong sampling list, it’s certainly on mine! Tried Oolong? Tell us how it satisfies by commenting below, joining in the conversation on Facebook and following us on Twitter & Instagram. (Tea addict? Then sample these other great tea articles and here are more Top 5’s to switch YOUR Fit ON!)
