Oolong Tea: Properties and Benefits
Oolong is a semi-oxidized tea that sits between green and black tea. As a result, its properties vary depending on its level of oxidation. To understand the relationship between oolong tea and health, it's important to distinguish between the different types of oolong.
Oolong Tea: Combining the Benefits of Green and Black Tea
The benefits of oolong tea depend on how much oxidation it has undergone. Chinese oolong is processed closer to green tea and has a low oxidation level, which means it also has a lower caffeine content, much like green tea. Taiwanese oolong, on the other hand, tends to be closer to black tea in this respect. Oolong is also rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect against aging, certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Another health advantage: oolong tea contains less fluoride than green tea, especially in its organic form. It also provides useful minerals, including manganese, magnesium, and potassium.
Oolong Tea and Weight Management
Oolong tea is often associated with weight management. It contains polyphenols known for their fat-burning properties. Drinking oolong blue tea may increase fat oxidation by up to 150% compared to green tea. Research also suggests that regular consumers of organic oolong tea tend to have a richer gut microbiome, supporting better digestion overall. The theanine naturally present in oolong contributes to a sense of calm, thanks to its relaxing properties.
Oolong Tea, Skin Health and Eczema
Oolong and eczema are frequently mentioned together. This connection stems from a study suggesting that blue tea may help relieve eczema symptoms. According to the study, 63% of the 118 participants reported an improvement in their skin condition after just two weeks.