7 Amazing Oolong Tea Benefits

Oolong tea, a venerable member of the traditional Chinese tea family, stands out for its distinctive amalgamation of characteristics derived from both dark and green teas.

Many believe that the regular consumption of oolong tea can contribute to weight loss and stress reduction, making it a sought-after choice among tea enthusiasts.

Despite constituting only a modest 2% of the global tea production and consumption landscape, oolong tea is a gem waiting to be explored.

Keep reading as we explore the potential oolong tea benefits.

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What is Oolong Tea

Oolong tea benefits are diverse and are linked to the essence of the beverage itself.

Hailing from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant—the very plant employed in the crafting of green and black teas— oolong tea holds a very unique position.

Probably the greatest out of all oolong tea benefits is the fact that it blends characteristics from both green and black tea. It is safe to say it gives you the best of both worlds!

The differentiating factor lies in the meticulous processing method, especially the oxidation process, which plays a pivotal role in delineating the tea’s categorization—be it green, dark, or oolong.

• Green Tea: Crafted exclusively from fresh tea leaves, bypassing the oxidation phase to preserve its innate qualities.

• Black Tea: Emerges from fully crushed leaves, deliberately subjected to an intensified oxidation process, resulting in a distinctive color and flavor profile.

• Oolong Tea: Achieved through a nuanced process where leaves are delicately wilted in the gentle embrace of sunlight and subtly bruised, initiating a partial oxidation journey.

Potential Oolong Tea Benefits

1. It’s packed with nutrients

Oolong tea is actually known for its high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

A brewed cup reveals small yet essential amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, accompanied by approximately 38 mg of caffeine, which is higher when compared to green tea. 

The main antioxidants in oolong, known as tea polyphenols—theaflavins, thearubigins, and EGCG—take the spotlight, contributing significantly to its health benefits. 

Additionally, L-theanine, an amino acid found in oolong tea, has actually been linked to cognitive performance improvement.

2. It might act as a guardian against diabetes

Among the oolong tea benefits lies its potential effect over diabetes.

Studies suggest that oolong tea, in general, aids in protecting against diabetes by easing insulin resistance and reducing inflammation.

While the effects of oolong tea on diabetes are less researched compared to green or black tea, a 2021 study and a 2019 review highlight the potential link between regular tea consumption, improved blood sugar management, and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. 

3. It might improve your heart’s health

When it comes to oolong tea benefits, it is imperative to talk about heart health.

It turns out regular tea consumption, including oolong tea, may enhance heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, along with a lower risk of heart disease. 

In a study involving over 76,000 Japanese adults, men who consumed 8 ounces or more of oolong tea per day experienced a 61% lower risk of heart disease. 

Another study in China reported a significant risk reduction for stroke among adults drinking 1 to 2 cups daily of green or oolong tea. 

Keep in mind that oolong tea contains caffeine, which may have varied effects on blood pressure. Either way, further research still needs to be conducted to further understand the actual benefits of consuming oolong tea regularly.

3. It might aid with weight management

The oolong tea benefits are of course linked to its caffeine content. Thecombination of caffeine and polyphenols in oolong tea may contribute to weight loss by increasing fat oxidation. 

While animal studies show promising results, human studies are limited, with one small, older study indicating potential increased energy expenditure in adults. 

Now, of course when it comes to weight loss, you should always keep in mind there are many factors that affect weight gain. Therefore, if you’re in need of further guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to a nutritionist.

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4. It might boost your cognitive performance

Having a cup of oolong tea from time to time has actually been associated with maintaining brain function and memory. 

Among other potential oolong tea benefits, we have a key factor: caffeine. This is particularly evident as caffeine releases norepinephrine and dopamine, which coupled with theanine’s cognitive benefits, contributes to heightened attention and mood. 

Of course, further research needs to be performed in this area in order to really understand the potential benefits of oolong tea in brain functioning.

5. It can potentially protect you against cancer

As mentioned before, oolong tea is packed with nutrients. Well, among the oolong tea benefits lies the potential reduction in risk cancer. The antioxidants within oolong tea are believed to prevent cell mutations and inhibit cancer cell division. 

Numerous studies link tea consumption (including oolong tea) to reduced cancer risk. Either way, oolong tea and its specific impact on the matter still needs further scientific revision.

6. It can strengthen your teeth and bones

While getting closer to the end of our list of oolong tea benefits, it is time to talk about its effect over teeth and bones.

It turns out, the presence of antioxidants within oolong tea may actually contribute to stronger teeth and bones, as evidenced by a study showing increased overall bone mineral density in daily black, green, or oolong tea drinkers over a decade. 

Additionally, tea consumption has been linked to better dental health, reducing plaque and gingivitis.

7. It can alleviate Eczema

The last factor in our list of oolong tea benefits is, again, linked to its abundant antioxidants.

Polyphenol antioxidants in oolong tea exhibit potential in alleviating symptoms of eczema. A small study revealed marked improvement in severe eczema cases, persisting up to five months with daily oolong tea consumption.

Potential risks

Now that we have covered the main oolong tea benefits, we can take a look at its risks.

Although oolong tea has been consumed for centuries —and it is generally considered safe— caution is advised in specific cases. 

Due to its high caffeine content, some of the side effects of excessively consuming oolong tea may go from anxiety to insomnia. If you seem to be sensitive to caffeine, make sure to consume this beverage in moderation so that you can enjoy of the oolong tea benefits with no issues.

If you’re thinking of making any adjustments to your diet, do not hesitate to reach out to a nutritionist for further advice.

This article was mainly made with information available in the National Library of Medicine.

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