DavidWolfe.comOolong tea is brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, like green tea and black tea. Green tea is unfermented, while black tea is fully fermented. Oolong tea on the other hand, lies somewhere in between the two. Is oolong tea good for you? Yes! Originating in China, it’s now consumed all over the world, especially for its potent health benefits. Oolong tea benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes prevention and a reduced risk of cancer, among other benefits.
Oolong Tea Benefits
1. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Oolong tea benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease. Research has shown that oolong tea can help stop atherosclerosis from spreading, while decreasing the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Oolong tea can also help reduce LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides. (1)
2. Helps Fight Obesity and Promote Weight Loss
Oolong tea benefits include the ability to promote weight loss and help fight obesity. It works by increasing heat production in the body to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Oolong tea helps the body burn fat at a faster rate while reducing inflammation to help fight obesity. (2)
3. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Oolong tea is near the top of the list of cancer-fighting foods. The antioxidants it contains help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian and pancreatic. Studies have also shown that oolong tea benefits include the ability to stop the growth of melanoma. (3)
4. Helps Prevent Diabetes
Studies have shown that oolong tea benefits include the ability to prevent diabetes. It works by naturally decreasing blood glucose levels. Research suggests that adding oolong tea to your diet may also help reverse diabetes.
5. Provides the Body With Antioxidants
Oolong tea is loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, including bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids work to prevent premature aging, lower inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and allergies.
6. Helps Decrease Inflammation
Oolong tea benefits the body by decreasing inflammation. The antioxidants in the tea work to strengthen the immune system to prevent disease caused by chronic inflammation, like arthritis.
7. Supports a Healthy Brain
The polyphenols in oolong tea benefits cognitive function by increasing visual information processing, attention, alertness and calmness. Studies have shown that the antioxidants in oolong tea can also help prevent cognitive decline, making oolong the perfect tea for Alzheimer’s prevention. (4)
8. Prevents Bone Loss
Oolong tea benefits include the ability to help prevent bone loss. Studies have shown that drinking oolong tea can help maintain high bone density, which may be especially beneficial for women going through menopause. (5)
9. Reduces the Appearance of Eczema
Oolong tea benefits the skin by reducing the appearance of eczema. In one study, researchers found that participants who consumed oolong tea three times daily saw a significant decrease in eczema, thanks to the anti-allergenic antioxidants it contains.