Oolong Tea

Oolong tea, also known as wu-long, comes from camillius sinensis - the same plant from which black tea as well as green tea is extracted The only difference is the way it is being processed. For instance, green tea is extremely light without oxidation. On the other hand, black tea is completely oxidized. When it comes to oolong tea, its oxidation level comes somewhat between green tea and black tea. In fact, since it is fermented to only a certain extent, oolong tea is also sometimes referred to as semi-fermented tea.

Oolong tea derives its name from a Chinese word for ‘black dragon’. Al though it is less consumed in countries like the US, oolong tea is widely used in countries such as China and Japan. Oolong tea varies from bright green to dark colored teas. In fact, oolong tea is available in a variety of aromas as well as flavors. Perhaps most popular among the different varieties of Oolong tea is the one derived from the Wu Yi Shan of the Fujian Province in China. Also, popular is Taiwanese Oolong that is produced from Taiwan’s Central Mountains.  

Benefits

The benefits of oolong tea are more or less same like green tea. Discussed below are significant of the health benefits that could be derived through the consumption of oolong tea.

• Oolong tea aids to cut down the cholesterol build-ups found in the blood stream.
• Oolong tea allows you to stay in shape by burning excess fat from your body.
• Oolong tea is considered beneficial to prevent the onset of devastating ailments like cardiovascular diseases.
• Oolong tea also helps for the removal of dangerous free radicals, as it contains in it compounds like polyphenolic.
• Oolong tea is advantageous to prevent skin problems in the form of eczema as well as wrinkles.
• Oolong tea is regarded as effective to combat high blood pressure.
• Oolong tea is used for treating digestive disorders.
• Oolong tea promotes for the health of teeth by fighting against decay.
• Oolong tea promotes for stronger as well as healthy bones.
• Oolong tea strengthens the body’s immune system.

Above all, as per the studies conducted by the Osaka Institute for Health Care Science in Japan, Oolong tea’s consumption helps to relieve stress.

Side Effects

As in the case of all other teas, oolong tea is also accompanied by certain side effects, and some of the major side effects are:  

• Hypokalemia: This is a medical condition in which the level of potassium in blood becomes low. Increased consumption of oolong tea lead to caffeine toxicity thus resulting in the absorption of potassium and Hypokalemia.
• Beriberi: Over consumption of oolong tea is also associated with the absorption of essential vitamins like thiamine, thereby leading to diseases like beriberi.
• Stomach problems: Oolong tea’s intake may sometimes leads to gastric problems in people suffering from conditions like stomach ulcer and heart burn.
• Kidney problems: Oolong tea contains in it organic acids such as oxalates, which in turn is regarded as one of the prime causes for developing kidney problems.
• Tea Allergy: The consumption of this tea may cause allergy in some people who are hypersensitive to its ingredients like caffeine and tannin.
• Interaction with certain medications: Some agents contained in this tea may sometimes interact with certain medications thus resulting in side effects. Hence, it is advisable to avoid drinking this tea for at least one or two hours after taking medicines.

What is the difference between oolong tea and green tea

• Preventing different types of cancers that affect the prostate, colon, and stomach
• Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
• Enhancing functioning of the heart as well as the entire circulatory system
• Strengthening bones
• Healthier skin
• Healthier teeth and gums

Oolang Tea

As mentioned earlier, both green tea and oolong tea comes from the same plant, i.e., Camellia sinensis. However, there are slight differences between the two in terms of its fermentation and health benefits. The green tea is steamed prior to fermenting while oolong tea is partially fermented before it is dried. When it comes to health benefits, green tea is believed to have more therapeutic properties, in contrast to oolong tea. In addition to containing polyphenols, green tea also consists of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is considered effective to repair body’s damaged cells.