What is oolong tea?


Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea.

It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea.


The difference is in how the tea is processed. The process of oxidation is what creates green, dark, or oolong teas. Green tea is produced from fresh tea leaves that have not undergone oxidation, a chemical reaction that begins when the leaves are exposed to the air and which is responsible for the color and taste of different types of tea. Black tea is created when leaves are fully crushed to enhance oxidation, and oolong is created when leaves are wilted in the sun and slightly bruised to create partial oxidation.

Oolong tea is not only a masterpiece when it comes to taste, but it's also full of amazing health properties too. These include benefits for heart, brain, bone, and dental health.

In general, tea has been shown to help protect against diabetes and complications from diabetes, reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as a reduced risk of heart disease. Oolong tea may help decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure in some people, but more research is needed.

1) FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS

While it was long believed that the antioxidant activity from tea was solely responsible for its capabilities to decrease body fat, researchers are beginning to suggest that tea’s ability to enhance enzyme inhibition, and antioxidant interactions with gut microbiota specifically, may actually be what’s driving the weight loss capability. A study in China found that when studying thirty different teas, oolong had a higher antioxidative count than other teas including green tea in some cases.

2) AIDS WEIGHT LOSS

A recent animal study showed that extracts from oolong actually did help to increase fat oxidation — meaning they helped decrease body fat directly. The combination of caffeine and polyphenols found in oolong tea may help increase specific enzyme inhibition and the number of calories burned each day. This could ultimately aid in weight loss.  It also encourages faster metabolism which can help reduce body weight. Combined with the caffeine that also helps boost energy expenditure, and oolong tea is the perfect storm. (It contains about 38 mg of caffeine. In comparison, a cup of green tea contains about 29mg of caffeine.)

3) IMPROVES BRAIN PERFORMANCE

Oolong tea could be just the drink you need to keep your mind sharp and focused. While too much caffeine can send you into a jittery overdrive, oolong contains just the right amount to zing your brain with a dose of alertness. For starters, caffeine can increase the release of norepinephrine and dopamine. These two brain messengers are thought to benefit mood, attention, and brain function. 
While it’s maybe not a great choice as a bedtime drink, simply consuming it in the afternoon will contribute to better sleep overall. The blend of L-theanine found in oolong tea and GABA have both been found to contribute to deeper, dreamier, longer-lasting sleep.

4) STRENGTHENS TEETH AND BONES DENSITY

Oolong tea may help increase bone mineral density. It may also strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the formation of dental plaque. Oolong naturally contains calcium and magnesium, both of which are known for their brilliant bone health properties.


Here’s how to make the perfect cup of oolong tea:


  • If using loose leaf tea a general rule of thumb could be 2 tablespoons of dried open leaves per 6oz -180 ml of water. If using a bag or tea drops, the math is already done for you!
  • Heat your water in the kettle and when hot, pour into your teapot or cup.
  • Add the leaves and let them steep for 1-5 minutes depending on how strong you like your brew. If unsure, you can sip every minute to check the taste.
  • When steeped to your liking, pour the tea through a strainer, or remove the leaves with a spoon.
  • If you want to add flavors you can serve with lemon. Oolong tea isn’t always a great match for milk.
  • Chilled or iced oolong tea is also delicious with lemon or peach and ice.

Find Oolong tea here!

Oolong tea has been consumed for centuries and is generally considered to be safe.

When consumed in excess, caffeine can lead to anxiety, headaches, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and in some cases, high blood pressure.  Oolong tea (like most tea) has flavonoids which can sometimes reduce the absorption in the digestive system due to iron levels.

Moderation is best, avoid extremities!

Medical Disclaimer: While we have delved into the research available on the health benefits of these teas, this is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. Those who have any health-related queries should reach out to a medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.