When it comes to traditional tea, we have three main types, black, green, and white. But if you are ready for something different, try oolong tea. With a different flavor than black, green or white teas, oolong tea is a rare treat.
Oolong tea is also sometimes known as Wu long tea or Wulong tea, after it's originator. Other names for oolong are brown tea and rock tea. The popular varieties are Wu-yi tea, Formosa oolong, Ti Kuan Yin, and Pouchong.
Wulong tea is very popular in Asia. It was first created in China and is still considered China's national tea. Most wu long tea is grown in the Fujian region of China, but some is grown in Taiwan, and a small amount is grown in the Darjeeling region of India and in Vietnam. Chinese varieties give us a more darker and "woody" tasting tea, where as the Taiwanese varieties produce a lighter, more floral tasting brew. In the West, however, wu long tea is one of the least familiar tea varieties.
Recently oolong tea has been marketed as an "Ancient Chinese Secret to Weight Loss". Although this is not completely true, wulong is an important and healthy part of the Chinese diet. In fact, greasy foods in China are often served with wu long tea, because it is known as an obesity fighter.
There are some interesting facts about the increasingly popular Wulong tea:
1. Oolong tea originates from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. It is the processing and fermentation that leaves go through which will determine what type they will become. Wu long tea is the only one that goes through a broad range of fermentation. Wulong tea is a mix between black and green tea.
2. Like green tea, oolong tea contains plant polyphenols that can aid in weight loss. Lately the green tea diet has captured the attention of thousand people trying to naturally lose weight. However, several studies have shown wulong tea to be a better calorie-burner than green tea. Wu long has a higher level of polyphenol concentration than green and black tea. Polyphenols are also known as tannin in the scientific world.
3. Wulong tea has a lesser caffeine content. Experts say that the caffeine content in oolong tea is half as much as in the black and green tea.
4. And finally, the most important oolong tea fact of all is that it is best enjoyed when carefully prepared using the whole loose leaves. People can expect superior aroma, flavor, and health benefits using this method. Tea bags will not offer much flavor or benefits since they contain old pieces of dried up "tea dust" called fannings. Because of this many people may get a wrong impression on what could have been a wonderful cup of tea!
The benefits of wulong tea are various. From its unique flavor and aroma to its endless list of health benefits, oolong tea is definitely a must-add drink in your health regimen. Wulong teas have a very fruity flavor, often with smoky or toasted undertones, often with a floral aroma. Because of the natural fruitiness of wu long teas, they are often blended with other flavors. The combination of wu long with tea herbs only enhances the oolong's natural flavour and increases its health benefits.
To know more about wu long tea, here is some of its proven health advantages.
Wu Long Promotes a Weight Loss
Oolong tea give a nice boost to your metabolism, it also helps dissolve excess triglyceride (a substance that is used as fuel for the body, but stored as fat when there is too much of it).This fat burning process is called "thermogenesis" and it provides an extra energy, sheds excess of water, and helps to burn body fat. Believe it or not, this slimming quality of Wu Long tea is just the start of its fantastic health benefits. Oolong tea weight loss results are just remarkable!
Wu Long Fights Diseases and Even Cancer
Free radicals are responsible for causing damage to the cells in the body. This cellular damage is responsible for diseases, the aging process, and even cancer. Oolong tea contains high amounts of potent antioxidants that help to remove free radicals and keep the body in good shape. The wulong tea is considered the powerful weapon in the fight against stomach cancer. A study in Shanghai, China, where wu long is consumed by more than 80% of tea drinkers, showed that oolong tea drinkers had a lower risk of a stomach cancer. Wulong tea contains high concentrations of polyphenols and antioxidants that can prevent growth of a variety of tumors, including stomach cancer.
Wu Long Delay Skin Ageing Process
The same antioxidants also protect the skin from spots and wrinkles. The scientific studies have proven that drinking Oolong tea can improve some skin conditions by over 50%. According to the experts, wulong tea can significantly protect your skin from excessive appearance of dark pigments brought about by free radicals. The free radicals are blamed for facilitating skin ageing. With wu long tea, you can increase polyphenols in the body, which in turn, delay the ageing process.
Wu Long Detoxifies the Body
Oolong tea works as an anti-bacterial agent and helps to produce a clean alkaline environment in the body. This makes it hard for bacteria, fungus, and other microbes to multiply there.
Wu Long Stops Bad Breath
By killing bacteria in the stomach, Oolong tea prevents the bad breath. A Japanese University study also found that regular drinking of wulong tea actually strengthened teeth and helped to prevent tooth decay.
Wu Long Boosts the Immune System
A recent study found that Oolong tea can improve the immune system response when fighting infection. The study indicated that the production of anti-bacterial proteins was up to five times higher in the wu long tea drinkers, which is an indicator of a stronger immune response.
Wu Long Cut Down Triglyceride Level
Too-high triglyceride levels are the factor associated with a greater risk of heart disease. With the help of oolong tea, you can easily gain control in losing triglyceride because of its polyphenol content. This substance activates the enzyme that is in charge of melting fatty deposits known as triglycerides. Plus, wulong tea can facilitate fat metabolism within the body.
Wu Long Enhances Mental Function
Oolong contains several compounds that have stimulating effects on the nervous system. This means that it enhances alertness, focus, and improves brain function and it is one of the few stimulants that is completely safe.
The main reason why oolong tea can help to reduce insomnia symptoms is because of the l-theanine content. L-theanine has been well researched and shown to help reduce stress and anxiety and promote a restful sleep. Though wulong tea does contain caffeine, the l-theanine content of the tea helps balance the caffeine out. By day, wulong tea helps keep you alert and by night, it helps promote sleep and even helps to fall asleep.
Many of the tannins and antioxidants found in oolong tea have been shown to reduce stress related to depression symptoms, wu long tea can also help neutralize anxiety, which often accompanies many depression types.
For hundreds of years, wulong tea has been respected for its healing qualities and slimming ability. Wonderful and unique, Oolong tea combines the flavor and delicious taste of black tea, with some of the best health benefits of green tea.
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