What Is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese beverage. It is obtained from theCamelia sinensis plant. Due to enzymatic oxidation, the tea leaves undergo fermentation, which turns the green leaves (no fermentation) to semi brown (semi-fermentation) and then black (full fermentation) tea leaves. Oolong tea is made of semi-fermented tea leaves and has a distinct color, taste, and texture (1).
Nutritional Profile Of Oolong Tea- A Brief Review
Like other teas,oolong tea is also loaded with vitamin, minerals, and antioxidants, which possess a lot of health benefits. A small cup (100 g) of brewed oolong tea contains 16 mg of caffeine along with loaded antioxidants like theaflavins, thearubigins, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (2). Oolong tea possesses properties that can lower lipid and fight obesity. Oolong tea acts by accelerating metabolism, improving fat mobilization, preventing fat cell proliferation, and helping to maintain weight loss. It also helps to build immunity as it is loaded with more antioxidants than green tea. Read on to know why Oolong tea is best for weight loss, when to consume it, methods to prepare, and much more. Read on to know why oolong tea is best for weight loss, when to consume it, methods to prepare, and much more.
Why Oolong Tea For Weight Loss?
Oolong tea and green tea are both obtained from Camellia sinensis. But the difference between the two lies in the fact that oolong tea after being plucked is dried under the strong Sun is partially oxidized before being curled or twisted. Because of partial oxidation, unlike green tea, Oolong tea restores most of its antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties.The antioxidants help to scavenge the harmful free oxygen radicals. Free oxygen radicals can lead to weight gain by disrupting normal cell function and metabolism. The polyphenols and antioxidants in oolong tea play a profound role in weight loss by enhancing metabolism and fat burning capacity. In a study, 2 g of oolong tea was given to 102 Chinese obese individuals 4 times in a day was for 6 weeks and their body fat percentage was measured. They showed a commendable weight loss (1-3 kg) in the time span and were able to decrease waistline too (3). Another study revealed that full brewed oolong tea increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Metabolic rate also increased by 3-7.2% over 24 hours. The possible cause stated was the combined effect of caffeine and EGCG, which increased thermogenesis and thereby fat oxidation(4).
How Oolong Tea Promotes Weight Loss?
The anti-obesity mechanism of oolong tea is due to EGCG and theaflavins. They modulate energy balance and maintain carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which facilitates enzymatic lipid oxidation(5). Tea catechins also inhibit lipogenesis by downregulating the fatty acid synthase enzyme (an enzyme complex responsible for fatty acid synthesis)(6). The polyphenols present in oolong tea can help induce weight loss and have anti-inflammatory effects (7). It can boost metabolism by 10% and help to burn tummy and upper arm fat. Oolong tea contains caffeine and epigallocatechin (EGCG), both of which work together to accelerate fat oxidation. The caffeine-catechin combination in oolong tea enhances noradrenaline lipolysis and reduces pancreatic lipase activity, which has an anti-obesity effect (8). Tea consumption over a period, especially the oolong variety, helped reduce the prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes. Fully brewed oolong tea significantly reduces plasma glucose and fructosamine concentration over a period (9). One of the another popular anti-obesity mechanisms of oolong tea is digestive enzyme inhibition. The polyphenols in oolong tea inhibit several digestive enzymes, which lower the rate of absorption of sugars and fats from the gut, thereby controlling hunger pangs and binging (10). The polyphenols in oolong tea act on undigested carbs in the intestine to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which travel down to the liver and regulate biochemical enzymatic reactions. This, in turn, leads to fatty acid oxidation (11). Another possible mechanism of polyphenols is the alteration of gut microbiota. Our gut contains trillions of bacteria that strengthen our digestive system. High fat and high sugar diets destroy the good bacteria ecosystem, which alters digestion and aids weight gain. The polyphenols in oolong tea surpass absorption in the entire gut and reacted with the microbiota to form short bioactive metabolites that improve digestion and enhance the weight loss process(12).
Oolong tea is a calorie-free beverage and has different flavors. Therefore, you can drink it without having to think of consuming calories.Aim to drink 2-3 cups of oolong tea to reap its benefits. Let’s find out how to prepare it.
How To Prepare Oolong Tea For Weight Loss?
Simply put, it’s easy to make Oolong tea. You just have to buy a good quality Oolong tea. Here are few best methods of preparing it for weight loss.
1. Method 1 – Oolong Tea Bag
1 Oolong tea bag 1 cup water
2. Method 2 – Oolong Tea Leaf
1 teaspoon Oolong tea leaf 1 cup water
3. Method 3 – Oolong Tea Powder
1 teaspoon Oolong tea powder 1 cup water
4. Method 4 – Oolong Tea And Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Oolong tea leaves 1 cup water 1 tablespoon lemon juice
5. Method 5 – Oolong Tea & Green Tea
1 teaspoon Oolong tea 1 teaspoon green tea 1 cup water
6. Method 6 – Oolong Tea & Cinnamon
1 Oolong tea bag 2 inch Ceylon cinnamon stick 1 cup water
These quick methods of preparing Oolong tea are the best ways to consume it for weight loss. But now the obvious question is when to drink Oolong tea for best results? Here is your answer.
When To Consume Oolong Tea For Weight Loss?
Consume Oolong tea in the morning with breakfast. Oolong tea can also be consumed 30 minutes before lunch or dinner. You can consume Oolong tea with your evening snack.
To get better results, you should buy a good quality Oolong tea. Here are few best brands of Oolong tea available in the market.
Oolong Tea Brands For Weight Loss
Bigelow Oolong Tea China Fujian Oolong Tea Foojoy Wuyi Oolong Tea Prince Of Peace Oolong Tea Organic Oolong Tea Twinings China Oolong Tea Golden Tips Oolong Tea Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea The Tao Of Tea Black Dragon Oolong Tea Ceylon Organic Oolong Tea Stash Oolong Tea
With so many varieties of Oolong tea, what is the best variety of Oolong tea for weight loss? Here is your answer.
Oolong Tea Variety For Weight Loss
There are two varieties of Oolong tea—green Oolong tea and dark Oolong tea. Both are beneficial for weight loss. The only difference is while the green Oolong tea is less oxidized while the dark Oolong tea is fully oxidized and roasted. Where can you buy them? Here is a list of online stores where you can buy good quality Oolong tea.
Where To Buy Oolong Tea For Weight Loss?
Apart from losing weight, you can reap the following benefits by consuming Oolong tea regularly.
Other Oolong Tea Benefits
1. Relieves Stress
Stress is one of the causes of weight gain. Oolong tea helps to relieve stress by improving the serotonin levels (feel good hormone) and preventing depression that leads to emotional eating.
2. Promotes Heart Health
Oolong tea helps to reduce the bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also increases the plasma adiponectin levels and reduces the risk of diabetes, coronary artery disease, and obesity.
3. Boosts The Immune System
Loaded with antioxidants, Oolong tea helps to boost immunity by neutralizing the free oxygen radicals. It prevents cellular damage and microbial infections too.
4. Strengthens The Bones
Oolong tea contains calcium and magnesium that prevents loss of bone mass. Consuming Oolong tea regularly has been found to strengthen the bones, prevent osteoporosis, arthritis, and improve bone health.
5. Fights Cancer
Since Oolong tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, drinking Oolong tea can help fight cancer. Antioxidants prevent DNA damage and control cell proliferation.
6. Boosts Brain Function
Like coffee Oolong tea contains caffeine that helps to improve alertness and brain function. It rejuvenates the brain cells and prevents the feeling of tiredness and fatigue.
7. Improves Skin Health
Consuming green tea regularly can help prevent various skin diseases such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, skin redness, microbial infections, itchy and flaky skin. The antioxidants help to avoid premature aging of the skin. Your skin will glow with health.
8. Protects Teeth
The acids produced by bacteria in teeth causes decay. The antioxidants present in Oolong tea helps to prevent tooth decay by balancing the pH levels and inhibiting microbial growth. As the saying goes, anything in excess is harmful. Although Oolong tea aids weight loss and improves overall health, you must keep a check on the quantity of consumption. So, how much is too much? Here you go.
How Much Oolong Tea To Drink For Weight Loss?
You can drink this calorie-free drink 2-3 times a day. Do not over do it in the hope of losing weight quickly. Oolong tea overdose can cause the following problems.
Oolong Tea Side Effects
Consuming too much Oolong tea can cause anxiety, dehydration, insomnia, increased heart rate, depression, frequent urination, upset stomach, nausea, headache, skeletal fluorosis, kidney stones, allergy, glaucoma, and anemia. You should also take the following points into consideration before drinking Oolong tea for weight loss.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor or your dietician before starting to drink oolong tea. Do not drink more than 2-3 cups of Oolong tea per day. Avoid drinking Oolong tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are on a herbal supplement, avoid consuming Oolong tea. If you are on medication for depression, heart disease, or stomach ulcer, talk to your physician before drinking Oolong tea to avoid complications. If you are suffering from osteoporosis, do not consume more than 1 cup of Oolong tea per day, as Oolong tea can flush out calcium through urine.
Will drinking Oolong tea help you lose weight? Yes! But if you want to make your weight loss permanent then follow these simple weight loss tips.
Useful Weight Loss Tips
Eat a lot of green leafy veggies that will provide your body with dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and complex carbs. Eat at least 2-3 servings of fruits per day. Include at least one source of protein in your every meal. Avoid eating junk food too often. Treat yourself once in two weeks. Stop drinking aerated and artificially sweetened drinks. Don’t over consume alcohol. Workout regularly. You can play a sport, workout at the gym, dance, learn kickboxing, etc. Relieve yourself of stress. Develop a hobby or do yoga to relax.
What is the best time to drink oolong tea? You can drink oolong tea in the morning with breakfast, or half an hour before meals. Can you sleep after drinking oolong tea? Yes, it helps you unwind, relax, and sleep well through the night.
