Benefits of Oolong Tea

How Good Is It for You?

The modern day lifestyle is hectic and full of stress. It is also characterized by lack of sufficient physical activity. The modern day diet tends to be poor in nutrients and full of fats and sugars. It is essential for you to attempt to change all these things. Another effective way to protect your health and keep your weight within normal limits is to take dietary supplements. Oolong tea is not as popular as green tea, but it has similar health benefits. For this reason, more and more people start relying on it as their main dietary supplement. You should definitely find out more about the benefits of oolong tea.

Oolong tea is made from the same plant as green and black tea, Camellia sinensis. The only difference comes from the methods which are used for the production of this herbal product. It has been estimated that oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. It is more oxidized than the former and less oxidized than the latter. The dried leaves are brewed in the same traditional way. This tea has been used for a long time in China and has preserved its huge popularity to the present day. Now it is becoming more widely used in the entire world. You can choose from a variety of products - oolong tea dried leaves, tea bags or extract. There are various pills based on the extract from the herb as well.

The main one of the benefits of oolong tea is its ability to stimulate weight loss through the burning of fat. The catechins, powerful antioxidants, boost metabolism and reduce the fat deposits in the body. In turn, slimming is facilitated. It is easier for dieters and much faster. Still, it should be noted that best results are accomplished when the consumption of oolong tea is complemented by a low calorie diet and exercise.

The powerful catechins and flavenoids (other types of antioxidants) in oolong tea fight the free radicals formed in the body. The free radicals are known to speed up aging as they cause cell and organ damage. This means that by consuming this type of tea you can slow down aging, at least to an extent. Your organs will have better protection from the harmful effects of free radicals. In turn, they will work more effectively for longer. The most visible effect is on the skin and hair. Your skin will be more elastic, softer and smoother. The catechins in oolong tea can make your hair stronger and prevent hair loss.

One of the most valuable benefits of oolong tea is that it protects the heart and the cardiovascular system in general. The antioxidants work to prevent the hardening of the arteries. In fact, they keep them more elastic. These powerful chemical compounds reduce the plaque build up in the blood vessels. They can also aid the reduction of cholesterol. In turn, the risk of heart attack and stroke is significantly reduced. Additionally, the antioxidants aid the regulation of blood sugar levels. This reduces the risk of diabetes.

Much like green tea, oolong tea has beneficial anti-cancer properties. Scientific studies have found that the catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in particular, reduce the risk of formation of tumors. It has been estimated that these antioxidants are most effective for prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer and skin cancer. Scientists believe that the catechins can also be used as part of cancer treatments and, specifically, for the prevention of formation of metastasis.

Another one of the great benefits of oolong tea is that it can combat stress effectively. It contains a chemical compound called L-theanine that causes relaxation by stimulating the brain to produce more serotonin. In fact, it has been estimated that stress levels can be reduced by 10% to 18% just after the consumption of one cup of this beverage. L-theanine can also help ease anxiety and depression. Some studies even suggest that it can stimulate the functioning of the brain for improved concentration.

The benefits of oolong tea are many and different. It is definitely worth enjoying this drink or taking supplements based on its extract. The herb is not known to have any dangerous side effects, when taken in small amounts.