The amazing health and weight loss benefits of Oolong Tea

Firstly, what is Oolong tea and why is it considered to be the holy grail for weight loss? Let’s start by making it clear that Oolong tea isn’t a new fad, it is a traditional Chinese tea that has been consumed for centuries.  It’s a cross between green and black tea, and offers the health benefits of both and it is widely considered to aid weight loss.

 Health benefits of Oolong tea

Similar to green tea, Oolong is packed with polyphenols which are believed to reduce inflammation. However, it is richer in polyphenols, richer in minerals, vitamins and it contains an amino acid called theanine, plus it is much easier on the stomach.

The polyphenol antioxidants can also help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels which means the tea may help to prevent diabetes and may improve heart health. Regular tea drinkers have experienced reduced blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, the results are mixed, as the tea contains caffeine which may slightly raise blood pressure in some people but with regular caffeine consumption this effect tends to deteriorate.

The caffeine, antioxidants and theanine in the tea have beneficial effects on the brain too. The caffeine boosts the release of brain hormones that improve mood, attention and brain function. The amino acid theanine can help increase attention and relieve anxiety.

So far so good, but there are even more benefits…the tea also promotes tooth and bone density, providing a good source of fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel and can help lessen dental plaque and cavities.

It is also suggested that the antioxidants present in Oolong can help hinder cell mutations that can lead to cancer and the polyphenols decrease the rate of cancer cell division. Oolong may also offer a degree of protection against lung, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver and colorectal cancers.

The polyphenol antioxidants are also attributed to relieving the symptoms of eczema. A study found that people suffering with extreme cases of eczema showed improvements when drinking the tea within just one to two weeks!

Weight loss benefits of Oolong tea

Oolong’s metabolism boosting properties can help to burn belly bulge, by cutting down your fat absorption rate and decreasing your appetite.

Ooling tea is more effective than green tea due to its richness in polyphenols. It is these polyphenols which prompt cells to burn calories helping you to shed those pesky extra pounds.  It works by blocking the enzymes that break down fats so that they pass through your body undigested. When the body absorbs less fat, it has to burn the stored fat for energy.

Drunk after a meal, Oolong tea can also aid digestion. This is due to an abundance of catechins (a type of antioxidant) that feed good gut bacteria.

In addition to controlling belly bloat, as an added bonus, many women have stated that Oolong tea has helped to raise their energy levels.

All in all, Oolong tea’s nutty dark flavours may be an acquired taste but it certainly seems to pack a punch when it comes to health and weight loss benefits.

So, if you’re considering slimming down or you simply want to feel healthier, Oolong tea could be the one simple step on your way to feeling great.