About Oolong Tea

Oolong tea, which is also the same as wu long tea, is one of the main four tea types. They are semi-fermented teas, which means that oolong tea undergoes some degree of oxidation or fermentation that places it between the green and black tea varieties. It's leaves are allowed to ferment longer than green tea leaves, but the oxidation process is stopped sooner as opposed to black tea. So they have some of the same qualities of both green and black teas.

Health Benifits

The health benifits of oolong tea are simliar to green tea in helping to lower cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, destroying free radicas, reducing the growth of tumors and to aid in loosing weight. It is best known for its help with weight loss because they help build fat build up in the body and help lower the intake of fat content from high-cholesterol meals and increase the metabolism due to the tannic acid in Oolong teas.

One study done by Japan's University of Tokushima School of Medicine found that oolong tea had more than double the calorie burning properties when compared to green tea. In another related study, researchers found that drinking a cup of oolong tea 15 minutes before a meal may help reduce the build up of carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity. Though the degree of oxidation somewhat trims down some of its health benefits, oolong tea is nevertheless still one of the healthiest beverage you can enjoy as it also contains the polyphenols that act as antioxidants against free radicals in the body.