Oolong, or "wu long" as it is sometimes called, is a type of Chinese tea that's quickly wilted in the sun, bruised to begin oxidation and spread to dry. After being fired in a wok, the leaves are briefly fermented and fired again in order to dry out. Often, oolong tea ---which is packed with health benefits---is then scented with night-blooming jasmine flowers.
Obesity
Based on a 1999 study of mice that ate high-fat diets, the International Journal of Obesity reports oolong tea can fight obesity and boasts hypolipidemic effects (meaning it reduces lipid concentrations). The same study, which took place over the course of 10 weeks, showed oolong also helps fight fatty liver resulting from a high-fat diet. Oolongtea.org also notes drinking oolong tea can lower triglycerides, given the presence of polyphenol.
Nutrient and Vitamin-Packed
Tea Association of USA rates oolong tea between green and black teas when it comes to health benefits, based on the fact that its leaves are partly oxidized. Rich in anti-oxidants, oolong tea is loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, copper, selenium, potassium, manganese and vitamins A, B, C, E and K as well as folic acid. It's also full of polyphenolic compounds.
Skin
A study, conducted by Japan's Shiga University of Medical Science and published in the Academic Journal Archives of Dermatology, notes drinking three cups of oolong tea three times a day helps patients with eczema. Improvements can generally be seen in less than a week. Drinking oolong tea has also been shown to nourish the skin.
Anti-Aging
Dr. Kenichi Yanagimoto of the University of California conducted a study in 2004 that showd oolong tea has the ability to reduce free radicals---which are linked to aging, wrinkles and age spots---by up to 50 percent. The study notes regularly drinking oolong tea can help the body fight off damage caused by stress, toxins, pollution, food additives and colorants. Based on this finding, the study notes that drinking oolong tea can lead to a more youthful appearance.
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