While the health claims of green tea have been well-publicized, oolong tea offers similar benefits. Oolong tea is a fragrant, medium-body tea. Several varieties of this tea exist, each with own particular characteristics. Formosa oolong is considered the "champagne of teas," according to Jules Sowder LLC. Research supports the risks and benefits of drinking oolong tea, but the evidence is mixed. As with any dietary supplement, consult your doctor before taking oolong tea for medicinal purposes.
Improved Cognitive Function
The benefits of oolong tea vary. One aspect of research has focused on brain function. A 2010 study in the "Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging" found that drinking oolong tea improved cognitive function or the process of thought. The study focused on older individuals, aged 55 or older. Individuals experience improved memory and information processing. The findings were linked with tea drinking, however, and not coffee consumption.
Reduced Heart Disease Risk
One reason you may drink oolong tea is to lower your risk of heart disease. Research shows some promise regarding oolong tea. A 2010 study in the "Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health" looked at the effect of coffee, green tea, black tea and oolong tea consumption on cardiovascular disease. Among the study's participants, men who drank at least one cup of had a 38 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality than nondrinkers. For women, tea consumption lowered their risk by 22 percent.
Heartburn Relief
One of the more unexpected benefits of oolong tea consumption concerned the incidence and severity of heartburn. A 2010 study in the "Korean Journal of Gastroenterology" found evidence that oolong tea reduced the severity of after-meal heartburn episodes. Similar finding were found with carrot juice. Like cognitive function, the link between these findings suggests that the health benefits are not dependent upon caffeine. The findings showed that regular coffee had the highest incidence of heartburn.
Weight Loss
Green tea has been associated with weight loss. However, a similar benefit exists with oolong tea consumption. A 2009 study in the "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine" found that oolong day reduced weight by decreasing fat body content. Oolong tea accomplished this by improving fat metabolism. The study used waist size as an indicator of fat loss.
Caffeine Effects
Oolong tea contains caffeine, though less than other beverages such as regular coffee. Herein are the risks of drinking oolong tea. The severity of the effects varies with the individual. Caffeine may cause dizziness or irritability in some individuals, warns the Drugsite Trust. Sensitive individuals may experience difficulty in falling asleep. It may raise your blood pressure temporarily. It may also have a diuretic effect.
References
- Jules Sowder LLC: Wu-Long Tea - Oolong Tea
- "Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging"; Cognitive Function and Tea Consumption in Community Dwelling Older Chinese in Singapore; L. Feng et al; June 2010
- "Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health"; Coffee, Green Tea, Black Tea and Oolong Tea Consumption and Risk of Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease in Japanese Men and Women; Y. Mineharu et al; July 2010
- "Korean Journal of Gastroenterology"; The Relationship between the Popular Beverages in Korea and Reported Postprandial Heartburn; Y. Kim et al; February 2010
- "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine"; Beneficial Effects of Oolong Tea Consumption on Diet-Induced Overweight and Obese Subjects; R. He et al; February 2009
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