Green tea, black tea, and oolong tea are all derived from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant. The difference among them is the way they are processed. According to the University of Michigan, oolong tea is a lightly fermented tea that offers a flavor between that of green and black tea. On a continuum of fermentation, color, and antioxidant content, oolong tea also rests between green and black tea. Oolong green tea can offer many health benefits.
Effects On Bone Mineral Density
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, tea drinkers may have may have a higher bone mineral density than non-tea drinkers. A higher bone mineral density can help to protect you from experiencing fractures, osteoporosis, or other bone disorders. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that a study of Taiwanese men and women found that a longer duration of mainly oolong or green tea consumption was linked to a higher bone mineral density in the test subjects. The Institute states that the processes for a beneficial effect of tea intake on bone mineral density is not conclusive and more research is required.
Effects On Cholesterol
Medical News Today reports that drinking green and black teas may decrease your risk for heart disease. A 2004 report in Medical News Today says that the antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas may help to prevent the oxidation of LDL, bad cholesterol, and increase HDL, good cholesterol, in your body. Sources in the story recommend drinking a cup of tea a few times a day to gain these health benefits.
Increase In Energy Metabolism
A 2003 study by the "Journal of Medical Investment" studied the assertion that oolong tea has benefits to health such as reducing your body fat. Their study evaluated the effect that oolong tea had on energy expenditure when compared to the effect of green tea. The study indicated that energy expenditure was increased in the consumers of oolong tea. The study hypothesized that this was due to the higher polymerized polymers in oolong tea than in green tea. A higher energy expenditure may be associated with a lower body weight and body fat content.
References
- University of Michigan: Healing Foods Pyramid: Tea
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green tea
- Linus Pauling Institute: Tea and Chronic Disease Prevention
- Medical News Today:Drinking Tea Is Healthy, The Proof Is In
- Komatsu T, Nakamori M, Komatsu K, Hosoda K, Okamura M, Toyama K, Ishikura Y, Sakai T, Kunii D, Yamamoto S.(2003). Journal of Medical Investment: Oolong Tea Increases Energy Metabolism In Japanese Females. Aug;50(3-4)
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