What Are The Benefits Of Oolong Red Tea?

While black, green, white and oolong red teas are all from the same plant -- camellia sinensis -- the way they are processed sets them apart from each other. For health benefits, oolong red tea probably ranks in the middle of these teas, depending on how much it is oxidized and fermented. While it does not offer as many health benefits as the highly praised green tea, it provides many advantages that make it one to consider for your diet.

Nutritional Value

Oolong tea is rich in the vitamins and minerals calcium, manganese, copper, carotin, selenium, potassium, folic acid, niacin amide and vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Like most other teas, it has a high level of antioxidants. One cup of tea contains 40 mg of caffeine, 45 mg less than a cup of coffee.

Favored Flavor

Oolong tea is similar to green tea in taste, but without the grassy tang that you may find in green tea. It has a fruitful flavor with a matching aroma. Once brewed, oolong tea is dark brown in color, looking more like black tea than green tea. Its low caffeine content makes it more relaxing to drink than coffee.

Prevention

You cannot escape free radicals that lead to wrinkles, diseases and signs of aging, because they are in the air, food and even sunlight. But the antioxidants in oolong tea will help your body fight them, decreasing their negative effects. Oolong tea has also been shown to promote stronger bones, thereby decreasing your chances of developing osteoporosis. This tea may inhibit the bacteria streptococci in your mouth, preventing tooth decay. The National Cancer Institute says oolong tea may even be beneficial in the prevention of cancer.

Treatment

Oolong tea may help treat skin diseases such as eczema when combined with dermatologic treatments. A 2003 study in Taiwan found that type 2 diabetes patients who drank oolong tea daily for 30 days had a decrease in plasma glucose and fructosamine levels. This drink may also decrease cholesterol in the bloodstream as well as blood pressure. The natural polyphenols in oolong tea can help reduce stress.

Promotion

Oolong tea also promotes heart health. It can reduce blood triglyceride levels and aid in prevention of coronary artery disease. Its concentration of polyphenol compounds promote fat metabolism, thereby accelerating weight loss. The high antioxidant levels in oolong tea promote longevity by boosting the immune system to ward off ailments.