Oolong tea results from bruising, wilting and partly oxidizing the leaves of Camellia sinesis, the plant that provides black and green tea. Oolong tea undergoes less fermentation than black tea. An 8-oz. cup of brewed oolong tea contains approximately 29 to 53 mg of caffeine. Preliminary studies suggest oolong tea may promote weight loss.
Preliminary Research
In a six-week study of 102 men and women, consuming 8 g of oolong tea per day resulted in a greater than 2.2-lb. weight loss for 66 percent of the overweight subjects, 64 percent of the obese subjects and 70 percent of the severely obese subjects. The researchers reported their findings in the February 2009 "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine."
Oolong tea appears to increase energy metabolism, the rate that your body burns calories. In a study on 12 men, full-strength oolong tea raised energy expenditure by 2.9 percent and resulted in a rate of fat oxidation 12 percent higher than when the subjects drank water, as reported in the November 2001 "Journal of Nutrition." Reducing calorie intake can slow your metabolism -- oolong tea may help counteract this effect and help you burn more fat, though further research is necessary.
Losing Weight
Losing weight requires burning more calories than you take in so that your body burns fat to help meet its energy needs. Fad diets and very-low calorie "detox" or "cleanse" programs result in the body breaking down lean tissue for fuel. Muscle loss decreases metabolism -- resulting in increased weight gain when you return to eating normally. Cutting 500 calories a day from the number of calories you need to maintain your current weight can help you lose about 1 lb. a week. Drinking oolong tea may promote fat-burning to support your weight loss. Regular, vigorous exercise and lifting weights also help to elevate your metabolism.
Considerations
Unlike many teas sold as "weight-loss tea," genuine oolong tea is not a laxative. A common misconception that marketers of laxative "weight-loss teas" profit from is the idea that increasing bowel movements results in weight loss. Because your body derives calories from food and beverages before the wastes reach your colon, taking teas that have a laxative effect doesn't affect absorption of calories. In fact, these products can be dangerous. Read the label on any tea marketed for weight loss and research any unfamiliar ingredients.
Tips
Organic oolong tea gives you the option of oolong tea free of pesticides. Buying oolong tea in loose leaf form in bulk from health food stores tends to be less expensive than buying it packaged in tea bags. Oolong tea contains less caffeine than black tea. It can increase mental alertness. Avoid taking oolong tea within three hours of bedtime, particularly if you have trouble sleeping. High doses of tea, including oolong, can cause nervousness and anxiety.
References
- Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine"; Beneficial Effects of Oolong Tea Consumption on Diet-Induced Overweight and Obese Subjects; R.R. He, et al; February 2009
- "Journal of Medical Investigation"; Oolong Tea Increases Energy Metabolism in Japanese Females; T. Komatsu; August 2003
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Oolong Tea Increases Metabolic Rate and Fat Oxidation in Men; William Rumpler, et al; November 2001
- Harvard Medical School: The Dubious Practice of Detox
- National Cancer Institute; Tea and Cancer Prevention; Nov. 17, 2010
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