Oolong Tea Benefits & Side Effects

Have you ever wondered about the benefits of Oolong Tea? Despite its undeniable appeal, this infusion has been overshadowed by Green and Black Tea. However, it is capable of enhancing life in meaningful ways. Surprisingly, it only accounts for 2% of all Tea consumption worldwide.

As an aficionado of Tea, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company offers a diverse selection of varieties that our customers adore. Whether you're a brewing beginner or a devoted fan, we invite you to learn about the health benefits of Oolong Tea. Try our selection for yourself and experience the difference.

Discover the extensive oolong tea benefits in this comprehensive article. Find out all you need to know about this delicious and nutritious drink.

Oolong Tea Nutrition

Experts appreciate its unique blend of green and black tea qualities, resulting in a refreshing aroma and robust flavour profile. This delightful combination is no accident. The middle ground offers a plethora of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants due to its oxidation level sitting between the two extremes.

Caffeine	Epigallocatechin Gallate	Fluoride
Kaempferol	L-Theanine	Magnesium
Manganese	Myricetin	Niacin
Polyphenols	Potassium	Quercetin
Sodium	Theaflavins	Thearubigins

 

A single cup of oolong tea has traces of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, along with 38mg of caffeine. Meanwhile, a cup of green tea has only 29mg of caffeine.

Oolong Tea for Diabetes

According to recent statistics, there are now 4.3 million people in the UK with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes. The number of registered cases for the coming year has increased by 148,951 compared to the previous year. Moreover, over 2.4 million individuals are at significant risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the UK.

This tea type can aid in shielding you from diabetes and related complications by alleviating insulin resistance, reducing inflammation and other mechanisms. Numerous studies have presented the efficacy of tea in preventing diabetes.

Recent research suggests that drinking tea regularly can significantly enhance blood sugar control. This  decreases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Both a comprehensive 2019 review and a more recent 2021 study highlight the positive effects of tea consumption on overall health.

Also the research has found evidence that consuming six cups of oolong per day over the course of 30 days could potentially lead to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Oolong Tea for Weight Loss

Obesity poses a significant and intricate issue in public health around the world. It can lead to a decrease in life expectancy and increases the likelihood of chronic illnesses. Such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver and respiratory diseases, as well as affecting mental health. When assessing the prevalence of obesity in adults, the most reliable source is the Health Survey for England.

According to the 2021 Health Survey for England, 25.9% of adults in the country are obese. An additional 37.9% are overweight but not to the point of being classified as obese. The medical definition of obesity is having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. While a BMI between 25 and 30 is considered "overweight."

Studies have found that oolong tea benefits can help reduce body fat and increase metabolism, making it an effective tool in the fight against obesity and weight loss. Research shows that it promotes fat burning and can increase your body's calorie burn by up to 3.4%.

Recent studies on animals have found that extracts from oolong tea can directly decrease body fat by increasing fat oxidation. Human studies are limited to one small study that suggests oolong tea may increase energy expenditure in adults, but not fat oxidation. Further research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.

Oolong May Help Relieve Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dryness, itching, and bumps. It weakens your skin's barrier function, compromising its ability to retain moisture and safeguard your body from external influences. Eczema falls under the category of dermatitis, which refers to various conditions that trigger skin inflammation.

In a 2001 study, researchers investigated the potential of oolong tea in managing severe eczema cases. The study involved 118 individuals who were instructed to consume 33 ounces (1 litre) of oolong tea daily, alongside their usual treatment. The results of the study are important for those looking for a natural supplement to support eczema management.

Within a month, there was a significant improvement in their conditions, ranging from considerable to moderate. The study revealed that the signs of improvement were detected within the first 1 to 2 weeks. Additionally, the said improvement was sustained throughout, with 54% of individuals still experiencing it even 5 months later.

The antioxidants found in oolong tea, known as polyphenols, could potentially alleviate eczema symptoms with lasting effects. However, further research is required to fully understand the benefits.

Aids Blood Pressure and Heart Health 

Your heart is a remarkable machine that pumps around 100,000 times a day to circulate approximately five litres (eight pints) of blood throughout your body. This process involves a network of blood vessels known as the circulatory system. This supplies oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body, allowing your organs and muscles to function correctly. Additionally, it helps remove waste products and undesirable carbon dioxide from your system.

A study conducted on over 76,000 Japanese adults revealed that men who consumed 8 ounces (240 mL) or more of oolong tea per day had a significant reduction of 61% in their risk of developing heart disease.

It's important to note that oolong tea does contain caffeine, which may cause a slight increase in blood pressure for some individuals. However, research has provided inconsistent results on the link between blood pressure and caffeine. Therefore more studies are needed before making any definitive conclusions.

It's worth noting that an 8-ounce cup of oolong tea contains only about one-quarter of the caffeine found in the same amount of coffee. Therefore any potential negative effects on hypertension are likely to be minimal.

Oolong Tea Benefits Brain Function

The brain is a vital organ that regulates numerous bodily functions. It continuously processes and interprets all the sensory input you receive, including sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Comprising various intricate components, the brain works in harmony to facilitate optimal functioning.

Contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which research suggests can enhance brain activity, promote better sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, the antioxidants present in it have brain-protecting properties that may help combat neurodegenerative diseases which negatively impact the nervous system.

Ongoing research is exploring the potential benefits of oolong tea in disease prevention, including Alzheimer's and dementia, related to cognitive decline.

In 2008, a study discovered that individuals who regularly consume tea, particularly black and oolong, were less likely to experience cognitive decline or impairment. Although a later study focused solely on oolong tea, it supports the earlier findings. These results suggest that tea drinking may have cognitive benefits.

Tea, specifically oolong tea, contains essential substances like caffeine, antioxidant, and theanine which can help enhance brain function and improve mood.

Oolong Tea and Cholesterol

Cholesterol, a type of blood fat produced by the liver and found in certain foods, is essential to our body’s functioning. However, an excess can cause a buildup in the arteries, leading to future health problems, such as heart disease.

When it comes to cholesterol, not all types are created equal. Two main types, LDL and HDL cholesterol, have varying effects on the body. Your healthcare provider may have discussed these with you. It's important to know the differences to maintain good health.

LDL cholesterol, also known as ‘bad cholesterol’, can lead to health issues such as heart disease or stroke when there is too much of it in your bloodstream. On the other hand, you do require a certain level of it. Conversely, HDL cholesterol, or ‘good cholesterol’, helps prevent disease by transporting cholesterol from your cells back to the liver for breakdown.

A recent study conducted in China investigated the connection between oolong tea consumption and cholesterol levels. This was to examine its possible correlation with heart disease. The study revealed that people who drank 10 ounces or more of it each week had a lower risk of high total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL or "bad" cholesterol.

The same was true for those who consumed similar amounts of green or black tea. Furthermore, individuals who had been regularly drinking oolong tea for an extended period displayed lower levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol.

These findings suggest that oolong tea benefits have potential heart-healthy benefits due to its capability in lowering cholesterol levels. Making it an ideal and natural health supplement for cardiovascular support.

May Protect Against Some Cancer

Cancer is a condition where some cells in the body grow uncontrollably and spread to other areas. This can happen almost anywhere in the body which is comprised of trillions of cells. Typically, cells in the human body will grow and multiply when needed, but when this process fails, abnormal or damaged cells can cause tumours. These growths may or may not be cancerous.

A team of Taiwanese researchers delved into the link between tea consumption and head and neck or throat cancer. They found that drinking one cup of oolong tea a day may lower the risk by 4 percent, but this effect was not conclusive.

On the other hand, consuming one cup of green tea daily correlated to a significant 6 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing head and neck cancer.

Although tea is often thought to reduce the risk of cancer, the National Cancer Institute states that current research does not definitively support this claim.

Oolong is Good for Oral Health

Maintaining good oral health is vital as it can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing diseases such as endocarditis, stroke, and heart disease. Numerous studies have concluded that individuals with gum disease are at two to three times higher risk of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, or other severe cardiovascular issues. Additionally, there is a known association between oral health and cancer.

Not only is oolong packed with benefits, but it also boasts fluoride. A powerful compound is known for fortifying tooth enamel, the protective layer that shields your teeth. By drinking oolong tea, you can prevent plaque build-up, curb the enzymes that break down tooth enamel and guard against tooth-damaging acids produced by harmful bacteria.

While most fluoride comes from toothpaste and drinking water, oolong tea is a rich source of it too. Sip your way to a healthier, stronger smile!

Oolong Tea Side Effects

While oolong tea boasts lower caffeine levels than coffee, those susceptible to caffeine should still consume it in moderation. Additionally, tea has been linked to decreased absorption of iron from plant-based foods. Studies have also suggested that children who regularly consume tea may be at higher risk of developing iron deficiencies.

To reduce the effect of tea on iron absorption, it's best to drink it separately from meals. Vitamin C-rich foods consumed with plant-based foods during meals, however, can enhance the amount of iron absorbed.

Consuming excessive amounts of polyphenol antioxidants can have negative effects on your health by causing them to act as pro-oxidants. While it is unlikely to occur simply from drinking tea, taking polyphenol supplements may result in an excess intake. It is important to be mindful of your consumption to maintain a healthy balance.

Oolong Tea and Pregnancy

As an expectant mother, you're probably wondering which drinks to steer clear of during your pregnancy. Oolong tea is made from the same plant as green and black teas and contains valuable compounds as well as differing levels of caffeine. Let's explore its benefits and risks together.

The health benefits of oolong tea have been known to help protect against bone loss during pregnancy due to the presence of fluoride. However, this benefit is only applicable when the drink is consumed in moderation (up to 4 cups a day).

Over-consumption can result in an excessive intake of caffeine. This can then lead to potential problems such as low birth weight and regulatory heartbeats.

Conclusion

Oolong tea offers a variety of health benefits that make it an ideal drink choice. It can help lower cholesterol, protect against bone loss during pregnancy, and even decrease the risk of certain cancers. However, as with anything consumed in excess, Oolong Tea does come with some side effects.

For those looking to reap the benefits of oolong tea without any negative repercussions, moderation is key! At Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we offer a delicious range of oolong's for you to enjoy in moderation and benefit from its many advantages. Try our selection today and experience the difference!