What Is a Sedentary Lifestyle?
A life with little or no physical activity and exercise is known as a sedentary lifestyle. Sadly, this type of lifestyle has taken a negative toll on people's health. Interestingly, according to many research studies, tea that has derived its origin from China has certain amazing properties that increase a person's metabolism by at least 20 percent when consuming it at least twice daily. Oolong tea covers its role in traditional Chinese culture and its growing recognition for its potential health benefits.
What Is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is made from the plant's leaves, buds, and stems, called Camellia sinensis. It contains certain antioxidants called polyphenols, which activate the enzyme lipase, enhancing fat breakdown. This aids with weight loss in individuals with higher waist circumference and a higher basal metabolic rate. It is a partially oxidized tea that is available in colors intermediate between green and black tea.
How Is the Oolong Tea Processed?
The making process of oolong tea is mainly:
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Picking.
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Withering.
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Kneading.
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Fermenting.
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Baking.
The oolong leaves are bruised, dried, lightly rolled, roasted, finally rolled, and then dried. It absorbs the making methods of green tea and red tea, giving this kind of tea the fresh and floral fragrance of green tea and the mellow taste of black tea.
What Is the Origin of Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea originated in China, specifically in the Fujian province. It is one of the traditional Chinese teas with a long history dating back to centuries. The production of oolong tea involves a unique process of partial oxidation, which falls between the oxidation levels of green and black tea. This process gives oolong tea its distinct flavor profile and appearance. Oolong tea is now produced in various regions of China, Taiwan, and other countries with suitable climates and growing conditions for tea cultivation.
What Are the Uses and Effectiveness of Oolong Tea?
Following are the other benefits of oolong tea:
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Weight Loss: Oolong tea contains the properties of both green and black tea. The catechins present in the tea will aid in metabolism and relieve stress in an individual. It is a semi-oxidized tea, which is an intermediate between green and black tea. According to a research study in 2003, it was observed that the energy expenditure rate after consuming green tea increased by four percent after 120 minutes, and the energy expenditure after consumption of oolong tea increased by 10 percent after 120 minutes. Therefore, it has been declared that oolong tea increases the metabolic rate faster than green tea due to its caffeine content.
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Skin Health: Many individuals, especially females all over the world, have a common complaint of skin problems like acne, pimples, and stretch marks. The thioflavin-like compounds in the oolong tea can cure such skin issues and eczema (dry and inflamed skin). In addition, the flavonoids present in the oolong tea can destroy the free radicals scavenging the body, thereby preventing cancer.
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Prevents and Cures Type-2 Diabetes: Oolong tea can prevent and cure type-2 diabetes in obese individuals due to the compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), increasing glucose uptake inside cells and thus preventing hyperglycemia (increase in blood glucose levels). It thus helps to improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, oolong tea can aid in lipid metabolism when taken with the daily recommended amount of physical activity. They stimulate lipase activity, break down fat cells, and thereby improve the symptoms of type-2 diabetes by maintaining blood sugar levels.
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Prevents Tooth Decay: According to a study in 2013, oolong tea helps prevent tooth decay and dental caries. The catechins like EGCG possess antibacterial effects, thus preventing tooth decay and maintaining oral hygiene. Therefore, it is advisable to rinse the mouth with oolong leaves and 100 ml of water for antibacterial effects. In addition, these leaves are known to reduce the acid production in the mouth by Streptococcus mutans.
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Improves Symptoms of Bipolar Disease and Alzheimer's Disease: A compound called L-theanine present in the oolong tea can help stabilize the mood of the person affected by bipolar disease by reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms. This is very beneficial for the patient with chronic depression phase or manic phase in bipolar disease, which can only be controlled by strong medication. Oolong tea can help to increase memory power, concentration, and alertness in patients affected by Alzheimer's disease. It also helps to improve the sharpness level of an individual.
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Improves Heart Health: According to many studies, oolong tea promotes heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining them within the normal range. Thus, it helps to eradicate heart-related issues like arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. An individual can safely give a heart patient oolong tea to reduce the bad fat levels (very low-density lipoproteins) and increase the good fat levels (high-density lipoprotein) in the blood. Consuming foods rich in omega-three fatty acids can increase the levels of good fat in the body.
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Prevents Osteoporosis and Maintains Bone Health: Oolong tea is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All these nutrients are specifically known to promote bone health. In addition, oolong tea contains essential compounds called flavonoids, which regulate the osteoblast and osteocyte activity of the bone, that is, bone formation and bone reabsorption activity from the bones when less calcium is available in the blood.
What Are the Side Effects of Oolong Tea?
An ideal consumption of oolong tea of up to 300 ml per day, or even three small cups a day, would be fine because too much of anything is not good for health. However, excess consumption of oolong tea would lead to inhibition of iron absorption in the body, thus leading to anemia. It could also lead to symptoms like severe headaches due to the high caffeine content from the oolong tea due to overconsumption. Other symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, confusion, heartburn, tremor, and heartbeat fluctuation. Therefore, moderation is the key. Refrain from overdoing something. Always remember that it could have side effects, too.
What Are the Special Precautions and Warnings Associated With Oolong TEA?
Some special precautions and warnings that need to be considered are as follows:
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Caffeine is present in oolong tea and causes adverse effects in individuals who are sensitive to caffeine. The side effects include insomnia, anxiety, and increased heart rate.
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In pregnant and breastfeeding women, the high amount of caffeine may lead to miscarriages and low birth weight.
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Oolong tea may interact with certain medications.
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Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, stomach pain, and peptic ulcers.
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Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to oolong tea and may experience hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Conclusion:
The main benefit is that it contains antioxidants to help clear up the body's free radicals. The antioxidants present in oolong tea are catechins, the arubigin, and theaflavin. Oolong tea is beneficial to humankind in several ways. Try sipping some oolong tea now. Oolong tea has antioxidant properties, provides health benefits, and is a potential contributor to overall well-being. Oolong tea remains a symbol of harmony and timeless beauty of tea culture.