Oolong Tea
Feb 16, 2025
Oolong Tea
What is it?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is produced in Southern China. It is made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant through partial fermentation.
How does it work in the body?
The exact mechanism of how oolong tea acts in the body is unknown.
What is it used for?
There are limited human studies on the beneficial health effects of oolong tea. As a traditional use, oolong tea has been thought to burn body fat or increase metabolism effects. Some studies have focused on oolong tea's relationship with diabetes on whether it lowers blood glucose levels. Oolong tea can also be used to increase energy due to its caffeine content.
Diabetes: Multiple studies have focused on the effect that oolong tea plays on diabetes. One study conducted in 2011 focused on the long-term consumption of oolong tea. They concluded a positive association between prolonged oolong tea consumption and diabetes risk.
On the contrary, other studies found that after consuming oolong tea, glycemic levels were decreased. However, it is important to note that these studies did not focus on the long-term consumption of oolong tea. Metabolism/fat burning: A study conducted in 2003 looked at the resting energy expenditure of participants before and after consuming oolong tea when compared to those consuming water. It was suggested oolong tea had a positive effect on metabolism.
Dosage:
There is no exact dosage for oolong tea. With consuming 5300 mL of oolong tea for short periods of time, a positive effect on burning fat has been shown [111].
Safety concerns/side effects/precautions:
Just like any caffeine containing beverage, oolong tea should be avoided with other stimulants and should not be taken before bed.
Interactions with medications:
Unknown.
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