How to Understand Oolong Tea and Weight Loss

Oolong tea and weight loss are two things that seem to go hand in hand, especially lately. It seems that people are realizing that when it comes to tea, green tea isn't the only one that has weight loss benefits. So does oolong, black tea, even white tea.



Coincidence? Not quite. All of these teas originate from the same plant: Camillia Sinensis. Green tea, for example, is picked and dried, whereas oolong tea is oxidized and then dried, which is why it's darker.



Let's explore the weight-loss benefits of oolong tea. And, in case you're wondering what the tea truly is... it is what they typically serve with your meal in Chinese restaurants throughout the US.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Oolong tea is super healthy and is rich in polyphenols. These have the same function in your body as antioxidants. Since tea has virtually no calories, the polyphenol makes it a good beverage for dieters. And since it is also high in polyphenols, that also makes it nutrient dense. A diet that has a high nutrient density is said to promote weight loss. The polyphenols are also responsible for blocking dietary fat from getting absorbed into the body.

2. Another benefit of oolong tea is that it contains some caffeine, a stimulant that has long been touted for helping with weight loss. Oolong tea doesn't have as much caffeine as coffee, so it is much gentler on the body.

3. Besides the caffeine, there are other ways that it can help you lose weight. Studies have also shown that oolong tea increases fat-burning capabilities and boosts metabolism.

4. Drink several cups of oolong tea a day, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly--and you'll be well on your way to effective weight loss and a healthier body.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase oolong tea in tea bags or loose.
• Don't add milk to your tea if you want the fat-burning affects. Milk binds to the fat-burning compounds and prevents them from being absorbed in the body.
• Don't use drinking oolong tea as an excuse for eating poorly.
• Stay away from tea in any form if you have adrenal gland exhaustion. The caffeine content aggravates the condition.

[kohuether]

on 1/2/2009 Oolong is the first tea I really started enjoying. Thanks for the positive feedback and for stopping in!

[Cherst1031]

on 1/1/2009 Good to know it is good for me, too, because I really like the oolong tea that I have been getting at the Asian market, and it is fairly inexpensive.

[lymanalo]

on 12/18/2008 I used to enjoy oolong tea when I lived in Japan for a couple of years. I guess that's why I was of less girth lol. 5 stars and a recommendation from me!

[StacyP]

on 12/17/2008 Oolong tea is a nice alternative to drinking black or green tea. Great info!

[kohuether]

on 12/17/2008 Ljstraight, let me know how it works!

Derbyka, thanks for the feedback. :-)

Rachellewms - yes, as a kid I would encourage my parents to take us out for Chinese food not for the food, but for the tea!