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Tea culture is full of fascinating facts about the humble but powerful tea leaf. From black tea to green tea to white tea, faithful consumers of the ancient beverage can name a whole list of health benefits associated with tea.
It's common knowledge these days that adding tea to your regular diet can greatly improve your health in many ways. Most people tend to drink black tea for everyday consumption or green tea for its specific health benefits. But oolong tea is a step between the two.
What is oolong tea and what can it do for you? Oolong is fermented longer than green tea, but not as long as black tea. The result is a tasty and healthy beverage that retains many of the health benefits of green tea.
Specifically, oolong tea is prized for its ability to help dieters shed weight. Its weight-loss properties are thought to be more powerful than those of green tea and far more powerful than black tea. Below are just a few of the reported health benefits of this ancient healthy beverage.
Slowing of the Aging Process
The high levels of polyphenols in oolong tea help slow down the aging process of the skin and organs. Polyphenols fight free radicals, which can cause unwanted pigmentation and liver spots on the skin. Free radicals also cause wrinkles and other skin problems.
Free radicals are additionally responsible for other conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. A diet including oolong tea and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help to counteract the effects of free radicals. Within just a month of starting a daily oolong-drinking regimen, you may notice an improvement in your skin.
Improved Teeth Health
The polyphenols in oolong also kill bacteria in the mouth. Oolong tea drinkers may notice a decrease in cavities and gum disease. Drinking oolong tea following oral surgery may help to speed up healing time.
A Smaller Waistline
Although it is still being studied, the weight loss power of oolong has been in the spotlight for quite some time. It is said to be one of the most powerful natural fat-fighters available today. Numerous celebrities have stepped forward to offer their endorsement of this healthy beverage.
Polyphenols are also to thank for this health benefit. They are said to increase the enzyme that dissolves fatty deposits in the body. Oolong tea may actually help the body metabolize fat in a more effective way, resulting in a sleeker silhouette for those who drink it regularly.
A Stronger Immune System
In tea-drinking cultures, such as in China and Japan, the overall incidence of disease seems to be much lower than ours in Western cultures. While part of the low disease occurrence is due to a healthy diet rich in whole foods, tea may also play a part. Oolong tea has been said to boost the body's power to fight off illnesses. In fact, all teas have been said to carry this benefit for the regular drinker.
If you're worried about the taste of this healthy hybrid tea, rest assured that you will not be disappointed. Oolong tea lacks the heady vegetable flavor of green tea, but is not quite as strong as black tea. Rather, it combines a somewhat bitter taste with a sweet aftertaste. The result is a flavor that is completely unique to oolong.
Like other types of teas, oolong can be consumed hot or iced. Iced oolong tea is a wonderful treat on a hot summer day. A steamy cup of hot oolong tea is a comforting, lower-caffeine substitute for coffee on a chilly morning.
With all these health benefits and an appealing taste, it's easy to see why oolong tea is gaining popularity. While it still accounts for only about two percent of tea consumption worldwide, oolong is quickly becoming a favorite among dieters and health-conscious tea lovers everywhere.
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Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-Oolong-Tea?-And-Why-Should-You-Drink-It?&id=6421322
