Like its relatives, green and black, Oolong Tea comes from the buds, leaves, and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. While green tea is unfermented and black tea is fully fermented, Oolong is partially fermented. In China, it is known as Red tea. It is derived from the northern and southern Fujian Provinces, the Guandong Province, and Taiwan.

History of Oolong Tea

Originally, Oolong was cultivated in the Fujian province during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Known then as Beiyun Tea, it became the first tribute tea in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The Emperor, impressed with its quality selected regions to produce the tea that would be offered to the royal court as a gift, and the Beiyun form was bestowed with the honor.

This honor brought many to the region of Fujian, from government officials to monks and scholars. The tea took on the name Wuyi or Cliff tea, for the Wuyi Mountain region in which it was grown. It also continued to be the tribute well into the 20th century.

The Wuyi tea was altered by producers in the Anxi region into the Oolong that we know today. It was introduced in 1796 to Northern Fujian and Tawain where much of it is still cultivated.

What are the benefits of Oolong Tea?

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine cites several important health benefits to drinking Oolong Tea.
  • Like green and black tea, it contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that may prevent cancer and tooth decay.
  • It is a source of Vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system. This extends to enhancing skin health and can reduce skin irritations.
  • Oolong is used as a weight-loss aid, in that the performance of enzymes help break down fat and increase fat metabolism.
  • It has been known to lower cholesterol, relax muscles in the bronchial tract, and regulate body temperature.
  • Because of its caffeine content, which stimulates the central nervous system, Oolong can enhance mental alertness.

Studies have shown a reduced risk of ovarian cancer in women who regularly drink tea, including green, black and Oolong.

Drinking more than 2 cups of tea daily cut the cancer risk by almost half.

There are also benefits that contribute to good health based on the habit of tea drinking. For instance, drinking a hot beverage can calm nerves, reduce stress, and promote a sense of wellness. Sipping tea can be used to curb the appetite between meals to aid in weight-loss and weight management.

Conclusion

As an ancient remedy, long respected and utilized, drinking Oolong is an excellent way to promote wellness. Its antioxidant properties alone are worth considering, especially in the toxic rich environment that we live in. It is helpful for weight reduction, increasing metabolism and staving hunger between meals. With a mild, earthy flavor, it can be enjoyed sans sugar for optimal benefit. Adding Oolong to your diet is just one simple way to improve your health and long life.
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