Any reputable tea and coffee company will have a decent stock of oolong tea. This oriental treasure has been revered for thousands of years for its numerous health benefits and its place as a staple of healthy living and a balanced diet in the Asian culture. One cannot deny that oolong tea truly is abundant with vitamins and minerals that have a profound impact on the digestive system, bone density, cognition, and even cardiovascular health. There is no evidence that would suggest oolong tea is a cure or preventive method for such ailments, but there is enough to show that oolong tea is a great supplement that can promote overall health.
So whether you like loose leaf oolong or tea bags, read on to learn about the various health benefits you can enjoy with a cup of oolong tea a day.
ANTIOXIDANTS
If you were to look up nutritional data for oolong tea, you’ll find that it contains sodium, niacin, quercetin, magnesium, manganese, potassium, fluoride, kaempferol, and myricetin. These are all highly effective antioxidants that help in eliminating free radicals from the body and reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses.
DIGESTION
Another often-quoted benefit of oolong is its promotion of digestive health. Regular consumption can keep your stomach in check, literally, as the alkaline nature of oolong keeps pH levels balanced at all times. Regular consumption of oolong tea can keep digestive ailments, such as acid reflux and ulcers, at bay. It’s also an effective antiseptic and can keep bad bacteria from festering in your digestive tract.
Oolong tea is also a great probiotic which promotes easier digestion. This quality makes it a staple at Asian restaurants and waiters will often ask patrons if they’d like to enjoy some oolong tea after they’ve finished their meal. If you’re skeptical, try a cup when you’re out for dinner next time.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
The antioxidants mentioned above are also very effective in maintaining your heart and promoting cardiovascular health. Regular consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the lowering of blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can cause arterial blockages leading to heart attacks and other serious heart complications. These facts have been evidenced by way of studies in various journals.
However, this does not mean you substitute any heart medicine that you may be on with oolong tea. Oolong is effective as a supplement but is not a cure in itself of any of the ailments discussed in this blog post.
IMPROVED BONE DENSITY
As we mentioned above, oolong tea has a lot of magnesium and calcium, both of which are amazing when it comes to bone health. Both of these nutrients help in building greater bone density leading to stronger bones and healthier teeth and gums. Magnesium is also quite effective in keeping plaque from building up in your mouth which reduces the risk of gum diseases such as gingivitis and inflammation. However, it should be noted that you can experience the full benefit of these nutrients in loose leaf tea more than ground or tea bag form. Grinding tea kills a good amount of the nutrients due to the friction and loose leaf tea allows you to enjoy the flavor, as well as the nutrients, a lot more.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.