Oolong Tea (also known as Wu-long tea) is derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. It is well known for its effects in promoting weight loss and speeding up the overall metabolism rate. Even though that is just one of the many benefits of Oolong tea, for those who are trying to lose weight it is this property of Oolong tea that often leads them to make it an important part of their diet. The process of making Oolong tea is unique and hence the overall properties are different from black and green tea. To prepare oolong tea the plant needs to be withered under the strong sun and then goes for oxidation before curling and twisting. Hence, Oolong tea is only partially oxidized.

Read more: What is oolong tea and health benefits of it

How does Oolong tea promote weight loss?

One might wonder what is so unique about Oolong tea that makes it useful for weight management. The answers lie in the overall composition of oolong tea and the various useful compounds present in it.

The two main ways to reduce food-related body weight are; increase energy expenditure (EE) and inhibit the absorption of nutrients, including fat and carbohydrates and oolong tea helps in both the ways.

Oolong tea is full of antioxidants and hence it helps in boosting up the metabolism rate by up to ten per cent which leads to more burning of calories.

These antioxidants also help in burning fat more effectively and strengthen the overall immune system. Oolong tea is also known to have a significant amount of caffeine (though lower than black tea) that works effectively with the EGCGs to help in burning of overall fat. 

Another important effect of oolong tea is in reducing overall cravings by maintaining blood sugar levels. The polymerized polyphenols present in oolong tea also help in increasing the overall metabolic rate and hence promote weight loss. Polyphenols also help in reducing overall absorption of fat in the body and lowers cholesterol levels. This is because the polyphenol molecule activates the enzyme lipase which is responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.

Oolong tea also helps in improving overall digestion which helps in maintaining overall body weight. This is because of its antiseptic properties which help in killing all the bad bacteria leading to overall health and smooth functioning of the digestive system. Because it is alkaline in nature, it also helps in soothing ulcer and other acidic problems.

Oolong tea in itself is calorie-free and hence it is a healthy beverage to add to your routine for losing weight. In fact, it would do you well to replace your daily dose of tea/coffee by oolong tea. It’s a great beverage to have before your workout as it gives you an energy boost and helps you in burning more calories.

How is Oolong tea different from Green tea in promoting weight loss?

The difference in green tea and oolong tea is processing. All tea is green when picked. Green tea is heated in order to halt the natural enzymatic reaction (oxidation) of the leaf. Once dried, green tea leaves are then rolled intentionally breaking the cell structure.

Oolong tea leaves are plucked, kept under carefully controlled conditions and allowed to oxidize. These leaves are not intentionally broken, leaving most of the cell structure intact. These processing differences make each category of tea beneficially different even though they come from the same plant.

Oolong tea is more beneficial in promoting weight loss because the caffeine and EGCG content is much higher in the green tea versus the oolong tea. Also, the concentration of polymerized polyphenols was significantly higher in the oolong tea versus the green tea.

How to make Oolong tea to lose weight?

You can use oolong tea bags or tea leaves to make your tea. You can even consider combining it with green tea to increase overall impact.

Making Oolong tea with tea bags

• Take 1 cup of hot water and dip the oolong tea bag into it.
• Cover it with a saucer and let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Take out the tea bag and consume the oolong tea.

Making Oolong tea with tea leaves (without infuser)

• Mix a teaspoon of oolong tea powder in a cup of hot water.
• Steep it for about 10–15 minutes.
• Strain the tea and allow it to cool slightly.

Making Oolong tea with tea leaves (with infuser)

• Bring water to 190–200 degrees Fahrenheit on the stove.
• Pour the water in a cup.
• Fill a tea infuser with a teaspoon or two of loose oolong tea leaves for every cup of tea.
• Place in the cup and allow it to steep for 2–6 minutes.

Making oolong tea with green tea

• Take 1 cup of hot water.
• Add both the oolong and green tea powder to it.
• Let it steep for 5 minutes.
• Strain it and sip the tea slowly.

How often should I drink Oolong tea?

Oolong tea must be taken twice daily to observe effects on overall body weight and promoting weight loss. But one should ensure that the consumption isn’t too much as that can cause adverse effects. 

As oolong tea contains a good amount of caffeine, the consumption of too much of oolong tea may cause mild to serious side effects like vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, nervousness, sleep problems, irregular heartbeat, headache, upset stomach, etc.

Also, oolong tea also contains natural fluorides. Hence, overconsumption should be avoided as it can increase the fluoride content in the body and cause skeletal fluorosis.

Where can I buy Oolong tea?

Pure Ceylon Oolong Tea is available on Teakruthi.

It is a low grown blend that offers a fragrant, gentle experience and is harvested from a single estate in the Galle District in Sri Lanka, our green Oolong tea is certified ‘ozone-friendly’. Like all of our favourite teas, our Ceylon Oolong blend is packed with antioxidants, making it good for both the environment and you. 

The manufacturing process of this tea demands precision and care in every step, as it is semi-fermented. It is fresh and mild in flavour and orange in appearance. It is distinctive for its aroma, leaf, and liquor.

Read our complete guide to Ceylon tea.

About the author

Shreya Dalela

Contributing author

Shreya loves to research and write about tea and claims Mythical Green Pure Ceylon Green Tea to be her favorite go-to beverage. She swears that her daily cup of green tea gives her a dose of morning inspiration as she sits down to type 1000s of words every day. To unwind at the end of the day, she reaches for a cup of soothing Ananda Veda Green Tea infusion. You can often find her saying 'Everything is better with a cup of tea' :)

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