In the book "Bencao Shiyi", it is mentioned that "drinking tea for a long time makes people thin and eliminates body fat." There are also historical records in medical history that drinking tea can lower fat and aid in weight loss. In both Japan and France, Chinese oolong tea is referred to as "slim tea," indicating its remarkable effectiveness in breaking down fat and promoting weight loss and fitness.
Numerous studies have proven the weight loss benefits of oolong tea.
In an experiment conducted by Japanese researcher Iwata Takako and others on adult women, drinking seven cups of normal-strength loose leaf oolong tea daily for six consecutive weeks resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of triglycerides and phospholipids in the blood plasma, while the proportion of HDL to total cholesterol increased.
In a study published in 1999, early reports suggested that oolong tea contains caffeine, which can promote fat breakdown by acting on lipid droplets rather than hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). This indicates that oolong tea might be an effective remedy for fatty liver and obesity caused by a high-fat diet.
A 2018 study found that oolong tea extract, particularly its component catechins, can reduce body weight and lower body fat content in individuals with diet-induced overweight and obesity through lipid metabolism.
In a 2007 study, researchers proposed that oolong tea polyphenols have an inhibitory effect on the elevation of postprandial serum triglycerides. This suggests that oolong tea (beverage) rich in tea polyphenols significantly inhibits the increase in postprandial serum triglycerides and hyperlipidemia, supporting its potential to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
In a 14-day study involving 12 non-obese men drinking oolong tea, caffeine, or a placebo during breakfast and lunch, oolong tea increased fat oxidation by about 20%, with no impact on 24-hour energy expenditure. The respiratory quotient during sleep decreased more with oolong tea than with caffeine. Oolong tea significantly stimulated fat oxidation after ingestion, and this effect was partially inhibited in the postprandial state. Drinking oolong tea for two weeks increased fat oxidation.
In a 2018 study comparing the lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and liver-protective effects of catechin-enriched green tea and oolong tea through a double-blind clinical trial, catechin-enriched oolong tea demonstrated stronger lipid-lowering activity compared to catechin-enriched green tea or placebo.
For better weight loss results, it is recommended to consume high-quality oolong tea. Classic loose leaf oolong teas such as Da Hong Pao, TieGuanyin, and Fenghuang Dancong are worth trying. To purchase the best loose leaf tea, feel free to explore the various tea selections offered by iTeaworld. They provide a variety of tea samplers to make it easy for you to try multiple classic loose-leaf teas and discover high-quality teas that suit your taste.
Recommended Brewing Method for Oolong Tea
Different teas have different brewing methods, and to fully bring out the effects of tea leaves, the correct brewing method is essential. So, do you know the proper way to brew oolong tea?
1.Water Temperature
Boil the water and brew immediately, with a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. Higher water temperature leads to higher tea juice extraction rate, resulting in a concentrated tea flavor, high aroma, and the unique charm of oolong tea.
2.Brewing Time and Frequency
Oolong tea is quite durable for brewing, generally allowing for 5 to 6 brews, still retaining lingering fragrance. The brewing time should start short, around 2 minutes for the first brew, and gradually increase with each subsequent brew. This ensures a consistent tea concentration for easy appreciation.
3.Cleaning Tea Utensils and Rinsing Tea Leaves Before Brewing
Before brewing, rinse tea utensils (teapot, teacup, tea tray) with boiling water to maintain cleanliness and improve the temperature of the utensils. After placing tea in the teapot, pour boiling water along the inner wall of the teapot, pouring out the water immediately. This is called "rinsing the tea," removing floating dust and foam from the tea leaves, making it easier to appreciate the true taste. After rinsing, pour in boiling water again, with the water level just overflowing the teapot lid. Cover the teapot.
4.Pouring Water Method
Pour water from high to low, and during the entire oolong tea brewing process, frequently rinse the teapot to maintain the water temperature and fully extract the aroma of the tea leaves.
Drinking an appropriate amount of oolong tea every day can help you achieve good weight loss results. Oolong tea is suitable for consumption at various times, such as during meals. Pairing oolong tea with meals can effectively remove the greasiness of food and increase a sense of fullness, resulting in reduced food intake and decreased fat accumulation in the body.
