4 healthy properties of oolong tea (and how to prepare it)

The plant of origin of oolong tea is the same as that of green tea or black tea. The difference is in the degree of fermentation, which in oolong tea is intermediate: it is neither green nor black, it is blue. It is considered a semi-fermented variety.

How is oolong tea made?

Traditional oolong tea originates from southeast China and Taiwan. The oxidation and fermentation of the leaves is precisely controlled by painstaking manual work. First they are left to dry a bit in the open air, then they are rolled up and beaten to release juices and enzymes to act, and at the right moment they are heated to stop fermentation. at the end the leaves They show a characteristic bluish hue. It can then be lightly toasted. The result is a tea with a floral or fruity aroma.

The origin of its name is legendary. There are several theories, but one says that a man named Wu Liang (who ended up becoming Oolong) discovered tea by accident when he was distracted by a deer after a hard day of collecting, and by the time he remembered the tea had already started to fade. ferment and presented its attractive bluish color.

4 health benefits that oolong tea will provide you

1. May Promote Heart Health

Teas like oolong may be beneficial for heart and vascular health due to the high levels of antioxidant polyphenols.

Antioxidants help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In a study of 76,000 people in Japan, researchers found that people who drank about a quart of oolong tea a day had 61% less risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Chinese researchers discovered that consuming only one to two cups of oolong tea a day significantly reduced the risk of stroke.

2. Supports brain function

The caffeine contained in oolong tea not only briefly stimulates the nerve cells of the brain, thereby increasing the ability to perform and concentrate, but in combination with other antioxidant compounds present in the tea such as l-theanine, may have a protective effect on the brain.

For example, older Chinese oolong and green tea drinkers show better cognitive functions and abilities than the comparison groups.

3. May Have Anti-Cancer Effects

Antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols contained in oolong tea They have antioxidant effects that can prevent cellular alterations related to the development of cancer. According to a recent study, they can also influence the expression of certain genes. The risk of developing certain types of cancer is reduced by regular consumption of tea.

4. Calms the stomach

Oolong tea contributes to reducing the acidity of the diet. Due to its alkaline character, it has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Aches and pains in the stomach, such as pain, a feeling of fullness or digestive problems can sometimes be alleviated by drinking oolong tea.

How to make a cup of oolong tea

Oolong tea is found in rolled loose leaves or in muslin bags (avoid presentations in plastic bags, which can release particles).

To make it at home, you should use purified water that has not come to a boil, with a temperature close to 90ºC. This ensures the best flavor profile and reduces the loss of active compounds. Higher water temperatures can destabilize and reduce antioxidants in tea such as its polyphenols.

The strongest antioxidant activity is achieved with a 3-minute infusion. You can serve it cold by preparing it first with hot water and then leaving it in the fridge.

To make the perfect cup

Brew about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea or a tea bag. Heat the water to just a simmer. Steep for 3 minutes. Taste the tea to test its flavor. If you like it stronger, you can lengthen the infusion time, but take care that it does not exceed 10 minutes.

Scientific references: