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Friday, May 04, 2007

The Short And Long Term Benefits Of Wu Long Tea

Wu long tea is also known as oolong. Basically, there are studies which have shown that there are a lot of benefits that come from drinking wu long tea.

Some of the benefits of wu long tea include its ability to reverse one's aging, help in losing weight, promote one's wholistic wellness.

Wu long tea is made of what?

Basically, all teas contain properties which include catechin, caffeine, teaflavin, polyphenals among others.

All these provide the body with benefits. These benefits basically depend on the quantity percentages of oxidation that occurs during the tea's production.

The benefits of wu long tea that are fermented actually differ from green teas due to the latter's short processing time as well as black tea's long process in oxidation.

The following are just some of the benefits that one could experience when drinking wu long tea.

Wu long tea helps one lose weight

Believe it or not, scientists and researchers from the School of Medicine of the University of Tokushima in Japan have discovered that those people who consume regular oolong tea actually experience more results when it comes to burning calories as compared to those who ingested green tea.

A study that has been published in the Medical Investigation Journal claim that those women who are able to consume wu long tea just right after eating a meal was able to expend increased energy by as much as ten percent.

Compare this result to a four percent expenditure of energy for drinkers of green tea and zero percent for those who drink water.

Meanwhile, studies conducted in Osaka, Japan particularly at the Research Center in Suntory have found those drinkers of wu long tea a few short fifteen minutes before taking in foods that have high carbohydrates content actually curb the rise of insulin, therefore reducing the fat effects of taking in carbohydrates.

Wu long tea and skin condition that is enhanced

Another study done from the Medical Science University of Japan in Shiga also claim that drinking wu long tea every day actually help clear up problems in one's skin in as little as a month.

Wu long tea and free radicals

Another study conducted by the University of California have discovered that those who drink wu long tea everyday experience a reduction of free radicals in as short as fifteen days.

Free radicals are basically substances that damage the body and actually contribute to aging, the production of dark spots, wrinkles as due to rays from the sun, additives from chemical food, stress and pollution.

Wu long tea and clean teeth

Another study in Japan, specifically the Dentistry Department of Osaka University has found out that regular intake of wu long tea cause the teeth to become strong thereby preventing the decaying of teeth and halting plaque build-up.

Wu long tea and the immune system

In a published study in the journal of Redox Signaling and Antioxidants show that those who took in wu long tea have immune system that is stronger. The risk of these people catching infections are also reduced.

All in all, drinking wu long tea actually has more benefits than disadvantages. However, though it is considered as a wonder tea for most, it is always best to first consult with your doctor on drinking wu long tea prior to adding it to your regular diet.

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Thursday, April 05, 2007

What is the Secret of Green Tea?

Well, green tea is rich in polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate or better known as EGCG, which is a powerful anti-oxidant. EGCG is twice as powerful as Resveratrol that's found in wine and grape skins. This is what gives green tea its beneficial effect for the heart and brain.

Studies suggest the green tea can inhibit cancer growth, kill cancer cells, lower LDL cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots.

It's hard to believe that a few cups of green tea could yield so many health benefits. The Chinese must have known about tea's positive attributes since they have been harvesting and drinking it for over 4700 years.

The only possible caution is that tea does contain caffeine. It's not believed to be too significant though since the caffeine content is lower than coffee, about 1/3. Tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid, that helps relax you. Tea helps to give you an "alert relax" state.

Some suggest that the fluoride content in some teas may be harmful for your health, but since its natural fluoride, instead of a byproduct like what's in our drinking water, it should be safer.

There are primarily four types of tea that originate from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, an evergreen tree. These are:

Black tea, which is probably the most common, located in supermarkets. They are allowed to oxidize, causing the leaves to darken and giving the tea a more robust flavor. Think of oxidation as when an apple you bite into sits a while turns brown.

Black tea was invented in China as a way to keep it fresh as it was exported great distances.

Oolong tea leaves are semi-oxidized, resulting in a blend between green and black tea.

White tea comes from the youngest tea leaves and is protected from the sun. It's not oxidized and has a delicate flavor. It's more fragile than other teas and could lose some of its health properties if it isn't brewed right.

Green tea is not oxidized and has a refreshing subtle taste. Green tea is high in Anti-oxidants such as EGCG. Green tea is known for its many health benefits and is probably the best to consume. Many recommend green tea as the "Tea of Choice".

Here are some benefits of drinking green tea:

  • Protects against Cancer
  • Protects the Heart
  • Lowers LDL Cholesterol
  • Arthritis
  • Infection
  • Immune functions
  • Protects the Liver
  • Protects Teeth
  • Mental Alertness
  • Lowers Stress Hormones
  • May help prevent HIV
  • Reduces Blood Pressure
  • Weight Loss
Well the list goes on. Tea is full of anti-oxidants which are beneficial for your health.

If you want to brew a great cup of tea, start with a good quality organic tea, preferably green tea.

  • Use one tea bag or 1-4 grams per cup
  • Start with fresh pure cold water and bring to a full boil
  • Pour the water over the tea bag and steep up to 3 minutes
  • Allow the tea to cool for a couple of minutes
  • Enjoy
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