For many centuries Oolong Tea has been used for weight loss and is one of my favorites that we westerners should pay attention to. This tea is taken from the ancient Chinese tea culture and is a holistic weight loss method we can take advantage of.
This highly prized tea originated in the Fujian Provence's Anxi County in the Wuyu mountain range. Oolong tea went into production for the Ming household in the 12th century and was consumed by the emperor and his guests. The original Wuyi strains grown in Fujian are the most expensive and it is called Shui Hsien tea.
There are currently many varieties of Oolong Tea grown in China, Africa, Nepal, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia. The original Oolong Teas have been cultivated into sub varieties and are suited to taste by different production styles and horticulture methods expanding the teas flavor and aroma from thick and Smokey like coffee to sweet and fruity with a floral aroma and given names like Vintage Wuyi, Iron Goddess, and Black Dragon. I personally like the Black Dragon tea for the taste.
The benefits of drinking Oolong Tea are substantial because of its properties. This tea contains caffeine that stimulates the metabolism without being as harsh as coffee and also doesn't dehydrate the body like the caffeine in coffee does.
Oolong Tea also contains a powerful antioxidant called Egcg that repairs damaged cells and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
L-theanine is an amino acid that occurs in the tea that regulates serotonin and dopamine levels to keep you from feeling hungry.
The caffeine in the tea is not as strong as coffee has a calming effect helping with focus and concentration. This tea also hydrates the cells and skin instead of dehydrating like coffee giving you a healthy and more beautiful appearance.
These tea elements together promote focus, weight loss, health and beauty.
Steeping methods vary from traditional to modern but still require a few steps to extract the oils from the tea leaves to get the best flavor.
Water: Spring water or distilled water is best for steeping. Water with a high mineral content will react with the tea and change the flavor. Heat your water to 200 degrees F. and do not let the water boil.
Prepare your steeping pot with 2 teaspoons of Oolong Tea per cup of water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Quality teas can be used 3 or more times and taste better after the first steeping.
In Chinese culture tea making is considered an art form and is one of the essential elements along with rice, salt, soy sauce, fire wood, oil and vinegar. Tea drinking is associated with affluence, art literature, philosophy and self cultivation.
In my opinion with all of the benefits of drinking Oolong Tea it has become one of my favorites and should be incorporated into any weight loss program.
