12 Melhores benefícios do chá oolong para a pele, cabelo e saúde

O chá Oolong combina as qualidades de vários chás escuros e verdes. Mas, estranhamente, esse chá representa apenas 2% do consumo mundial de chá. O chá Oolong tem certos benefícios maravilhosos. Ajuda a estimular o metabolismo e a emagrecer, além de prevenir diversas doenças crônicas.

Este chá pode enriquecer sua vida de muitas outras maneiras. Neste post, vamos discutir todos eles.

Índice

• O que é o chá Oolong?
• Qual é a história do chá Oolong?
• O chá Oolong é bom para você?
• Fatos nutricionais do chá Oolong
• Quais são os benefícios para a saúde do chá Oolong?
• Oolong Tea vs. Chá Preto vs. Chá Verde vs. Chá branco - qual é o melhor?
• Quanto Chá Oolong Você Pode Beber Por Dia?
• Alguma receita de chá Oolong saudável?
• Algum fato divertido sobre o chá Oolong?
• Onde comprar chá oolong
• Quaisquer efeitos colaterais do chá Oolong?

O que é o chá Oolong?

Em termos simples, o chá oolong é um chá chinês tradicional. É preparado a partir das folhas da planta Camellia sinensis, a mesma planta utilizada no preparo dos chás verdes e pretos. É comumente consumido na China e em Taiwan.

As diferenças entre os vários tipos de chá geralmente residem nos métodos de processamento. Falando em chá oolong, ele é parcialmente fermentado. Além disso, enquanto o chá verde não é muito oxidado e o chá preto é completamente oxidado até ficar preto, o chá oolong é apenas parcialmente oxidado - o que é responsável pela cor e pelo sabor característico do chá (1).

Mas hey, você também gostaria de saber a história deste chá, não é?

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Qual é a história do chá Oolong?

A história deste chá pode ser rastreada até a Dinastia Ming, que é como em meados do século 13. E como o chá foi descoberto, contamos a vocês, é uma história interessante.

A lenda diz que uma vez um fazendeiro estava colhendo folhas de chá para prepará-lo. No meio do processo, ele viu uma cobra preta (pronuncia-se 'wu long' em chinês) e fugiu do local. Quando ele voltou no dia seguinte, as folhas estavam verde-amarronzadas. Ele preparou essas folhas e ficou tão surpreso com o novo sabor que deu o nome da cobra que o assustou.

Mas sim, é uma história. E há alguns outros que nos contam como o chá foi descoberto. Não sabemos qual é o mais próximo da verdade - e isso não importa muito. O que importa é o quão bom este chá é para você.

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O chá Oolong é bom para você?

O chá Oolong representa apenas 2% do chá mundial. Mas pode apostar que é bom. O chá contém flavonóides, cafeína (não tanto quanto no chá preto), flúor e teanina. A maioria dos benefícios do chá oolong pode ser atribuída às suas catequinas - elas o tornam particularmente eficaz na prevenção de doenças como doenças cardíacas, câncer, obesidade, diabetes, estresse oxidativo e até declínio cognitivo (2).

Os fatos nutricionais do chá oolong podem interessá-lo ainda mais - pois eles constituem a base do que você lerá adiante.

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Fatos nutricionais do chá Oolong

O chá Oolong é rico em antioxidantes. Contém vários minerais como cálcio, manganês, cobre, caroteno, selênio, potássio e vitaminas A, B, C, E e K. Além destes, contém ácido fólico, amida de niacina e outros alcalóides desintoxicantes. Devido à sua natureza semi-fermentada, o chá oolong contém vários compostos polifenólicos que fornecem benefícios adicionais à saúde.

Essas folhas de chá, como todas as outras, também contêm pequenas quantidades de cafeína. O processo de maceração durante a preparação do chá reduz significativamente o teor de cafeína. Um tempo de maceração de um minuto reduz o teor de cafeína para menos de 50 mg. Calorias no chá oolong:

Tamanho da porção: 1 porção	Quantidade por porção:
Calorias	0,0
Gordura total	0,0g
Gordura saturada	0,0g
Gordura poliinsaturada	0,0g
Gordura monoinsaturada	0,0g
Colesterol	0,0mg
Sódio	0,0mg
Potássio	0,0mg
Carboidratos totais	0,0g
Fibras dietéticas	0,0g
Açúcares	0,0g
Protien	0,0g
Vitamina A	0,0%
Vitamina b12	0,0%
Vitamina B	0,0%
Vitamina C	0,0%
Vitamina D	0,0%
Vitamina E	0,0%
Cálcio	0,0%
Cobre	0,0%
Folato	0,0%
Ferro	0,0%
Magnésio	0,0%
Manganês	0,0%
Niacina	0,0%
Ácido pantotênico	0,0%
Fósforo	0,0%
Riboflavina	0,0%
Selênio	0,0%
Tiamina	0,0%
Zinco	0,0%

Essa é apenas a ponta da montanha. E agora, vamos para o pico. Vejamos os incríveis benefícios do chá oolong para sua saúde geral.

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Quais são os benefícios para a saúde do chá Oolong?

Quase todos os benefícios do chá oolong podem ser atribuídos aos antioxidantes que ele contém - os polifenóis. Esses compostos previnem doenças graves como câncer, diabetes e doenças cardíacas. Eles também podem ajudar na perda de peso e no combate à obesidade. O chá Oolong também melhora a saúde da pele.

1. Reduz o risco de doenças cardíacas

Chinese researchers found that people who drank at least 10 ounces of oolong tea a week had a lower risk of high cholesterol (3). And people who had been consuming oolong tea for the longest time were found to have the lowest levels of cholesterol.

Intake of oolong tea (amongst other teas) was also linked to reduced risk of death by cardiovascular disease (4). The caffeine and antioxidants in oolong tea also improve metabolism, and this directly benefits the heart.

2. Can Promote Weight Loss And Fight Obesity

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We don’t have to particularly talk about how grave a killer obesity is. And we alone are to be blamed for that.

According to one study published in a Chinese journal, taking oolong tea for six weeks helped the participants reduce their weight as well as body fat. This can be attributed to the polyphenols in the tea, which can keep your metabolism from slowing down as you lose weight – further aiding the weight loss process.

And the caffeine in oolong tea has a role to play too. One 2009 study found that tea containing both catechins and caffeine induced more weight loss than tea containing only either of the components. The two components work together to maintain lean body mass.

One Japanese study also highlights the anti-obesity effects of oolong tea (5). Another study talks about how oolong tea polyphenols can help reduce visceral fat (6).

3. Lowers Cancer Risk

Studies show that each cup of oolong tea taken daily cut the risk of cancer by 4 percent. Though the results are not significant, this is a good move in the right direction.

A Chinese study had also found that taking oolong tea, among other teas, can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women (7).

The tea has also been found to prevent melanoma or skin cancer (8). And it can also help stall gallbladder cancer (9).

Simply steeping oolong tea in hot water can help you get the maximum benefits.

4. Helps Prevent Diabetes

One study suggests that drinking six cups of oolong tea regularly for 30 days can help people with type 2 diabetes. It might also reduce and even stabilize blood sugar levels (10). Similiar findings were also recorded in a report by the American Diabetes Association (11).

The polyphenols in oolong tea might increase insulin activity, which directly benefits diabetics (12). Long-term consumption of oolong tea might also predict the onset of diabetes in individuals (13).

However, it doesn’t improve glucose metabolism in non-diabetic adults (14).

5. Fights Inflammation

The polyphenols in oolong tea are what we look at, again. These plant-derived compounds rev up the immune system and can also protect against inflammation – and other inflammatory conditions like arthritis (15).

Another flavonoid in oolong tea responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) – which is the most potent of the lot. It fights the free radicals that cause inflammation and also prevents related diseases like clogged arteries and cancer (16).

6. Improves Brain Health

There are studies that show oolong tea (and tea, in general) can improve brain function and even prevent Alzheimer’s (17). Also, the caffeine in the tea triggers the release of norepinephrine and dopamine – two brain chemicals that improve mood and beat stress (18).

Another amino acid in the tea, called theanine, is found to boost attention and relieve anxiety (19). The polyphenols in the tea are also known to have a calming effect on the mind.

There are numerous other studies that link tea consumption to a reduced risk of cognitive disorders (20).

7. Enhances Bone Health

This is especially true in the case of women undergoing menopause. During this time, women are left with a continual weakening of bones that often leads to osteoporosis and arthritis. Drinking oolong tea, as per studies, can prevent this by maintaining high bone density (21).

Taking oolong tea for extended periods can also increase bone mineral density. One study showed that individuals drinking oolong tea (or other teas) for a 10-year period had 2 percent higher bone density (22).

This tea was also found to build strong and healthier teeth. One study linked oolong tea consumption to reduced dental plaque. And being a rich source of fluoride, the tea also strengthens the tooth enamel (23).

8. Improves Skin Health

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We need to talk about eczema in particular here. Eczema can be an embarrassing skin condition, but oolong tea can offer some respite. The anti-allergenic antioxidants in oolong tea can help relieve eczema as per studies (24). Drinking oolong tea thrice a day for six months can give you good results.

Since oolong tea can combat free radicals, it can suppress those allergic reactions that cause eczema or atopic dermatitis. The antioxidants in the tea also make your skin more radiant and youthful.

The antioxidants in oolong tea might also help treat acne and blemishes and wrinkles and other signs of aging (like age spots). You can simply steep the tea bags in water and use it to cleanse your face first thing in the morning.

9. Might Aid Digestion

We don’t have enough information on this. However, some sources say that oolong tea (and tea, in general) can soothe and relax the digestive tract. It might also improve toxin excretion.

10. Promotes Hair Health

There is less information here too. Some experts say that intake of oolong tea can prevent hair loss. Rinsing your hair with the tea might also prevent hair loss.

Oolong tea can also soften your tresses and make them shinier.

11. Builds Immunity

This benefit must be attributed to the flavonoids in oolong tea, which prevent cellular damage and build the immune system (25). The tea can also increase the production of antibacterial proteins in your body, which help fight infection. Also, though we aren’t sure, some sources claim that oolong tea has components that promote the retention of important minerals in the body.

12. Works As An Energy Drink

The caffeine content of oolong tea is 50 to 75 milligrams per cup. Given it is a caffeinated beverage, oolong tea can give you a heightened awareness and increase your energy levels. It can also sharpen your thinking skills (26). Also, since the tea is not loaded with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients, it is often preferred over energy drinks in case one needs a quick energy boost. More interestingly, oolong tea doesn’t overenergize you like coffee, and hence, there is no crash that you experience.

That’s with the varied benefits of oolong tea. But we are not done yet. What we will see next is going to settle the debate once and for all.

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Oolong Tea Vs. Black Tea Vs. Green Tea Vs. White Tea – Which One Is The Best?

Hard to answer that. Because all of them have similar benefits. All four varieties are derived from the same plant. How they differ is in the way they are processed.

White tea is the least processed. Then come oolong and green teas (moderately processed). And black tea is the most processed.

All these four types of tea contain powerful antioxidants that prevent disease. The list of antioxidants is the same – only their amounts vary.

All of these teas have the same benefits that you saw in this post.

Apart from the processing methods, each type of tea also differs in offering certain very specific benefits. White tea has the best immune-boosting effects of the lot. Black tea works best for digestion and stress relief. Green tea has the best preventive effects against Alzheimer’s disease. Oolong tea is specifically effective in reducing eczema outbreaks.

And yes, green tea contains the least amount of caffeine.

Now to another important question –

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How Much Of Oolong Tea Can You Drink In A Day?

Keep it to no more than 2 cups due to the caffeine content. In the case of eczema, 3 cups are fine (consult your doctor, though).

Now that you know how much of the tea you can take in a day, how about trying out some wonderful recipes?

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Any Healthful Oolong Tea Recipes?

Yes. But before that, let’s check how to prepare the tea first. Which is quite simple.

Use 3 grams of the tea powder for every 200 milliliters of water. Steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. Steeping in water at about 194o F (without boiling) for about 3 minutes can retain the most antioxidants (27).

And now, for the recipes.

1. Oolong Iced Tea Lemonade

What You Need

• 6 cups of water
• 6 bags of oolong tea
• ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

1. Steep the tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags and add the lemon juice.
3. You can either cool the tea in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or serve right away over ice.

2. Peach Oolong Tea

What You Need

• 6 cups of water
• 4 bags of oolong tea
• 2 peeled and diced ripe peaches

Directions

1. Steep the tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the bags and refrigerate the tea for about 1 to 2 hours.
2. Blend the peaches until you obtain a smooth puree. Add this to the chilled tea and stir properly.
3. Serve over ice. You can add an extra peach if you want.

Not just the recipes, even these facts about oolong tea are pretty light.

Any Amusing Facts About Oolong Tea?

• The Chinese term for oolong is Dan Cong.
• Oolong is the doppelgänger as its peculiar fragrance mimics everything – from flowers to nuts to fruits.
• Oolong tea is best enjoyed when prepared using whole loose leaves.
• Oolong tea is also popularly known as ‘Wu Long’ tea.
• The most popular varieties of oolong tea are Wu-yi tea, Formosa oolong, Pouchong, and Ti Kuan Yin.

We know this tea is too healthful to resist. So, in case you are wondering where to get it…

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Where To Buy Oolong Tea

You can find oolong tea in most grocery stores. You can also get it online at Walmart and Amazon.

Some of the top oolong tea brands you can check out are:

No matter how supremely beneficial oolong tea is, there are certain aspects we must take note of.

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Any Side Effects Of Oolong Tea?

• Anxiety Disorders

The caffeine in the tea might trigger anxiety disorders in some people and even make them worse.

• Bleeding Disorders

Caffeine might slow down blood clotting. This might worsen bleeding disorders.

• Heart Issues

The caffeine in the tea can cause irregular heartbeat in some people.

• Issues With Diabetes

Some studies say that the caffeine in the tea might change how blood sugar is controlled in diabetics. Hence, consult your doctor before consuming the tea.

• Diarrhea

Excess intake of oolong tea (because of the caffeine) can lead to diarrhea or even worsen the condition.

• Glaucoma

The caffeine in the tea increases the pressure in the eyes. Hence, people with eye disorders must consult with their doctors before consuming oolong tea.

• High Blood Pressure

The caffeine in the tea might increase blood pressure. Hence, individuals with blood pressure issues must take care.

• Weak Bones

Oolong tea might flush out calcium through urine. Talk to your doctor before taking oolong tea for bone health.

• Issues With Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Have no more than two cups of the tea per day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because excessive caffeine might harm the baby. And if you are breastfeeding, excess caffeine can cause irritability.

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Conclusion

When are you going to try it? Well, the sooner you do, the better for you.

Tell us how this post has helped you. Simply leave a comment below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

How to drink oolong tea?

The easiest way is to add boiling water to a cup of oolong tea. You can either use a teabag or one teaspoon of loose leaves. Steep for about 5 minutes. Enjoy the tea while it is still hot.

Is oolong tea good with milk?

Yes. You can take it with milk.

How often should you drink oolong tea?

Once or twice a day should be fine.

Does oolong tea come decaffeinated?

Usually, no. But you can check for decaffeinated oolong tea in the market.

What’s the best time to take oolong tea?

In the morning and afternoon. Because taking it at night can disrupt your sleep (given the caffeine content).

References

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7. “Tea consumption reduces ovarian cancer risk”. US National Library of Medicine.

8. “Melanogenesis inhibition by an oolong tea extract…”. US National Library of Medicine.

9. “Tea consumption and risk of gallbladder cancer…”. US National Library of Medicine.

10. “Oolong tea”. WebMD.

11. “Antihyperglycemic effect of oolong tea…”. American Diabetes Association.

12. “Tea and diabetes”. Diabetes.co.uk

13. “High oolong tea consumption predicts future risk of diabetes…”. US National Library of Medicine.

14. “Oolong tea does not improve glucose metabolism…”. US National Library of Medicine.

15. “Fight inflammation with a cup of tea”. Arthritis Foundation.

16. “An-tea inflammatory foods”. Duke University.

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24. “A trial of oolong tea in the…”. US National Library of Medicine.

25. “Health benefits of tea”. NCBI.

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