Are you struggling to lose weight?
Are you feeling down and out about your diet, your exercise routine, and your overall health?
Well, have I got the solution for you!
It seems as though good ol' Mother Gaia has been "hiding" yet another trick up her make-believe sleeve: Oolong tea!
Not only has also delicious oolong tea been used for centuries in China to promote health and well-being, but it is now rapidly growing in popularity (largely in part due to its weight loss benefits) here in the western parts of the world.
But what makes oolong tea so special when it comes to its slimming capabilities? Come! Let me count the ways!
What is Oolong tea?
Oolong tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant that green tea and black tea come from.
The leaves are picked and then allowed to wither in the sun. After that, they are rolled and then partially oxidized, which gives oolong tea its unique flavor that is somewhere between green tea and black tea.
Traditionally grown in China and Taiwan, oolong teas are usually more expensive than other types of tea because it is more labor-intensive to produce.
Oolong Tea vs White Tea vs. Black Tea What's the difference
Oolong tea, white tea green tea, and black tea all come from the same plant- Camellia Sinensis, qualifying them as true teas. The difference between them from color to taste to caffeine content lies in how and when the leaves are processed.
Black Tea
Black tea is fully oxidized, meaning the leaves are allowed to fully interact with oxygen in the air. This results in a stronger flavor and a higher caffeine content.
White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all 4 types as the leaves are picked when they're still young and quickly dried to prevent oxidation. This results in a more delicate flavor and a higher caffeine content.
Green Tea
Green tea is minimally processed, meaning the leaves aren't picked until they're fully mature and then are wilted for a short time before being steamed or pan-fried to prevent oxidation. This results in a more delicate flavor and a lower caffeine content than oolong and black tea.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea falls somewhere in between black and green tea, as oolong tea leaves are only partially oxidized. This results in a tea with a unique flavor profile and a moderate caffeine content.
(Super intrigued like I was? This brief video breaks it down pretty good.)
Oolong Tea Benefits For Weight Loss
Reduces Fat Absorption & Increases Metabolism
One of the primary ways that oolong tea aids weight loss is by reducing fat absorption.
Oolong tea is rich in polyphenols, which are compounds that bind to fats and prevent them from being absorbed by the body.
This means that if you drink oolong tea with a meal that's high in fat, you'll absorb less of the fat from that meal.
Oolong tea is rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to boost metabolism and help burn calories.
One particular type of antioxidant found in oolong tea, polyphenols, has been shown to reduce fat absorption.
Polyphenols in oolong tea appear to work by inhibiting the enzymes that break down fat molecules, making it more difficult for the body to absorb and store fat.
Improves Gut Health
Oolong tea is rich in catechins, which can help improve gut health and promote weight loss.
The catechins in oolong tea can help reduce belly bloat by promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
In addition, catechins can help increase energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue.
As a result, oolong tea can be an effective tool for promoting gut health and helping to achieve weight loss goals.
Reduces Cravings
Oolong tea has been shown to help reduce cravings and stabilize blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Oolong tea is rich in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that helps to inhibit the activity of digestive enzymes, preventing them from breaking down fat and sugar molecules. As a result, less fat and sugar are absorbed, which in turn, promotes weight loss.
Other Oolong Tea Benefits
Oolong tea can benefit the immune system.
I can help to improve the white blood cell count in the body. This helps to fight off infection and disease. Oolong tea has also been shown to improve the function of the thymus gland, which is responsible for producing white blood cells.
Oolong tea can help to lower cholesterol levels.
The antioxidants in oolong tea help to remove LDL cholesterol from the body, while also increasing HDL cholesterol levels. This can help to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Oolong tea can help to improve brain function.
The caffeine in oolong tea can help to improve alertness and concentration. Additionally, the L-theanine in oolong tea can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Oolong tea can reduce the risk of cancer.
The antioxidants in oolong tea help to protect cells from damage and prevent the formation of cancerous tumors. Additionally, oolong tea has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.
Oolong tea can help with mood.
The antioxidants in oolong tea can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Additionally, the L-theanine in oolong tea can help to calm the mind and body.
Which is better for weight loss oolong or green tea?
Most people think that all teas are created equal but that's not the case - especially when it comes to weight loss. Oolong tea is superior to green tea when it comes to shedding pounds because it contains more caffeine, a higher amount of antioxidants, and it blocks the absorption of fat and carbs.
Green tea does have weight loss benefits but they're not as strong as oolong tea. That's because green tea doesn't have as much caffeine and antioxidants.
How much oolong tea should I drink to lose weight?
When it comes to weight loss, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, studies have shown that oolong tea can be helpful for those trying to slim down.
Oolong tea is rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to block the absorption of fat and sugar. As a result, drinking oolong tea with meals can help you reduce your calorie intake and lose weight.
While there is no magic number of cups to drink per day, experts generally recommend drinking oolong tea with all three meals but definitely with high-fat meals, as it can help reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the body.
When should I drink oolong tea for weight loss?
We all know that taking care of our teeth and bones is important for our overall health. And while there are many different products on the market that claim to be good for our teeth and bones, one of the best things we can do is to drink oolong tea.
Oolong tea is packed with nutrients that are essential for healthy teeth and bones, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Studies have shown that drinking oolong tea can help to increase bone density and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
So if you're looking for a natural way to take care of your teeth and bones, make sure to include oolong tea in your diet.
What are the different forms of oolong tea?
There are 3 main types of oolong tea to choose from when you're prepping for some major weight loss: bagged, loose-leaf, or powdered. Each has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to do your research before settling on one.
Bagged oolong is the most convenient - just pop a bag in hot water and you're good to go. However, because the leaves are often pre-packaged with other flavors, you may not be getting as much of the weight-loss magic as you would with other forms.
Loose-leaf oolong is probably the most popular choice for people looking to slim down; it offers more control over how strong the tea is and what kind of flavors you can add yourself. Just make sure you steep for the right amount of time or else you might end up with a bitter drink and the jitters.
Powdered oolong is perfect if you're always on the go; just add hot water and stir and drink it plain or, if you're like me, toss it into your post-workout smoothie!
It doesn't have as many flavor options as loose-leaf, but it's still a great way to get your daily dose of oolong goodness.
How do you Prepare Oolong Tea For Weight Loss?
Preparing Oolong Tea w/ Tea Bags
Ingredients:
- -1 cup of water
- -1 oolong tea bag
Instructions:
- Boil the water in a pot on the stove.
- Remove from heat and steep the oolong tea bag in the hot water for 3-5 minutes.
- Drink up and enjoy!
Preparing Oolong Tea w/ Loose-Leaf Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon loose-leaf oolong tea
- 8 ounces boiling water
Instructions:
- Bring 8 ounces of water to a boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf oolong tea to a teapot.
- Pour the boiling water over the oolong tea.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy!
Preparing Oolong Tea w/Powder
Ingredients:
- -1 tsp of oolong tea powder
- -8 oz of hot water
- -Honey or agave nectar to sweeten (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the oolong tea powder to a teacup or mug.
- Boil the water and pour over the tea. Stir until dissolved.
- Sweeten with honey or agave nectar if desired. Enjoy!
The Picking Process
Choosing the top 6 best oolong teas for weight loss was no easy feat. I spent hours researching different brands and reading through a TON of reviews. The one deal-breaker requirement they had to meet was they had to be organic.
I'm proud to say that I accomplished my mission and found 6 amazing teas that will help you on your weight loss journey! Here are some popular oolong tea brands I hope you'll consider!
The Goods
The Best Oolong Tea For Weight Loss
Full Disclosure: WholisticHealthJunkie.com is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, meaning that any links you click below may result in commissions at no extra cost to you. And now that THAT'S out of the way...Happy Scrolling! ;)
Officially "Hooked"
"GREAT TASTE, MILD ON THE SYSTEM: I have a challenge drinking most caffeinated beverages. They irritate my stomach and gut. The conundrum is that I love the little kick caffein gives. Have found that cold brewing this oolong is a sweet spot that gives me a little kick without much irritation. Has a very nice flavor and quality feels good. Also like that the bags are made on non-bleached corn silk which can both biodegrade but not put so many toxins into my tea." -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"10 LBS GONE UPDATE: So I have used this tea 2x a day for a month. At first I lost 5 lbs which I knew was water weight, but now I've lost 10pounds in one month. I haven't even been drinking it religiously either. I got a slump where I gained some weight back and I started up the tea for 2 or 3 days and bam! The weight melted off! I'm so excited to keep drinking it along with a mindful diet. It not only cuts down on sweet cravings but also regular ones. I really can just only eat one piece of chocolate now and not feel like I need to eat the whole box. I will be ordering more!" -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"THIS TEA IS AMAZING... A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY: I have been looking for a good Oolong tea that is organic and I finally tried this one. It has such great crisp and delicious taste and I definitely get energy out of it too. The first time I brewed it, I put it in the fridge til the next day and it still stayed nice and fresh. I read that it helps with weight loss, Im sure over time it does but I dont drink it daily. I might start though. If so, I will write a review on the weight loss journey with Oolong tea. As for now, this tea is delicious and it also helped with gut health and constipation. I am definitely pleased so far!" -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"TASTE IS GREAT AND IS SUPER CONVENIENT FOR TRAVEL: I love this tea! I have the oolong, and it tastes similar to honey to me. I am traveling overseas and this has been so handy to have, especially after an overnight flight or even at the airport to save money. If I don't have access to a tea kettle, I just mix it with water, and I even prefer the taste cold. I love that there is no cleanup to do after drinking it. And, it seems to last for a long time. I will definitely be buying other flavors when I get back as it is so convenient. It would be nice to find something similar for herbal tea, too." -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"SMOOTH TASTING ORGANIC OOLONG TEA: SmoothtastingorganicOolong Tea. I am very impressed with this Formosa style Oolong Tea. It is grown in India which i prefer to it being grown in China, this is also why the name is "Formosa STYLE Oolong" and not "Formosa Oolong". It has a very smooth and great taste and can be re steeped if you want. I like to steep it for 5-7 minutes for a more bold flavor instead of the 3-5 minutes recommended on the bag." -Amazon Reviewer
Officially "Hooked"
"THE REAL THING: This tastes like the Chinese restaurant tea I remember from childhood and always looked forward to. My parents used to buy an extra pot just for me when we went out to eat at the local Chinese restaurant. The combination of oolong and jasmine and the quality of both sourced by Bigeliw do the trick." -Amazon Reviewer
FAQ's
What are the potential side effects of drinking too much oolong tea?
According to WebMD, consuming no more than 3-4 cups a day of oolong tea is generally safe for MOST people but do your own research and check with your doctor before you consume oolong tea if you suspect you should. :)
Does drinking oolong tea really help with weight loss?
Yes! Oolong tea has been shown to help with weight loss in a number of different ways, from boosting metabolism to preventing the accumulation of fat. So if you're looking to slim down, make sure oolong tea is part of your diet! (But first, read the rest of the article above! ;)
Does drinking oolong tea really help with weight loss?
Yes! Oolong tea has been shown to help with weight loss in a number of different ways, from boosting metabolism to preventing the accumulation of fat. So if you're looking to slim down, make sure oolong tea is part of your diet! (But first, read the rest of the article above! ;)
What is the difference between Chinese oolong tea and Taiwanese oolong tea?
If you're a fan of oolong tea, then you know that there can be a big difference in taste between China's and Taiwan's versions of the popular beverage. One of the main reasons for this is that China's oolongs are generally oxidized more and baked at higher temperatures than Taiwan's oolongs.
As a result, Chinese oolongs tend to be more full-bodied and robust, with a deep amber color and a slightly nutty flavor. In contrast, Taiwanese oolongs are typically more delicate, with a lighter golden color and a floral aroma. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but in general, these are the characteristics that you can expect from China's and Taiwan's oolong teas.
What is the difference between Chinese oolong tea and Taiwanese oolong tea?
If you're a fan of oolong tea, then you know that there can be a big difference in taste between China's and Taiwan's versions of the popular beverage. One of the main reasons for this is that China's oolongs are generally oxidized more and baked at higher temperatures than Taiwan's oolongs.
As a result, Chinese oolongs tend to be more full-bodied and robust, with a deep amber color and a slightly nutty flavor. In contrast, Taiwanese oolongs are typically more delicate, with a lighter golden color and a floral aroma. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but in general, these are the characteristics that you can expect from China's and Taiwan's oolong teas.
What type of oolong tea is best for weight loss?
Since the overall benefits are the same but vary based on the degree of oxidation, meaning no two teas are necessarily alike, the best type for weight loss is an ORGANIC oolong tea that suits your personal taste and that you'll ENJOY drinking!
Recap!
So, what's the verdict? Are you ready to start shedding pounds with oolong tea? I know I am! This Nature's Silver Bullet has officially been added to my diet and weight-loss arsenal. Whether you're looking for a delicious way to boost your metabolism or just want an excuse to drink more tea, oolong is definitely the way to go. Thanks for reading and happy losing!
