When talking about oolong tea, the vivid image of Chinese and Japanese cultures may come to mind. But how do these two tea-loving nations approach oolong tea? You've heard of matcha and its endless health benefits. But could oolong be the next major player in our increasingly health-conscious society?

A Taste of Health in Formal and Casual Settings

Oolong tea is widely consumed in Asia, but it all started out in China with differing theories on it's origin. One theory claims that it originated from the Wuyi Mountain region as first documented in a poem from the Ming Dynasty period in the 14th century.

Oolong tea has been widely consumed both in Japan and China, but it all started out in China with differing theories on its origin. One theory claims that it originated from the Wuyi Mountain region as first documented in a poem from the Ming Dynasty period in the 14th century. 

In China, oolong tea is often prepared in the Gong Fu style that demands skills and precision in brewing the perfect cup of tea. This tea is also traditionally used as a herbal remedy for preventing tooth decay, alleviating skin irritation, and regulating body temperature. Today, the scientific side of our modern world has also discovered more benefits of drinking oolong tea to the list, such as lowering the risk for diabetes and improving the health of your heart.

In Japan, oolong tea enjoys popularity as one of the most readily available teas, whether it’s from a vending machine or a high-quality loose leaf tea. Japanese people often drink this tea with a meal, either at a restaurant or at an izakaya during a Nomikai (drinking party). It’s especially popular with those who frequent traditional Japanese bars but don’t drink alcohol. While the Japanese often adopt a more casual approach to oolong tea, you can still find exceptionally fine varieties of oolong teas in Japan that are prized for their taste, aroma, and craftsmanship behind them.

An Antioxidant Powerhouse

Tea is packed to the brim with health benefits, and Oolong Tea is no exception. The partial oxidization process gives this tea the antioxidants of both Green and Black tea, positioning it as a solid wellness booster. According to WebMD, some of the benefits of Oolong Tea include:

Lower Risk of Diabetes

Polyphenols that are found in oolong tea helps the body to lower blood sugar level and reduce insulin resistance, allowing our body to use the sugar in the blood properly.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Oolong also has polyphenols that help break down triglycerides; a type of fat that can thicken blood vessels which can increase the risks of stroke and heart attack. One study of more than 76,000 Japanese adults who drank 8 ounces or more of oolong tea per day had a 61% lower risk of heart disease. 

Manage Weight

A combination of polyphenols and polysaccharides has been proven to help reduce body fat accumulation while reducing body weight and improving blood fat levels.

Boosting Brain Function

This benefit of oolong tea is attributed to the amino acid L-theanine that helps our brain to perform better while reducing stress and anxiety at the same time.

A Major Wellness Booster

With both traditional and modern findings on the benefits of oolong, this tea is poised to be a great addition to your health routine. While oolong tea consumption in the West is relatively smaller compared to the more popular black and green tea varieties, the rising awareness on the wellness aspect of this tea seems to set the course for the rising popularity of Oolong Tea.

Gems of Edmonton is dedicated to bringing you a delicious range of coffee and teas from local producers, including our favorite Jasmine Oolong and Milk Oolong. The results are a curated collection of beverages that are bursting with flavors, and equally important, are beneficial to your health.