What makes green and oolong tea so special is the rich amount of catechin polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallage in particular. It is a powerful antioxidant that is able to kill cancer cells without harming the healthy tissue. EGGG has also proven effective in inhibiting abnormal formation of blood clots and lowering LDL cholesterol levels. In fact, oolong, green and black teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant originated in China.
However, these teas are produced by completely different production methods. While green tea leaves are usually steamed, which prevents the oxidization of the EGGG compound, oolong and black teas are made from fermented leaves, and as a result, the EGGG is converted into some other compounds effective in preventing various diseases.
Oolong tea health benefits have been observed shortly after its introduction more than 400 years ago. It is believed that oolong tea was first produced at Mt Wu Yi Shan in Province of Fujian during the Ming Dynasty. To enjoy the rich aroma and flavor unique to this sort of tea, the art of drinking was developed, which involves enjoying oolong tea by using a small teacup and a small teapot. And despite the fact that oolong tea is quite difficult to make, it has managed to penetrate into the Japanese lifestyle by attracting a large number of Japanese aficionados aware of numerous benefits of oolong tea. This success was achieved to a great extent due to launching canned oolong nearly two decades ago.
Out of all teas, oolong tea contains the largest quantity of polyphenol - an ingredient promoting health and beauty and generating flavor unique to this tea. A good oolong tea can be characterized as delicious and refreshing, with a range of tastes and aromas that differ from anything you experience with black or green tea. And though Oolong is said to possess features of green and black teas, its flavor hasn't much in common with either. If not over-brewed, this tea has a stronger aroma as compared to any other tea, with no trace of bitterness.
Made in semi-fermented process, the tea consists of a great number of diverse polyphenolic compounds that bring significant benefits to the human body. Oolong tea health benefits have been confirmed by clinical trials and can be summarized as follows: oolong tea has proven effective in delaying the process of aging by enhancing the effect of copper-zinc-SOD; continuous intake of oolong is highly effective in strengthening the SOD effect within the human body. Another oolong tea health benefit is its ability to control obesity and enhance the function of fat metabolism.
According to Osaka University Department of Dentistry, consumption of oolong tea significantly contributes to prevention and reduction of tooth decay, while the research carried out by Shiga University of Medical Science showed that over 64% people suffering from dermatitis reported significant improvement in skin condition, which emphasizes oolong tea health benefits regarding atopic-dermatitis.
There is also strong evidence that oolong tea is effective in preventing heart diseases, due to the same antioxidant chemicals.