According to a recent study from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, drinking oolong tea can aid in weight loss even without excessive exercise. Researchers discovered that oolong tea enhances the fat breakdown and continues to have an effect even during rest.
Professor Kumpei Tokuyama, who conducted the study, found that consuming two cups of oolong tea daily greatly stimulates the body’s fat-burning mechanisms.
According to the senior study author, oolong tea, like other teas, contains caffeine that affects energy metabolism through elevated heart rate. However, research indicates that tea consumption may have a distinct impact on fat breakdown, separate from the effects of caffeine. With this in mind, the researchers aimed to investigate the disparities in energy and fat metabolism between oolong consumption and isolated caffeine intake among a cohort of healthy participants, as stated in a university press release.
All tea originates from the Camellia sinensis plant, but the oxidation variation determines the tea type. Oxidation, a chemical process that darkens tea leaves, can range from 8% to 85%. This level of oxidation influences the colour and flavour of the tea, resulting in a spectrum of characteristics, from light to full-bodied, floral to grassy, and sweet to toasty.
Oolong tea, produced in China and Taiwan, is a partially oxidized tea with a distinct flavour. It undergoes a unique process involving sun exposure, withering, curling and oxidation. While green tea is well-known for its health benefits, oolong tea has been less explored. Like other teas, oolong contains minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and a moderate amount of caffeine.
Research suggests that oolong tea may promote brain health, heart health, dental health, bone health, and weight management. However, further studies are required to fully understand these effects.
Interestingly, consuming tea or caffeine does not lead to a rise in energy expenditure. According to the researchers, this indicates that the participants developed a tolerance to the caffeine found in both beverages during the two-week period.