Health Benefits of Oolong Tea | Organic Facts Oolong Tea Health Benefits of Oolong Tea Health benefits of oolong tea include the reduction of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, inflammatory disorders, and high cholesterol levels , while providing vital antioxidants, promoting superior bone structure, robust skin and good dental health. Oolong tea is fragrant with a fruity flavor and a pleasant aroma. Despite its caffeine content, it can still be extremely relaxing to drink . The health benefits of oolong tea are basically doubled because of the combined qualities of black tea and green tea . According to the Tea Association of the United States, oolong tea falls somewhere between green and black teas, as its leaves are only partially oxidized. There are numerous kinds of tea in this world; but oolong tea might be one of the most beneficial. The origins of oolong tea date back almost 400 years, when it found wide usage in China. It is a semi-green fermented tea, but the fermentation process is halted as soon as the tea leaves start to change their color. Nutritional Value of Oolong Tea Tea is a natural gift that is rich in antioxidants.

It also contains vital vitamins and minerals such as calcium , manganese , copper , carotin, selenium , and potassium , as well as vitamin A ,vitamin B,vitamin C,vitamin E and vitamin K. Additionally, it contains folic acid , niacin amide and other detoxifying alkaloids. It is developed in semi-fermented processing, providing the oolong tea with numerous polyphenolic compounds, adding even more valuable health benefits to oolong tea. Oolong tea also contains caffeine and theophylline and theobromine which are similar to caffeine which on consumption may stimulate nervous system. Health Benefits of Oolong Tea The various health benefits of oolong tea are as follows: Weight Management The polyphenol compound found in oolong tea is very effective in controlling the metabolism of fat in the body. It activates certain enzymes, thereby enhancing the functions of fat cells in the body. It is commonly believed that daily consumption of oolong tea can reduce obesity. More widespread studies need to be done on humans, but early studies are very promising.

In one animal study, mice that were given polyphenols in addition to a high-fat and high- sugar diet still showed a decline in overall body weight and fat index. Some earlier studies actually showed that the caffeine content was the active ingredient behind the weight loss , but it now appears to be mainly due to polyphenols. Apparently, the active components in oolong tea make fat work for you! Removal of harmful free radicals The polyphenolic compound in oolong tea is also responsible for the removal of free radicals in our body, because it functions as an antioxidant and stimulates the behavior of other free radical compounds in the body. Therefore, consuming daily doses of oolong tea can help people from the potential harm that these free-moving cells often pose to the human body, including cancer , atherosclerosis , stroke, rheumatoid arthritis , neurodegeneration, and diabetes . Any antioxidant characteristic of food or drink is beneficial, but polyphenols are particularly powerful antioxidants in oolong tea. Healthy skin According to scientific experiments, patients diagnosed with eczema can benefit from drinking 3 cups of oolong tea throughout the day.

The beneficial results of oolong tea could be seen in less than a week in these patients, who showed remarkable improvement in their skin. Although the active mechanism has not been pinpointed exactly, many believe that the polyphenols present in oolong tea also work as anti-allergenic compounds, thereby relieving irritation and chronic skin problems, known as atopic dermatitis . In a 2001 study , 54% of test subjects were found to show positive, long-lasting results in terms of skin conditions after 6 months of daily intake of oolong tea. Healthy bones The antioxidants present in oolong tea protect teeth against decay, strengthen the bone structure, prevent osteoporosis , and promote normal, healthy growth of the human body. A number of studies analyzed the long term effects of drinking tea, particularly on bone mineral density (BMD) . It showed that people who consistently drank black or oolong tea for more than 10 years were tremendously less likely to lose their bone mineral density over that span of time. It is thought that some of the components in tea actually stimulate the retention of minerals from other food that we consume.

Controls diabetes Oolong tea is used as an herbal brew for treating type-2 diabetic disorders and as an addition to other supplementary drugs for treating that disease. It regulates the amount of blood sugar and insulin that is in the bloodstream at any one time, so the dangerous dips and spikes in blood sugar that can be so disastrous for diabetic patients was reduced. A 2003 study showed that when combined with regular hyperglycemic drugs, oolong tea further balanced the blood sugar levels and prevented the sudden drops in almost all of the test subjects. Anti-cancer properties It is well-known fact that tea drinkers have a lower risk of getting skin cancer. Moreover, polyphenolic compound in oolong tea promotes apoptosis in stomach related cancerous growths. This polyphenol extract also acts a chemo-preventive instrument against the development of other cancerous forms . The compounds stifle the activation of carcinogenic cells, prevent the formation of N-nitroso compounds, and trap genotoxic agents before they can become effective. View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement References: Abernethy DR, Todd EL. Impairment of caffeine clearance by chronic use of low-dose oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives.

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See 12 Reviews for this Treatment - OR - Related to OOLONG TEA Learn about User Reviews and read IMPORTANT information about user generated content Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009. Why Drink Oolong Tea? - Ask Dr. Weil Ask Dr. Weil 2 min Why Drink Oolong Tea? I’ve heard that that oolong tea can reduce blood sugar and increase fat oxidation.

Can you tell me if these claims have any scientific merit? – February 26, 2013 Oolong tea is what you usually get in Chinese restaurants, but don’t judge oolong on the basis of that tea, which is typically of low quality. The better oolongs are delicious. This type of tea represents an intermediate stage of tea-leaf oxidation between green and black teas. Many people in the United States stick to green or white tea exclusively because they believe those varieties offer the most health benefits, but oolong has similar antioxidant properties. In China, oolong has a mystique and culture as rich as that of green tea in Japan. For the record, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research service reports that about 75 percent of the tea produced worldwide is black; about 23 percent is green; and about 2 percent is oolong. The effect of oolong tea on blood sugar has been tested in several studies. Investigators with the U.S. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducted a pilot study in 2001 with eight volunteers, all with type 2 diabetes .

They found that by drinking six cups of oolong daily for eight weeks, the volunteers were able to lower their blood sugar levels by 15 to 20 percent. Another study, from Taiwan, published in Diabetes Care in 2003, seemed to show that drinking oolong tea (while also taking drugs to lower blood sugar) significantly lowered blood sugar when compared to drinking water. The researchers concluded that the combination was more effective than the drugs alone. However, since only 20 volunteers took part, the researchers said their results needed to be confirmed in larger studies. In 2011, ARS researchers published results of a study showing that drinking oolong tea did not improve glucose metabolism in non-diabetic adults. The latest scientific word on the subject comes from a study done in Kyoto, Japan; it confirmed that oolong tea had a positive effect on glucose levels, but it also concluded that long term consumption of oolong may actually be predictive of developing type 2 diabetes. The investigators noted that more research is warranted. The possibility that oolong tea can boost fat oxidation comes from an investigation of the long-held Chinese belief that this tea can help control body weight.

In 2001, ARS researchers tested four different beverages on 12 male volunteers for three consecutive days (during which the volunteers avoided other sources of caffeine). The drinks provided during the study were full-strength tea, colored water with the caffeine equivalent of full-strength tea, half-strength tea, and plain colored water. The researchers found that the energy expenditure of the volunteers was higher after drinking full-strength tea or caffeinated colored water and that their subjects burned 67 more calories per day when they drank tea instead of an equal amount of plain water. Also, the volunteers’ fat oxidation was 12 percent higher after they drank tea. The investigators said that their findings should be regarded as tentative. I haven’t seen any more recent research showing that drinking oolong tea increases fat oxidation. Tea is an area of great interest for me, and I’ll post updates as studies continue. Andrew Weil, M.D. Buy Oolong Tea Online - China Wholesale Loose Wu Long Teas - Teasenz per page What is oolong tea? Oolong cha (in Chinese: 乌龙茶) is a type of Chinese tea with an oxidation level between that of green and black tea leaves.

The dry leaf appearance of this tea, also pronounced as ‘wulong’ by the Chinese, can have colours that vary from green to almost black, depending on the oxidation level. Anxi’s famous Tieguanyin, for example, is green and as a flavour that is closer to a green tea with a thicker soup and characteristic floral aroma. In contrast, Wuyi mountain’s famous Dahongpao is dark, and steeps an intense and ‘rocky’ flavour due to the mineral rich soil in that region. The intensity of this dark oolong is closer to a black tea. The origin of oolong It’s not clear where the term ‘oolong’ actually originates from. When literally translated, it means ‘dark dragon’ in Chinese. Some expert say, it’s because of the dark curly leaves resembles a black dragon. Buy oolong tea online Teasenz is proud to present you our collection of authentic Chinese oolongs from well known regions such as Wuyishan, Anxi and the lesser known Phoenix mountain in Guangdong. Feel free to browse our site and buy conveniently your favourite wulong tea online.

Health benefits of oolong tea For the health fanatics out there, we’ve also gathered some information regarding oolong tea benefits. Caffeine: Wulong is naturally low in caffeine. Like other types of tea, it contains caffeine at about 3% of its dry weight, translating to between 30 mg and 90 mg per 8 oz (250 ml) cup, while coffee has 150 - 200 mg per cup. Hence, it’s a good alternative beverage to high sugar drinks while still giving you the extra pick-up you may need. Scientific studies find that tea with its stimulant qualities helps increase alertness and improves response speed, which altogether lead to better performance for athletes during sports. Diet & weight loss: Can I lose weight by drinking oolong tea? a Chinese study in 1998 in which 102 females participated, shows that continuous consumption of oolong tea for six weeks resulted in a reduction of body weight. Thought it’s not a miracle drink, it’s a good beverage to complement a healthy diet program. To optimally benefit from the health effects, it’s the best to drink it half an hour after meals, which supports digestion.

Avoid it in the evening, to avoid any side effects of caffeine. Skin: Your skin is constantly exposed to free radicals which cause dark spots and wrinkles as well as accelerating aging. Oolong tea has antioxidants which has the ability to destroy free radicals. A 2004 research, conducted by Dr. Kenichi Yanagimoto from the University of California, showed that only 15 days of consumption of oolong tea had an incredible 50% reduction in free radicals. Oolong Tea Discover Tea | Learn About Tea | Teavana SIGN UP FOR INSIDER EMAILS, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND $10 OFF YOUR NEXT $30 ORDER. SIGN UP FOR INSIDER EMAILS, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND $10 OFF YOUR NEXT $30 ORDER. Sign Up Unsubscribe any time. Some exclusions apply. Privacy Statement / Contact Us My Starbucks Rewards Earn Stars at participating Starbucks stores and at Starbucks Store online with purchases of At-Home coffee and tea products such as packaged coffee, Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew, Starbucks® K-Cup® Packs and Verismo® Pods, and Teavana tea tins. Also earn Stars with purchases of Tazo teas on Starbucks Store online.

Starbucks Store online customers can receive a maximum of 10 Stars per order. A unique Star Code will be included in your shipment confirmation email. Your Star code value will be equal to the number of qualifying products in this order. Star Codes expire six months after your order is shipped. Enter the code at starbucks.com/entercode , sign in or sign up, and you're on your way to My Starbucks Rewards™ benefits like free food or free drinks at participating Starbucks® stores. Some restrictions apply. Visit starbucks.com/card/rewards for program details. Also, My Starbucks Rewards™ members get a Star for each purchase made with a registered Starbucks® Card. Select Your Format 7 Healthy Teas You Should Be Drinking (Instead Of Soda) by Megan Breinig Tea. What’s not to love? Tea is a delicious beverage that can cool you down in the hot summer months and warm you up in the winter. But did you know that many types of tea also have great health benefits? Let’s have a look at what goes into creating different types of tea and how different varieties of tea can help improve your health and quench your thirst at the same time. What Makes Different Types of Tea?

Many different types of tea, such as white tea, green tea , yellow tea, black tea, oolong tea and pu-erh tea, all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The type of tea produced from this plant depends entirely on the way the leaves are processed after harvesting. Different processing methods give tea leaves from the same plant their own distinct color and flavor. For example, green tea is made by plucking the leaves when they partially withered and heating them almost immediately to about 200 degrees Celsius to prevent fermentation. The leaves are then rolled and shaped before being reheated. Black tea undergoes a different process; the leaves are withered and rolled before being heated at all. For centuries, people have been brewing various concoctions of tea for both flavor and healing purposes, and you don’t need a scientist to tell you that a cup of hot tea can make you feel better when you’ve got a cold or sore throat. So it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that research has demonstrated the health benefits of many different kinds of tea. Here are seven types of tea that can help your body stay well. Healthy Teas You Should Be Drinking 1.

Oolong Oolong tea activates enzymes that cut down triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. One study showed that women who consumed oolong tea burned a slightly larger amount of fat than those who drank only water. Oolong tea is more than just a fat burner, though. It also contains niacin , which helps detoxify the body, and antioxidants that can prevent tooth decay. 2. Black Black tea is one of the most highly caffeinated varieties of tea, with about 40 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Black tea also contains thearubigins and theaflavins, two types of antioxidants that have been linked to lower cholesterol levels. Plus, drinking three or more cups of black tea a day can cut your risk of stroke by 21 percent. 3. Green Green tea is an excellent source of catechins, another type of antioxidant. A subgroup of this compound known as EGCG has been studied for its potential role in preventing cancer and heart disease. One study showed that drinking one cup of green tea per day could decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10 percent. Related: 11 Ways To Keep Your Heart Healthy 4.

White White tea, with its many proven health benefits, is the ultimate multi-tasker of teas. Much like green tea, white tea contains catechins , which may help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Drinking white tea might also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence for breast cancer survivors, according to the American Cancer Society. 5. Chamomile Chamomile tea is an ancient natural remedy with many health benefits. Research shows that the antioxidants in chamomile tea may help stunt the growth of cancer cells and prevent diabetes side effects such as loss of vision, nerve damage and kidney damage. Unlike the teas mentioned above, chamomile tea is made from the flowers of the chamomile plant. Related: Health Benefits Of Green Tea That Could Save Your Life 6. Echinacea Echinacea purpurea is a commonly used natural compound that fights illnesses such as the common cold and other respiratory infections. One study showed that consuming Echinacea in tea or lozenge form over a four-month period helped to prevent infections. 7. Lemon ginger tea Ginger has an active ingredient called zingiber, and lemon contains the immune-boosting compounds pectin and limonene.

This epic duo makes lemon ginger tea an effective weapon against bacterial infections. One study shows that drinking lemon ginger tea can even kill the bacteria linked to salmonella! Related: Health Benefits of Kombucha A Warning: Much like any other natural substance, certain components of tea can have harmful side effects. The FDA warns against consuming teas with any of the following ingredients: • Comfrey Oolong Tea: Uses and Risks What are the risks of oolong tea? Oolong tea is made from leaves of the same plant that green and black teas come from. The difference lies in how long the leaves ferment. Green tea leaves are unfermented, while leaves for black tea are fully fermented. Oolong comes from leaves that are partially fermented. Fermentation, or its lack, gives teas their color and aroma. It also alters tea's chemical makeup . The most notable changes happen in a group of chemicals called catechins. These are strong antioxidants that may act directly on human cells. Why do people use oolong tea? Tea is a caffeinated beverage. A major benefit of drinking oolong tea is heightened awareness and energy along with sharpened thinking skills.

These effects are directly related to the level of caffeine , and a related chemical, theophylline. The effects increase as the caffeine level increases. Some drink oolong tea to prevent or treat obesity and diabetes . One study suggests that drinking six cups of oolong tea daily for 30 days might help people with type 2 diabetes reduce blood sugar . Other studies -- in both humans and animals -- suggest that drinking oolong tea can help in weight loss . Some people drink oolong tea because of a belief that it helps with other conditions, such as: Tooth decay But studies done in these areas have been inconsistent and not conclusive. Some studies have suggested tea might offer some protection against mental decline. While a recent study in China supported the idea that oolong tea might offer that protection, the results weren't conclusive and further study is needed. Researchers have been interested in the potential of tea -- especially green tea -- to help treat or prevent some cancers. Studies done on animals have been encouraging. The evidence from human studies is still mostly inconclusive. But some evidence suggests that women who drink two cups of tea daily -- green, oolong, or black -- can significantly lower their risk of ovarian cancer .

What are the risks of oolong tea? The major risks of oolong tea are the risks associated with drinking caffeine chronically or excessively. They include: Rapid heartbeat Osteoporosis Pregnant women should limit themselves to no more than three cups of tea a day since excess caffeine can cause problems such as premature birth and low birth weight . For people with iron deficiency , drinking tea can interfere with the body's absorption of iron. Also, studies show that pregnant women who regularly drink oolong tea may have lower levels of folate, which is associated with higher risks of birth defects . You should not drink oolong tea with other stimulants such as amphetamines or ephedrine . Doing so could cause serious heart problems. The same is true with some medications used to treat depression or asthma . Avoid oolong tea if you take blood -thinning medications. Also avoid oolong tea if you use herbs or supplements that slow down blood clotting, such as: Garlic Ginger Ginkgo Always discuss your use of supplements and other alternative medicines with your doctor. And remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA.

WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by David Kiefer, MD on January 30, 2015 Sources Oolong Tea Weight Loss - Frequently Asked Questions Oolong Tea Weight Loss Frequently Asked Questions Does oolong tea weight loss work? Oolong tea versus green tea. How many cups to drink? Best brand to use? Oolong tea or Wu-Long tea is just another name for oolong tea, a popular beverage widely consumed in the Far East. It has attracted a lot of attention lately, with some marketers claiming that you can lose 2 pounds a week! There is lots of inaccurate information out there. As you read every word of this page, you will understand what this amazing tea does and doesn't do. Oolong Tea Weight Loss FAQ #1: Does it help you lose weight and burn fat? Let me assure you: Drinking oolong tea does help you lose weight! In traditional tea drinking countries like China, Japan and Korea, it has a huge reputation for helping people lose weight and fat.

It is widely accepted in China that all teas - especially green tea, oolong tea and pu-erh tea - "make one thin." Oolong tea, in particular, is known for burning fat and encouraging the excretion of fatty food. Is there any scientific proof? Oolong tea is not as well studied as green tea, but there is decent amount of scientific evidence showing that oolong promotes weight loss by Burning fat (through a process called lipolysis) Blocking dietary fat absorption Oolong Tea Weight Loss Study - How It Works A 2001 Japanese study found that drinking 1 litre of oolong tea a day can take 2 years off the internal organ age. Out of the 11 participants, 9 experienced 2 centimeters reduction in their waist size and 8 experienced 2 centimeters reduction in their upper arms. They also observed lower cholesterols levels. Oolong Tea Anti-Obesity Benefits - How It Reduce Belly Fat and Cholesterols Oolong Tea Weight Loss FAQ #2: How about weight maintenance? After you have lost weight successfully, you face a long fight to keep fats from piling on. What do you do?

I don't really recommend consuming fat burner supplements for longer than 3 months. They might be toxic when accumulated over the long term. This is when a suitable tea beverage comes in. They are proven natural fat burner over the long term. A 2007 American study found that rats prone to obesity cut weight gain by 66% by consuming the equivalent of 6 cups of tea a day. In addition, their triglyceride fats were 80% lower. Oolong Tea For Fat Loss - An Ideal Weight Watcher Oolong Tea Weight Loss FAQ #3: Green tea versus oolong tea - which is better for weight loss? Many so-called experts claim that oolong tea is better than green tea because it "burn 2.5 times more calories than green tea". The claim is based on a 2003 study by Komatsu from the Tokushima School of Medicine in Japan. You can read about the study at Oolong Tea Metabolism - Going Beyond EGCG The evidence is light. Here is why: The study lasted only one session with just 11 participating young females.

Swen Wolfram, in his excellent paper Anti-obesity effects of green tea, suggested that the study may not be accurate. To quote Wolfram: The study by Komatsu appears to be hampered by methodological deficiencies, including the duration of the test, which may have been too short, as well as the use of Douglas bags for gas analyzes, which is less accurate than more modern methods. The test subjects drank either green tea powder (5 grams) or oolong tea leaves (15 grams). They're clearly not intended to be directly comparable. In his paper, Komatsu never concluded that oolong tea burns more calories than green tea. Personally I recommend drinking both or drinking a lightly oxidized tea such as white tea or green tea. This is because all high quality teas will help you lose weight. However, you want to be drinking mostly quality tea that is made from young tea buds, as these tea buds are much less likely to be contaminated by road pollution, fluoride and pesticides. For further analysis, click on the link below: Oolong Tea Weight Loss FAQ #4: I heard some people say oolong tea is a more powerful fat burner than green tea?

They are both powerful fat burners, but it is difficult to say which is more powerful. Different studies can come out with different results. For example, a 2001 study by Yang suggested that green tea burns more fat than oolong tea. Yang fed green tea, oolong tea and black tea to rats suffering from high amounts of fat in blood. He found that drinking green tea reduces the level of blood plasma fat and cholesterol FASTER and MORE than oolong tea and black tea. In addition, green tea has no effect on the level of HDL (the good cholesterol) and reduced fat absorption. Yang concluded that green tea fat metabolism is stronger than oolong tea and black tea. Oolong Tea Weight Loss FAQ #5: Which is the best oolong tea brand to drink? The important thing here is to drink quality. You want to drink from tea leaves that have been plucked from high altitude, where the cold climate means nutrition is richer, tastes and aroma are better and pesticides are not being used. A quality oolong tea can be infused 3-5 times. The wet leaves should be soft and tender; the tea liquor taste clean and floral. The aftertaste should be long.

After drinking, your mouth should feel wet and silky. You feel gently energized for many hours later. For a tea starter, this Amber AA grade is highly recommended for its low price, high fragrance and long durability. You can also read the following guide to oolong tea: Oolong Tea Weight Loss FAQ #6: How many cups of tea should I drink a day? Now this is really important and I think we have to ask the right question here. Many people are asking "how many cups of tea do I need to drink a day in order to lose weight?" What they forget is that while oolong tea can help you lose weight by giving you an energy boost and helps burn fat, you shouldn't be drinking an excessive amount. If you are drinking a high quality oolong tea, then you only need to consume 3 grams a day, which can be infused 3-5 times a day to make 3-5 cups of tea. Now that is a lot of cups to go through a day AND you are protecting yourself against any environmental contaminant because you are only consuming a tiny amount tea leaves a day!

Also, because oolong tea can be infused so many times, you can protect yourself against pesticides by tea washing. Simply pour hot water over the tea leaves, soak for a very short period of time, then remove the water. That way any pesticide residue and dust that might be on the tea are washed away! Oolong Tea Weight Loss FAQ #7: Is it true that oolong tea is a good accompaniment when eating fatty food? In Asia, oolong tea is a popular accompaniment for greasy food. Now, scientists have proven that it is an effective fat blocker. A study conducted by the University of Tokushima found that it can double the amount of fat being excreted. 12 young Japanese adults participated in the 17-day study, consisting of 10 days of washout and 7 days of treatment. The scientists found that fat excretion was twice as high for those who consumed oolong tea compared to the placebo. Oolong Tea Diet Blocks Fat Absorption So next time you have greasy food, have a cup of oolong tea!

Not only does the floral smell of oolong tea goes well with fatty food such as pork or beef, it can also help the body to process the fat effectively! Conclusion How much weight you lose in the next few weeks or months depends on many other factors, such as switching over to a healthier diet or having a more active lifestyle. If someone tells you that drinking oolong tea is guaranteed to help you lose 2 pounds a week - they are either exaggerating or lying. No scientific study has ever shown that just drinking tea can help you lose significant amount of weight in a few weeks. Drinking oolong tea can promote weight loss by giving increasing your metabolism and blocking fat absorption. It will make the journey much more enjoyable! New! Comments: Like This Story? Leave A Comment! References Wolfram S, Wang Y, Thielecke F (2006). Anti-obesity effects of green tea: from bedside to bench. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2006 Feb;50(2):176-87. Yang, M., Wang, C., Chen, H. (2001), Journal Nutrition Biochemistry. 12, 14-20.

Related Articles Tea Fact Sheet Tea Fact Sheet Tea Fact Sheet – 2015 Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water, and can be found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. It is the only beverage commonly served hot or iced, anytime, anywhere, for any occasion. On any given day, over 158 million Americans are drinking tea. Annual Consumption: (U.S.) In 2015, Americans consumed well over 80 billion servings of tea, or more than 3.6 billion gallons. About 85% of all tea consumed was Black Tea, 14% was Green Tea, and the small remaining amount was Oolong, White and Dark Tea. The U.S. is the third largest importer of tea in the world, after Russia and Pakistan, and the only western country to grow in tea imports and consumption. Approximately four in five consumers drink tea, with Millennials being the most likely (87% of millennials drink tea). (U.S.) On any given day, more than one half of the American population drinks tea. On a regional basis, the South and Northeast have the greatest concentration of tea drinkers.

Approximately 85% of tea consumed in America is iced. Ready-To-Drink Iced Teas: Over the last ten years, Ready-To-Drink Tea has grown more than 15 fold. In 2014, Ready-To-Drink sales were conservatively estimated to be more than $5.56 billion. Tea Bags, Herbal & Loose Tea: In 2015, more than 69% of hot tea purchased in the U.S. was bagged tea. Herbal teas were at about 30% and loose teas made up just under 1% of purchases. Tea Bags, as measured through Grocery and DMM, continue to lag with little or no growth. Private Brands are growing in both volume and dollars. Total category is growing in dollar terms, but lagging in volume. Loose tea continues to grow in both dollars and units. Current Sales: In 2015, U.S. tea imports were approximately 285 million pounds, with an estimated wholesale value of approximately USD $11.5 billion. Hot Tea has been growing steadily over the past 5 years, as consumers embrace its health benefits.

Total category sales for hot tea have increased more than 15% over the last 5 years – however growth has slowed in the past year. The tea market represents 6% or nearly $11 billion in consumer dollars spent in foodservice beverage category in 2014. Between 2010 and 2015, tea saw a 16% increase in menu occurrences. (U.S.) The industry anticipates strong, continuous growth, with a CAGR of 5-6%. This growth will come from all segments driven by convenience, interest in the health benefits of tea, continued innovation and the discovery of unique, flavorful and high-end Specialty Tea. Future success also relies on the adoption of tea by new consumers who are looking for healthy beverage options. Varieties: Black, Green, Oolong, Dark and White teas all come from the same plant, a warm-weather evergreen named Camellia sinensis. Differences among the five types of tea result from the various degrees of processing and the level of oxidization. Black tea is fully oxidized and Oolong teas are partially oxidized.

After withering and rolling, the tea leaves undergo natural chemical reactions resulting in taste and color changes and that develop the teas distinguishing characteristics. Green & White teas are not oxidized after leaf harvesting. Oolong tea is midway between Black and Green teas in strength and color. Dark teas are fermented after manufacture. Grown In: Much of the world’s tea is grown in mountainous areas 3,000 – 7,000 feet above sea level, situated between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn in mineral-rich and acidic soil. Leading tea-producing countries include Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Taiwan. History: Tea is nearly 5,000 years old. It was discovered in 2737 BC by Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung, also known as the “Divine Healer,” when as legend goes, some tea leaves accidentally blew into the Emperor’s pot of boiling water. In the 1600’s, tea became highly popular throughout Europe and the American colonies. Tea played a dramatic part in the establishment of the United States of America.

In 1767 the British Government put a tax on the tea used by American colonists. Protesting this “taxation without representation,” the colonists decided to stop buying tea and refused to allow tea ships to be unloaded. One December night in 1723, men dressed as Native Americans boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and threw more than 300 chests of tea into the sea. While not the only instance of teas being thrown overboard in protest of the British tax on tea, this most famous Boston Tea Party was said to be a principle act leading to the Revolutionary War. Anna, Duchess of Bedford, is credited with creating Afternoon Tea in 1840, when she began taking tea with a light snack around 4:00 p.m. to ward off “that sinking feeling.” High Tea originated with the rural and working class British, who would return to their homes at about 6:00 p.m. for a meal of potted meats, fish, cheese, salads, sweets, and a pot of strong tea. The U.S. played an important role in the history of tea, inventing the tea bag and iced tea, both in 1904.

Recently, the U.S. has led the rest of the world in marketing convenient Ready-To-Drink forms of tea in bottles. Qualities: Tea is an all-natural and environmentally sound product from a renewable source. The tea plant is naturally resistant to most insects; oxidation of the tea leaf is a natural process; and, many tea packers use recycled paper for packaging. Health Qualities: Tea is a refreshing beverage that contains no sodium, fat, carbonation, or sugar. It is virtually calorie-free. Tea helps maintain proper fluid balance and may contribute to overall good health. Tea contains flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds that are believed to have antioxidant properties. Tea flavonoids often provide bioactive compounds that help to neutralize free radicals, which scientists believe, over time, damage elements in the body, such as genetic material and lipids, and contribute to chronic disease. Every day, new findings from the international scientific community lend credibility to tea’s healthy properties. Recent research has explored the potential health attributes of tea through studies in humans, animal models and through in vitro laboratory research. For the most part, studies conducted on green and black tea, which are both from the Camellia sinensis plant, have yielded similar results.

Recent research suggests that tea and tea flavonoids may play important roles in various areas of health and may operate through a number of different mechanisms still being explored. As research continues, here are some exciting recent findings: Heart Health: Human population studies have found that people who regularly consume three or more cups of Black Tea per day have a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.11-15 The current body of research suggests that drinking tea can offer significant heart health benefits ranging from reducing heart attack risk to lowering Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, with benefits seen with just one cup and upwards of six cups a day. A Harvard study found that those who drank a cup or more of black tea per day had a 44% reduced risk of heart attack. [1] In a large population based study, adults who drank just over two cups of green tea per day reduced their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 22-23%. [2] A US Department of Agriculture study found that participants who drank five cups of black tea per day along with a diet moderately low in fat and cholesterol reduced their LDL cholesterol by about 11% after three weeks.

[3] Additionally, a study published in the December 2013 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that black tea reduced blood pressure, and among hypertensive subjects, it helped counteract the negative effects of a high-fat meal on blood pressure and arterial blood flow.42 Certain Cancers: More than 3,000 published research studies exist that evaluate the role tea—whether white, green, oolong or black—and tea compounds, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may play in cancers of various sites. Benefits to gastrointestinal health reaped by tea-drinking seem to be cumulative and dependant upon the amount of tea consumed per day as well as the number of tea-drinking years. One study found that women who consumed the equivalent of 2.5 cups of tea per day had a 60% reduction in rectal cancer risk, compared with women who drank less than 1.2 cups of tea daily. [4] An additional study found tea drinkers to have an approximate 42% reduced risk of colon cancer compared to non-tea drinkers.

Men who drank more than 1.5 cups of tea per day were found to have a 70% lower colon cancer risk. [5] One study showed that participants who drank iced black tea and citrus peel had a 42% reduced risk of skin cancer [6] and hot black tea consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of the most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. [7] A study published in the February 2015 issue of the Journal of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that the main antioxidant in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), helps kill cancer cells through the destruction of the cells’ mitochondria.43 Neurological Decline: Age-related declines in memory and cognition occur naturally, but research suggests that modifiable factors, such as diet and exercise, may help slow the progression of age-related neurodegeneration.16-17 Research indicates recommendations to improve heart and cardiovascular function are also neuroprotective.16-17 The benefits of tea that help improve biomarkers for reducing risk of heart disease may improve brain health too. The antioxidants in tea may be one way to help protect brain cells from environmental insults from free radicals.

18-20 In addition, L-theanine in tea has been shown to directly affect areas of the brain that control attention and ability to solve complex problems.21-23 A recently published long-term study of nearly 30,000 adults found that drinking three or more cups of tea per day was associated with a 69% reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. [8] According to research presented at the 2007 Scientific Symposium on Tea and Health, theanine, an amino acid that is for the most part uniquely found in tea (green and black), may help prevent age-related memory decline. This human-based data is supported by recent animal studies utilizing theanine. [9] Another recent animal study shows that green tea may have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease.

[10] Metabolism, Obesity and Body Composition: Several studies suggest drinking calorie-free tea may help with weight management.24-35 Preliminary research suggests that tea flavonoids help elevate metabolic rate, increase fat oxidation and improve insulin activity.24,26,28, 33-35 Tea catechins can also provide modest shifts in metabolism that may improve weight loss and maintenance.24,28,34,35 In one review, researchers concluded that subjects consuming green tea and caffeine lost an average of 2.9 pounds within 12 weeks while adhering to their regular diet. The results of another meta-analysis suggest the increase in caloric expenditure is equal to about 100 calories over a 24-hour period.

The weight loss benefits of tea vary based on many factors, but studies have found benefits with the equivalent of as little as 2.5 cups of green tea.44 Tea and Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis: Although high caffeine intake has been suggested to be a risk factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD), drinking tea has been linked to higher bone mineral density (BMD) and has been shown to boost bone-building markers and improve muscle mass, both of which may reduce the risk for osteoporosis and fracture.36-41 Compared to non-tea drinkers, tea drinkers have been found to have a higher BMD.36 Research suggests that polyphenols in green tea may help improve bone quality and strength. One study found that drinking tea was associated with a 30 percent reduced risk in hip fractures among men and women 50 years of age or older.45 Caffeine Content: Tea is naturally low in caffeine. A cup of Black Tea, for example, contains about 40 milligrams of caffeine. Cost Per Serving: Prepared at home, tea costs about three cents per serving, cup or glass.

Tea continues to remain one of the most economical beverages available, even the most expensive teas are less than 10 cents per serving. Key Tea Terms: Antioxidant: A substance that helps prevent or delay oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen and or reactive nitrogen species. Oxidative damage to the body, cells and tissues may contribute to diseases like cancer and heart disease. Phytochemicals: Naturally occurring plant compounds. Many phytochemicals are thought to play a role in decreasing the risk of cancer and heart disease and may boost the immune system. Some phytochemicals such as tea flavonoids are also antioxidants. Flavonoids: A class of polyphenolic phytochemicals found in tea that are effective antioxidants. Tea flavonoids and related bio-active compounds in tea may play important roles in various areas of heath and may operate through a number of different mechanisms still being explored. Flavonols: A group of flavonoids found in tea and many fruits and vegetables that are antioxidants and are thought to contribute to some of the potential health benefits in these plant foods. They include rutin, quercetin and kaempferol.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): The principle catechin in Green and Black Teas. EGCG is a strong antioxidant and has been shown to reduce formation of lung, esophageal and skin tumors in animal models of human cancer. Theanine: An amino acid commonly found in tea that can cross the blood-brain barrier, therefore has psychoactive properties. It may reduce mental and physical stress, and may produce feelings of relaxation by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, and alpha wave activity.

Question: What kind of beverage is "oolong"?
Answer: Tea