Wu-Long Tea for Weight Loss

Wu-long tea has been considered as a boon for fat loss by many. There are lot of crazy and unsubstantiated claims about which foods and herbs are efficient fat-busters. So it's a change to know that wu-long tea, regarded by many as the latest fat-buster, actually has supporting evidence to prove it.

The funny thing is that it’ll cost you less if you buy this tea with its traditional spelling of its name. Oolong tea and wu-long tea are one and the same, just spelt differently.

In August 2003, researchers at the University of Tokushima School of Medicine observed that oolong tea raised the rate of burning of calories by 10%, while those drinking green tea saw a metabolic rise of 4%. Both teas helped in burning of fat when consumed after a meal, but wu-long tea was more effective.

Another study conducted in 2006 showed that oolong tea could effectively lower the absorption of fats consumed during a meal. They observed that lipids (fats) were excreted at a higher rate from the stool of those who drank the tea after their meals as against those who did not. The tea also had a beneficial effect on the cholesterol levels.

Green tea, oolong (or wu-long) tea, and black tea are all obtained from the same plant. The difference in the end product we drink comes from the differences in the time required for processing and fermenting all the 3 varieties of tea. Green tea is the least processed, while black tea has highest processing. Oolong tea comes in between.

Oolong tea has nearly 50% less caffeine than green tea, but higher polymerized polyphenols, the chemicals believed to increase the metabolism of fats. Although caffeine can speed up the metabolism to certain extent, it is certainly not caffeine that increases the efficiency of oolong tea in losing weight.

But wu-long tea has fewer cancer-fighting properties than green tea. If you are worried about cancer and are drinking green tea, you may not opt for oolong tea. But if weight loss is your goal and are not consuming any type of tea, your metabolism will increase when you choose wu-long tea.

The results of the studies indicate that you will be greatly benefited from the metabolic boost provided by wu-long tea if you drink it immediately after a meal. Oolong tea has a delicious, complex flavor that is regarded by some as a "nuanced flavor profile."

Sadly, increasing number of people today, are purchasing this tea for its limited weight loss results. This has caused in escalation of its prices.