Increase metabolism, support blood sugar control
Some studies show that tea rich in antioxidants can help improve blood sugar and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. With oolong tea, the mechanism is believed to be related to catechin, especially epigallocatechin gallate, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a short-term study, people who drank two cups of oolong tea a day recorded increased fat breakdowns by about 20 percent compared to the control group, without affecting sleep. However, scientists cannot confirm whether this effect came from caffeine or from the characteristic compounds of tea itself.
Dr. Qi Sun, a nutritionist at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said: "Polyphenol-rich drinks can play a supporting role in controlling weight and blood sugar, but cannot replace a balanced diet and exercise.
Improve microbiome, increase energy
Oolong tea, thanks to its partial fermentation process, can have a positive impact on the gut microbiota. Polyphenols go down to the colon, interacting with beneficial bacteria, thereby contributing to maintaining microbial balance. This is especially important because microbiotic disorders are often associated with obesity and low-level chronic inflammation.
In addition, oolong tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, lower than coffee but enough to help increase alertness, concentration and improve motor performance. However, the total amount of caffeine per day should be below 400 milligrams from all sources.
Experts recommend drinking oolong tea in moderation, limiting the addition of sugar and fatty cream. Health benefits, if any, are only truly sustainable when accompanied by a healthy lifestyle.
