Properties of Osmanthus Oolong Tea

Energy Boost

• All teas from the Camellia sinensis plant contain energy-boosting caffeine, including oolong tea. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, teas contain roughly half the caffeine of coffee. Their exact caffeine amounts, however, vary based on the brewing time and amount of tea leaves used for a cup.

Dental Health

• Teas from the Camellia sinensis plant also contain fluoride, which helps make teeth strong. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, however, the fluoride amounts in oolong tea should not be enough to provide more than the recommended daily dosage, even with daily consumption. Lower quality teas can cause symptoms of fluoride over-consumption.

Disease Reduction

• Tea consumption may prevent quite a few health problems, according to many studies. The University of Maryland Medical Center and the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University both discuss studies that show that oolong tea reduces cardiovascular diseases and several types of cancer. Tea can also help lower cholesterol, slow type 1 diabetes progression, and reduce liver damage from alcohol.

Weight Loss

• Studies aimed at proving whether or not tea helps with weight loss have had somewhat mixed results, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Since oolong tea can increase energy levels in its drinkers, it can help them become more active and burn more calories. Some researchers also think that some chemicals in tea, called "catechins," help burn fat.

Antioxidants

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the polyphenols in tea act as powerful antioxidants. Osmanthus also contains antioxidants. Antioxidants can help prevent or slow down degenerative conditions in adults. The Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center for Aging at Tufts University explains that they also help people maintain their normal physiological functions over time.