What is Wu-yi tea?

When "wu-yi tea" is typed into a search engine, folks may take notice the ads that pop up along the side of the screen, some of which seem to be hyping this product. Some claim that this tea will dramatically make you lose weight, and all you have to do is drink 3 or 4 cups a day, and you'll burn off fat faster than you can count calories. Well, at least that is the message some are betraying.

The truth is, this variety of tea can indeed help you lose weight, but "help" is the keyword. Proper dieting and exercise are other important key factors on weight loss. Please do not misunderstand that wu-yi tea will do it all by itself. Also, it is recommended that you seek your doctor's advice before consuming any tea for weight loss…

So What Exactly Is Wu-yi Tea?

Wu-yi, is a variety of Chinese oolong tea that is grown in the Wuyi mountains located in the north-western part of China in the Fujian Province. There really isn't nothing special about these teas save the fact that they will brew a distinctive and flavorsome cup. Also, there are several different varieties of wuyi tea. Generally, the brew from each produces a cup that is full-bodied, with a slight flowery sweetness containing medium vegetal undertones. Chinese oolong teas can also taste "woody" depending on the oxidation which can vary between 30 to 70 percent.

Another fact to state is that all oolong tea is cultivated from the same species of plant, the Camellia sinensis. So when you think about it, ALL oolong teas contain the same benefits, although their taste can differ; which directs us back to the hype topic.

The reason this variety of tea is getting this weight loss attention is because oolong tea in general contain a higher plant polyphenol count over the other three main classes of tea, green, white, and black tea.

Polyphenols are substances in tea that when consumed trigger an action in the body called "thermogenesis". To simplify, this stimulates enzymes in the body which burn off calories by dissolving fatty tissues called triglyceride; all this when combined with exercise and proper eating can equal weight loss. Since all oolong teas have these high polyphenol properties, ALL oolong teas can aid in shedding pounds; wuyi varieties are no different! Granted they might contain just a tad bit more, but the difference in actual results is not going to be night and day.

Besides weight loss benefits, other advantages of drinking several cups of oolong tea daily are:

Oolong helps lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels
Destroys free radicals which damage the skin and increase the aging process
Helps prevent certain tumors and cancers from developing
Boosts the immune system and helps fight off viruses
Destroys bacteria in the mouth that cause oral diseases like gingivitis
Provides folks with more natural energy and has low caffeine levels

This beverage is enjoyed by many who fancy its flavor, history, vast varieties and culture. Weight loss is just one of many reasons people should get into the healthy habit of drinking it.

So, now that we've discussed that wu-yi tea is nothing that special, and just one of the many ordinary varieties of oolong tea, another important thing to mention is how folks should brew and prepare it. Doing this right means getting the most flavor and benefits from every single cup. Doing this wrong, well, the results are kind of bitter.

But that's the topic of another page!
Should Folks Buy Oolong Tea In Loose Leaf Or Tea Bag Form?

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