Green milk oolong: benefits and harms, how to brew milk oolong tea. Benefits and contraindications of oolong tea

Amazing and unique oolong tea (or oolong) is an invaluable discovery of the ancient Chinese, which, thanks to its healing properties, not only invigorates the body, but also heals the soul.

Features and contraindications

oolong tea photo

Oolong tea means “dark dragon”; it is also called “qing cha” (“turquoise tea”) - this is a variety Chinese tea, which is intermediate between green or black (red) tea. According to Chinese classification, it is considered a semi-fermented tea participating in the Chinese tea ceremony.

Compared to other varieties, oolong is less common than others because it is very difficult to store and process. It grows high in the mountains on the legendary plantations of the Chinese provinces of Anxi, Fujian, Guangdong and on the island of Taiwan. The place of growth affects the variety of tea, the appearance of its leaves, as well as the production methods. However, tea masters claim that the quality is influenced by “the combination of mists that envelop the trees and the sun that revives the leaves.”

Despite the mild effect of this type of tea, it should not be abused. Oolong is known for containing large amounts of caffeine, so it is not recommended for use before bed, or for older people. Milk oolong contains a natural alkaloid, theine, which is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as people suffering from diseases cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract.

Collection and production

For oolong tea, the top leaves with stems are collected

To produce tea, mature leaves and cuttings connected into a branch are used. The stems contain essential oils that give it a unique aroma. Tea leaves are laid in a thin layer in the shade, where, as the leaves wither and wither, they “lose their greenery.” After this, the leaves are placed on bamboo trays, turned and kneaded every hour. Craftsmen do this carefully so as not to damage the integrity of the sheet.

During the drying process, the core of the leaf remains intact; it does not release juice and does not participate in fermentation. The crumpled edges turn red and gradually oxidize. Next comes heat treatment: the leaves are placed in the oven, after which they are quickly cooled and rolled. This procedure is repeated several times.

Propertiesand benefits

Oolong tea promotes weight loss

Qing cha not only has a special aroma and taste, but also the ability to change them with each new brew. In recent years, due to its healing properties, the “dark dragon” has become increasingly popular. Hundreds of studies conducted in different countries the world confirmed the miraculous properties that were spoken of in ancient times. For example, scientists have confirmed that oolong tea exhibits beneficial properties when trying to lose weight, preventing the development of most types of cancer diseases, slowing down the aging process, counteracting hypertension, normalizing blood pressure.

Oolong teas have a beneficial effect on the physical and mental state of a person. They are distinguished by good extractivity, containing a large amount of essential oils, they are also distinguished by tannin, caffeine content and more than 400 types of useful chemical compounds. Among them: vitamins C, D, E, K, B1, B6, B3, B12, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine, manganese, zinc, etc. Manganese helps the body absorb vitamin C, increases the body’s resistance to disease, and also prevents the formation of tumors. The variety of vitamins in tea prevents thrombophlebitis and strengthens the tissue of the walls of blood vessels. The flavonoid stimulates metabolism, stimulates the appearance of new cells and the rejection of dead cells from the surface of the skin, reduces wrinkles and promotes rejuvenation.

One of the types - milk oolong tea - contains beneficial properties in a huge number. It contains more than four hundred useful substances, a large number of antioxidants, microelements, vitamin complex, amino acids. Milk oolong has a warming and tonic effect, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas and spleen, relieves heaviness after heavy or fatty foods, prevents the formation of blood clots, helps restore strength, and effectively removes toxins. There are no calories in oolong, and it awakens a strong appetite, but if you don’t give in to this feeling, you can very quickly notice the process of losing weight.

Tea varieties

The most popular oolong variety is Tie Guanyin.

The most famous oolong variety in the world is the classic Tie Guanyin, which is considered the standard of this type. It is called a masterpiece of Chinese tea producers. No less beautiful is the magnificent Milk Oolong, which has a soft, sweetish aroma of milk and a long aftertaste.

The representative of classic shades is the legendary Yes Hong Pao with a honey aftertaste. For lovers of soft taste and pleasant floral shades there is the Valley of Mists. Ginseng Oolong contains ginseng, which creates a spicy, floral flavor and dark color, tones and invigorates.

Tie Guanyin Wang is a classic oolong with a rich and ever-changing aroma, a long honey aftertaste and pure taste. Really soft and juicy fruity taste Honey Melon and Orange Oolong add flavor to the drink.

Oolong ( oolong, turquoise, precious) - a group of classic semi-fermented Chinese teas that combine the properties of green and red tea, their taste benefits and beneficial effect on the body. At regular use prevents the emergence and development of many diseases, including cancer.

Oolong is mainly grown on the island. Taiwan, in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Fujian. The drink is appreciated for unique taste, rich aroma and positive health properties.

Removes harmful substances, saturates the body with useful biochemical compounds, has a positive effect on the sexual sphere of men and women, increasing libido levels, and provides a rejuvenating effect. No wonder there are so many centenarians in China!

Rich chemical composition brought turquoise tea the fame of a powerful source of natural antioxidants, which is why the second name of the drink (oolong) literally translates as “elixir of youth.”

Characteristics

Well-ripened or young leaves of an adult tea bush that have been fermented in a special way: as a result of exposure high temperatures they curl into dense lumps. As a result, only the edges of the leaves dry out, and the middle remains green with pronounced veins.

Fermentation level oolongs - about 50%, on a scale between green and red (black, according to the European classification) varieties.

When brewing, the tea leaves open, significantly increasing in volume. They are easy to see: the leaves of high-quality oolong are dense, brown with a green center.

Colors of the finished drink- different shades of yellow: light, honey, golden, amber.

The taste is rich and multifaceted, changing with each brewing. Bright aftertaste: creamy milky, honey, caramel, floral.

Compound

Oolong occupies one of the leading positions in the ranking of products containing maximum quantity useful biochemical substances (about 400).

For thousands of years, China has remained the world's undisturbed producer. different varieties, types of tea that differ in preparation technology, methods of fermentation of tea leaves, and taste properties. Green tea is a popular drink in the Middle Kingdom, and one of its elite varieties is milk oolong , the benefits and harms of which not only have a wide range, but are also confirmed by numerous laboratory studies.

What is milk oolong

There are classic and flavored varieties and types of oolong. For flavoring, ginseng, rose and brown tree extracts, and jasmine petals are used.

In the Chinese tea hierarchy, milk oolong occupies a transitional position between green, red and black teas, combining best properties these varieties. Milk oolong tastes like green tea, and the aroma is red. The finished, properly brewed infusion acquires a light lemon color, an exquisite caramel-creamy taste with light milk notes.

Quality oolong It has a subtle unobtrusive aroma and a bright rich taste. The quality of oolong can be determined by the degree of curling of the tea leaves. Properly dried leaves are twisted into tight “lumps”, which under the influence hot water fully open, releasing their aroma and beneficial properties ready-made drink. Oolong should not contain dust, twigs, or third-party additives. If tea has a pronounced milky aroma, the raw materials are subjected to industrial aromatization.

Production

The leaves are placed in bamboo baskets and left to dry in the sun for several hours. In the process of saturating the raw materials with solar energy, the benefits of milk oolong are enhanced compared to varietal teas obtained by industrial drying.

At the wilting stage, the leaves are turned over and gently kneaded. Thanks to special technology, under the influence of high temperature conditions Light fermentation of the leaves occurs, after which they are rolled by hand and dried to reduce moisture. Due to the specific processing, the middle of the tea leaves remains elastic, acquires a rich green tint, and the edges are dark brown.

Milk oolong is flavored in two ways:

1. The first involves aromatization of uncollected sheets. Each bush is treated with a concentrated solution of Cuban sugar cane. This option is labor-intensive and expensive.
2. Traditional, in which tea raw materials, after drying, are generously treated with whey extract.

Beneficial properties of milk oolong

The beneficial properties of milk oolong are due to its content:

When consumed regularly, milk oolong has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Tea has a tonic and general strengthening effect. Positively affects the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous system, increases the body's resistance. Ready-made oolong relieves fatigue, improves emotional background, performance, and promotes weight loss.

Important:Milk oolong belongs to low calorie drinks. In 100 gr. tea contains 142 kcal. The ability to break down fats makes oolong an indispensable drink for weight loss.

Alkaloids and pectins have a tonic, restorative effect, dilate blood vessels, and normalize cholesterol levels in the blood. Removes triglycerides and maintains muscle tone.

Important: Essential oils, tanning components strengthen the walls of blood vessels, so systematic use of oolong tea is an excellent prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and vascular atherosclerosis. When consumed in moderation, milk oolong tea normalizes blood pressure.

Important:Consumption of milk oolong helps to increase the concentration of adiponectin protein in the blood, the deficiency of which leads to the development of diabetes mellitus.

Vitamin and mineral composition

B vitamins have a beneficial effect on digestive processes and stabilize the emotional background. Vitamin PP dilates blood vessels, increases the absorption of iron, and participates in oxidative processes.

Vitamin E affects the cellular structures of the epidermis, improves skin tone and elasticity, has a positive effect on the reproductive system, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis.

Vitamin A is necessary for full physical development and improves vision. Vitamin K is responsible for blood clotting and normalizes the functioning of the gallbladder and liver.

Manganese, magnesium, fluorine are necessary for the skeletal system and prevent the thinning of tooth enamel. Zinc ensures complete protein synthesis and improves the functions of the reproductive system. Phosphorus is essential for brain activity.

Beneficial properties of Ginseng Oolong tea

Oolong Ginseng combines all the beneficial properties of the plant:

Important:Oolong Ginseng tea is not recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach. Ginseng activates digestive and metabolic processes. Drinking oolong on an empty stomach can make you feel dizzy and very hungry.

How to brew milk oolong correctly

Oolong can be brewed up to ten times. The infusion time for each subsequent brew increases by three minutes. At the same time, the third or fourth brew is considered the most “correct”.

Before placing tea leaves into the brewing container, it is recommended to rinse it several times with boiling water. This simple procedure will help to fully reveal the taste and beneficial properties of tea leaves.

Important:The duration of brewing and water temperature depend on the degree of fermentation of oolong (40-60%).

Low-fermented oolongs (40-45% fermentation) are brewed with water at 60-75 degrees. The water temperature for preparing highly fermented oolongs is 90 degrees. If you exceed the temperature of the brewing water, you can “kill” not only the taste, but also the healing properties of the drink.

After rinsing the kettle with boiling water, pour in tea (one-third of the container’s volume). The first water that is poured into the teapot is drained after a few seconds. Pouring water desired temperature, cover the vessel with a lid and leave for two to three minutes. Pour into cups. You can add honey, sugar, and pieces of fruit to taste.

Contraindications

Considering that milk oolong contains caffeine and theine, consumption should be limited in case of hypertension, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Oolong should be used with caution when urolithiasis, chronic cardiovascular pathologies.

Oolong, or oolong, is obtained from the leaves of the same plant from which green and black teas are produced - Camellia sinensis. The difference lies in the cooking method.

What is it?

Leaves Camellia sinensis contain some enzymes that stimulate the passage of oxidative reactions in them. Green varieties are made from leaves that are not oxidized (or, as they say, fermented). - these are leaves in which the oxidation reaction has taken place.

The difference between oolong tea and green and black tea is that it occupies an intermediate position between these varieties. Its leaves are oxidized, but not completely. Therefore, it is incorrect to call oolong green. This is a completely different type of drink. And if we describe it in color, then it is brown.

Many people believe that oolong tea is always milky. This is wrong. Milk oolong is made by adding milk extract during processing, which gives original taste and aroma. But this is just one of the varieties. In our country it is the most popular. However, oolong does not have to be “milk”.

The benefits and possible harms of oolong milk tea and regular oolong tea are the same.

Compound

One cup of freshly brewed drink contains:

• 26% daily norm manganese;
• 36 mg caffeine;
• 5-24% daily fluoride dose;
• as well as potassium, magnesium, sodium, niacin.

But, of course, the benefits of green milk oolong are determined not by vitamins and minerals, but by completely different biological active compounds.

Oolong contains a lot of polyphenol group antioxidants (theaflavins, araubigins and EGCG) and flavonoids (catechin, myricetin, kaempferol and quercetin).

The amino acid theanine is present, which is responsible for its relaxing effect.

Useful properties

1. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has been proven that the polyphenolic compounds in the drink reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, while simultaneously increasing the sensitivity of cells to this hormone. It has been shown that people who drink 720 ml of oolong tea per day reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 16%. Those who are already sick and drink 1500 ml daily can reduce blood sugar levels by 30%.
2. Protection of the heart and blood vessels. Useful properties Chinese oolong consist in the ability to slow down the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover, both to prevent its occurrence and to alleviate its manifestations in those people who are already sick. The drink dilates blood vessels and low-density lipoproteins. Regular drinking of oolong tea reduces the risk of developing heart disease by 61%.
3. Prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Caffeine, the amino acid theanine, and the polyphenol EGCG enhance the effect of norepinephrine and dopamine on the brain and improve the functioning of the hypothalamus. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of many serious neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. According to some data, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease with regular consumption of this type of Chinese tea can be reduced by 86%.
4. Improved mental status. The combination of theanine, caffeine and polyphenols calms and at the same time puts a person in a business mood, improves concentration, and improves performance.
5. Cancer Prevention. Tea antioxidants destroy free radicals that damage cellular structures, causing cancer. At the same time, polyphenolic compounds reduce the rate of division of already formed cancer cells. Most active manifest against melanoma, pancreatic and ovarian tumors.
6. Dental Health Support. The anti-inflammatory activity of antioxidants helps fight inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, prevent the development of periodontitis, and eliminate pathological dental plaque. The beneficial effect of the drink is also associated with the presence in its composition of significant amounts of fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel.
7. Increased bone density. Special benefit for women, milk oolong from China is due to its ability to support proper bone mineralization. It has been shown that if a woman regularly drinks the drink in her youth, then by the age of menopause her bone tissue has a 4.5-4.9% higher density than if she did not drink this tea.
8. Help treat eczema. Oolong is not able to completely rid a person of eczema. But it can enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs used to treat this disease.

Benefits for weight loss

Another benefit of milk oolong tea or any other version of oolong is that it helps you lose weight.

The drink cannot be called a “diet pill.” But it is advisable to include it in the diet of those people who want to not just quickly lose a few kilograms for the beach season and then gain them back, but also strive to lose weight sustainably with health benefits. It may not be fast, but it’s correct.

A successful combination of caffeine and polyphenols of the drink:

• has a thermogenic effect and due to this;
• reduces the absorption of food fats;
• slows down the formation of new fat deposits.

Oolong tea is also useful for weight loss because its antioxidants help the body cope with inflammatory processes. Since a significant set excess weight is always associated with the presence of chronic inflammatory processes in humans; this function of oolong is extremely important for normalizing body weight.

Another useful property for normalizing weight is a decrease in cell resistance to insulin. This effect helps not only to avoid the development of diabetes, but also to lose weight. Especially in the abdominal area. Since the accumulation of excess fat in the abdominal cavity is always associated with the presence of resistance to the hormone insulin.

For oolong to be truly beneficial for weight loss, it must be consumed without sugar and other sweeteners, including honey. But it is useful to add spices that will enhance therapeutic effect drink, first of all, cinnamon.

Contraindications and side effects

The drink contains caffeine and this may be associated with the harm of milk oolong tea if consumed in large quantities.

However, it is difficult to overdose on caffeine during regular tea drinking. According to official data from international medical organizations, adults can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine per day. For pregnant women, the norm is 200 mg.

It is also theoretically possible to overdose on oolong's polyphenolic antioxidants. But precisely theoretically, since in reality, cases of overdose were recorded only when using supplements in the form of extracts, but not the drink itself.

The only population group for which harmful properties tea can be expressed quite clearly - these are those who suffer from iron deficiency.

Flavonoid antioxidants consumed in large quantities, reduce the absorption of iron from food by 15-67%.

Therefore, those who suffer from iron deficiency are not recommended to drink this tea option at the same time as meals. In addition, be sure to saturate your diet with foods rich in vitamin C, which improve the absorption of the microelement.

When breastfeeding, milk oolong is allowed and even indicated.

Brewing rules

You can see with your own eyes how to properly brew green milk oolong tea in the video.

The basic rules are as follows:

• to preserve the maximum amount of antioxidants in tea leaves, they must be brewed with water at a temperature of 90 degrees;
• infusion time – 3-10 minutes;
• For one cup, take 3 grams of leaves (oolong is usually large-leaved, so 3 grams corresponds to 2-3 teaspoons).

How does the drink affect the human body: conclusions

Oolong is prepared from the leaves of the tea bush, which have undergone partial fermentation. That is, oolong milk tea is an intermediate position between green and black varieties. That's what it is.

Beneficial and harmful properties of dairy option exactly the same as a normal one. The difference in taste is due to the fact that the dairy variety is treated with milk extract.

Oolong tea helps prevent diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. It is useful for sustainable healthy weight loss, treating eczema, strengthening bones and teeth.

Possible harm is associated with an extremely high amount of drink consumed - more than 10 cups per day.

Oolong, oolong or oolong - all of these different names of the same tea raw materials, which have undergone a special fermentation procedure. Today, green milk oolong tea, the benefits and harms of which were known many years ago, is considered simply a pleasant drink.

Many lovers of the product do not even suspect what powerful healing and preventive properties the aromatic liquid has. Some people, upon hearing the name of the product, mistakenly believe that it is soaked or brewed in milk. Due to such errors, the beneficial properties of the product may be minimized.

Description of milk oolong, methods of its production

In terms of the degree of fermentation, oolong tea is between its green and black counterparts. After brewing, it takes on the appearance of a light lemon liquid with a delicate creamy aroma. Distinctive feature drink is mild taste with milky notes. This raw material grows only in certain provinces of Taiwan at an altitude of up to 1000 m.

It is collected in autumn and spring, after which the products are subjected to one of the following processing methods:

1. It is a rather labor-intensive and complex method, which is why the tea turns out to be expensive. It is not individual leaves that are fermented, but entire bushes. First, they are exposed to a sugar cane solution, while the roots are watered instant milk. Then the blanks are sprinkled with rice husks, which brings them to the desired state.
2. With the traditional approach, milk oolong is obtained by collecting and drying raw materials, followed by processing it with milk extract. It has a fairly affordable price, although the quality is significantly lower.

With the right approach, not the entire leaf is fermented, but only its edges. The process is quite lengthy and complex; it requires consistent removal of excess moisture from the workpieces. Today, in addition to oolong from Taiwan, you can find tea from China. It has almost the same taste characteristics, but you can rarely find its elite varieties.

Composition and properties of milk oolong

The abundance of active substances gives aromatic drink unique properties. The benefits and harms of green milk oolong tea largely depend on how it is brewed correctly. If you act strictly according to the developed scheme, the finished liquid will contain the following components in its composition:

• Essential oils and polyphenolic compounds.
• Caffeine and antioxidants.

Advice: When choosing an elite milk oolong, you should pay attention special attention for elite mixed products. A very useful option is a raw material in which green tea is combined with red tea. This combination of components guarantees a delicate taste against a background of pronounced aroma.

• Vitamins A, B1, B2, C and PP.
• Minerals potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, fluorine, calcium, sulfur, sodium, silicon, nickel and many others.

With all this, the calorie content of the drink is minimal, so it can be consumed without fear even by those people who watch their figure. The main thing is not to exceed the maximum dosage, monitor your condition and do not ignore contraindications.

If you brew milk oolong correctly and regularly consume it, the properties and benefits of the drink will manifest themselves in the following way:

• The immune system is strengthened and the likelihood of developing cancer is reduced due to the activity of antioxidants.
• Cell regeneration processes are accelerated, which leads to faster wound healing and improvement appearance skin. At the same time, collagen is also synthesized in the tissues, which allows you to get rid of wrinkles.
• The texture of the walls of blood vessels is restored, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Oolong is an ideal remedy for losing excess weight. It stimulates the breakdown of fats, facilitates the process of digesting food, and removes waste and toxins from the intestines. It is worth considering that drinking oolong may be accompanied by a feeling of hunger - this is the body’s reaction to cleansing. If you endure these attacks, you can count on rapid weight loss.
• Milk oolong contains substances that improve blood composition. It reduces the level of bad cholesterol and increases hemoglobin levels.
• By drinking unique green tea, you can significantly increase your productivity and brain functionality. The composition stimulates memory and helps you focus on your goals.

Introducing oolong into the diet on an ongoing basis normalizes mood and helps fight seasonal depression and the effects of stress. The main thing is to learn how to choose the right raw materials and brew them in accordance with the wishes of specialists.

Potential harm to the product, contraindications

The increased activity of substances in oolong tea can cause the development negative consequences, so don’t overuse the drink. The optimal daily volume of liquid to adhere to is 1-3 cups. If you drink the composition in large quantities, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure due to the high level of theine (similar in properties to caffeine).

The coloring pigments in the product can cause destruction of tooth enamel, so after drinking tea it is recommended to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth. The diuretic properties of oolong tea create additional stress on the kidneys, which diseased organs may not be able to cope with.

In addition, there are several contraindications to drinking the drink:

1. The presence of food allergies, individual intolerance to tea in any form.
2. Pregnancy and lactation period.
3. High blood pressure, tendency and predisposition to hypertension.
4. Exacerbation of peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis. Increased acidity stomach.

It is worth remembering that oolong is not drunk before bed, even in minimal quantities. Firstly, the composition may cause frequent urination at night. Secondly, it has pronounced tonic properties, which leads to insomnia.

Rules for selecting and storing milk oolong

It is not so difficult to brew oolong tasty; it is much more difficult to initially select high-quality raw materials. To achieve desired result, before purchasing products you need to pay attention to the following points:

• The presence of dust or broken leaves in the packaging is unacceptable. This is the first and most striking sign of a low quality product.
• The leaves may be curled or compressed into small clumps of uniform shape and size. Fresh product It's slightly shiny even though it's dry.
• It is better to buy oolong by weight, this will allow you to evaluate the smell. Milky green tea will have a deep, clean and pleasant taste. Harshness or cloying is unacceptable.
• High-quality raw materials are homogeneous and selected, even if they consist of two varieties. The presence of impurities is a sign that it is a cheap counterfeit or a diluted semi-finished product.
• Green milk oolong has a rich green. The presence of yellowness or dark spots may be a sign of violation of product storage rules.

Storing milky green oolong generally requires special approach. If raw materials become saturated with foreign odors, this will not only negatively affect their taste characteristics, but will also reduce its severity useful properties. It is best to keep the composition in porcelain or glass containers with a tight-fitting lid. Place the container in a dark and cool place. For long-term storage A refrigerator would be more suitable.

Gourmets compare brewing oolong to a sacrament. The process is not very complicated, but full of nuances and rules:

• We will need the tea leaves itself, drinking or filtered water and a porcelain teapot.
• Pour boiling water over a clean teapot (it’s better if no other types of tea have been brewed in it before).
• We put the tea leaves into it in the proportion of 9 g of the composition for every 250 ml of water.
• Fill in the mass boiled water, the temperature of which should be between 80-85ºС.
• Without infusing the mixture, immediately drain the first water.
• Now we repeat the manipulation, once again filling the container with boiled water.
• This time the mass needs to be insisted. The exposure time depends on individual preferences and is selected experimentally. Usually it ranges from 2 to 15 minutes.
• The tea leaves can be refilled hot water up to 6-8 times depending on the quality of raw materials. After the mixture has cooled, it must be thrown away, even if it has only been brewed once before. There will be little benefit from such a composition, but all aggressive substances are activated.
• The composition is not brewed in a thermos; it turns out too rich and even bitter.

A big mistake would be to drink green milk tea oolong in one gulp. Connoisseurs prefer to stretch out the pleasure by drinking the liquid in small sips. At the same time, the drink should not be allowed to cool; when cold, it loses its charm and value. It is worth noting that the composition is suitable for daily use. It is not addictive and does not accumulate in tissues, so there is no need to take any breaks.