There are four main types of traditional tea. Black, oolong, green, and white.Each main classification can have thousands of varieties, all of them having their own distinct characteristic. All tea can provide wonderful flavor, offer many health benefits, and give people a lifetime of sipping enjoyment.

Here are several interesting facts about the increasingly popular oolong tea.

1. Along with its three cousins, Oolong originates from the same Camellia sinensis tea plant. Ultimately, it is the processing and fermentation that leaves go through which will determine what type they will become..
2. Once the leaves of oolong are plucked, and "bruised" so as to break them up which releases oil, the oxidation process can be anywhere from 10 to 70 percent, depending on the specific variety. This type of tea is the only one that goes through such a broad range of fermentation.
3. Like green tea, oolong tea contains plant polyphenols that can aid in weight loss. For several years, and even to date, the green tea diet has captured the attention of thousands trying to naturally lose weight. However, as of late oolong tea has taken center stage, and several studies have shown it to be a greater calorie-burner than green tea.
4. China and Taiwan are the two countries this tea is most commonly cultivated in. Chinese varieties give us a more darker and "woody" tasting cup, where as the Taiwanese varieties produce a lighter, more floral tasting brew.
5. Oolong tea is also known as "Wu long tea". Since there are two methods to Romanize Mandarin Characters, we get several different spellings. Wu long is the Pinyin translation, and Oolong the Wades Giles system. Other names for oolong are brown tea and rock tea.
6. Although there can be hundreds, popular varieties are Pouchong, Wu-yi tea, Formosa oolong, , and Ti Kuan Yin. Each one offers a tea drinker distinct characteristics, full flavor, and many health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, fighting free radicals, and even help with preventing tumor growth.
7. Oolong has a taste more akin to green tea than to black tea: it lacks the rosy, sweet aroma of black tea but it likewise does not have the stridently grassy vegetal notes that typify green tea.
8. And finally, the most important oolong tea fact of all is...it is best enjoyed when carefully prepared using whole loose leaves! Consumers can expect superior aroma, flavor, and health benefits utilizing this method!Tea bags will not offer much flavor or benefits since they contain old pieces of dried up "tea dust" called fannings. It is because of this that many people may get a wrong first impression on what could have been a wonderful flavorsome cup!

Oolong tea is now one of the most popular weight loss teas for quick and healthy weight loss or fat loss.Oolong tea leaves are plucked, kept under carefully controlled conditions and allowed to oxidize. The leaves are not intentionally broken, leaving most of the cell structure intact until they start to turn brown.

Oolong Tea and Weight Loss. Around the world today, so much interest has been shown about the Oolong tea (also known as wulong tea) and weight loss and we are going to highlight some of the health benefits of the Oolong tea. It is a known fact that the two main ways to reduce food related body weight include; increase metabolism and inhibit absorption of nutrients, including fat and carbohydrates. The caffeine in Oolong tea is a stimulant which helps to increase the metabolism. It may interest you to know that Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green tea and therefore is an effective weight loss tea for quick and healthy fat loss.

Recommended intake of drinking 2 cups of Oolong tea every day, you will be able to shed stubborn body fats by boosting your metabolism and also block the fattening effects of carbohydrates.Studies carried out in 1998 revealed that continuous consumption of Oolong tea for six weeks resulted in a significant weight loss.For quick and healthy fat loss, drink Oolong tea in the afternoon to stave off late day sweet cravings and energy slumps.

Take one cup of Oolong tea 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to your usual exercise or workout session and reap the rewards as it accelerates a quick and healthy weight loss.Oolong tea is effective in blocking the absorption of fats and carbohydrates which has a significant role in its weight loss benefits.

Recent research has also revealed that drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day not only helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism, but also blocks the fattening effects of carbohydrates; promotes strong, healthy teeth; improves cognitive functioning and mental well-being; clarifies your skin, giving it a healthy, radiant glow and strengthens your immune system.