Wu-yi tea is a type of tea leaf that grows only in a small region of China, on Mount Wuyi. In just a short time, it has become the most popular weight loss supplement in the world. It claims to not only cause weight loss, but to also improve the texture of the skin, reduce stress, lower blood sugar levels, increase energy, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.

Wu-yi tea actually includes three different types of teas: Wu Yi green tea, Wu Yi black tea, and Wu Yi oolong tea, which is also called Wu Long tea. The latter type is the variation that is most popular with dieters. According to recent studies conducted in China and Japan, the Wu Yi oolong tea can help regulate body weight when imbibed daily.

According to Dr. Jing Yang, a Chinese herbal medicine research scientist who has performed extensive studies on Wu Yi teas, Wu Long tea increases metabolism and causes the body to accelerate the fat-burning process. He also states that use of the tea is safe and healthy.

According to the June 2003 issue of Diabetes Care, “Wu Long tea may be an effective adjunct to oral hypoglycemic agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.”

The periodical also has this quote: “Wu Long tea is effective in lowering the plasma glucose levels of subjects who have type 2 diabetes and who take oral amihyperglycemic agents. Wu Long tea, in conjunction with amihyperglycemic agents, was more effective in lowering plasma glucose than were the drugs alone.”

Wow. That’s pretty amazing stuff. Most dieters know that blood sugar spikes add to weight gain because they cause hunger. That’s why so many diets are concerned with the glycemic index of foods. So if this miracle tea somehow controls the body’s blood sugar level, it only makes sense that the Wu Long would help with weight loss.

Everyone knows that tea contains caffeine, and caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the metabolism. So is that the big secret of Wu Long tea? Nope, not according to research. A study performed at the US Agriculture Research Services’ Diet and Human Laboratory shows that it’s more than just caffeine involved with Wu Yi’s ability to boost weight loss. One group of participants were given Wu Long tea and another group was given caffeinated water. The group drinking the tea burned an average of 67 more calories a day than did the group drinking the caffeinated water. Furthermore, the Wu Long tea drinkers increased their fat-burning by a full 12% compared to the caffeinated water drinkers.

There’s plenty of evidence out there to support the claims of Wu Long tea. It’s not some miracle weight-loss concoction that’s going to help you lose 30 pounds a week, but it can contribute to a steady weight loss – the kind that doctors say is the most healthy. And while you’re losing weight, you’ll also be getting other health benefits from drinking the tea.

So where do you buy Wu Long tea? You can find it in many health food stores and all over the internet. Some of the internet sites offer free trials, but be sure to read the fine print. Most of the tea companies are completely reputable, while a few are not. Just make sure what you’re ordering and how much it costs. One of the best and least expensive places to purchase Wu Long tea is from Amazon - a reputable, safe site.