Some Knowledge

Wulong is one of the Chinese words for oolong tea.  Oolong tea is a partially-oxidized tea that is between green tea and black tea in color and flavor.  Many companies are selling so-called Wu-Long tea as a diet aid and claiming it can help you lose weight.  Reading some of the literature on websites that sell this tea, I can see exactly how this works.  You drink the tea, and eat a sensible diet, and exercise.

Tea contains many different phytochemicals.  Caffeine, theophylline, tannins, theobromine, flavonoids, and many others.  For a short analysis of tea chemistry, try this site.  Some of these chemicals are stimulants, some are anti-oxidants, some have sedative properties, some are smooth muscle relaxants.  When consumed, tea has a combination of stimulant and sedative properties.  It wakes you up and calms you down all at the same time.

There have been some studies done linking consumption of green tea with weight loss.  Since green, oolong, and black tea all come from the same plant, this research could just as well apply to other varieties of tea.  There are other health benefits to drinking tea, such as boosting the immune system, positive effects for diabetes, and possible anti-cancer activity.  Tea has also been shown to boost mental alertness and promote higher levels of activity, as it is a stimulant due to the caffeine it contains.

Now, should you pay extra for special slimming teas?  Some of the Wu-Long tea products sell for ridiculous amounts of money.  I have seen 60 tea bags go for $97 on the Internet.  This is an astronomical price for oolong tea.  I don’t believe there is anything special about a tea just because the label says it will help you lose weight.  The bottom line is that tea is tea, and despite the many varieties, it all comes from the same plant.

If you want to try oolong tea for weight loss, find a Chinese market in your area.  These stores usually sell a great variety of teas, oolong tea being very popular.  Oolong tea is also available at health food stores, but the price will tend to be much higher.  You might also try Whole Foods if you can’t find an asian market in your area.  As a last resort, look for low-cost oolong tea on the Internet.  You will have to pay shipping, but the price will be reasonable.  Two low-cost brands to look for online are Foo-Joy and Sea Dyke oolong tea.  These are also the brands commonly sold at Chinese markets.  A good retail price for oolong tea is $2.99 for 100 tea bags.  You may have to pay as much as $7.99 if you buy these online.

It’s entirely possible that oolong tea may aid you in losing weight.  You will also have to watch your diet and get some exercise.  Do not be mislead by claims for expensive products you see advertised online.  Oolong tea is a common grocery item that can be purchased locally in most areas if you know where to look.  Paying exorbitant prices for some magical tea brand is not necessary.