Chinese Milk Oolong Tea - Benefits and Contraindications

China & ndash; undisputed world leader in tea cultivation and export. Green tea & ndash; makes up a significant share of tea production.

One of its subspecies is milk oolong, the benefits and harms of which we will consider in our article.

What is it?

Oolong & ndash; it is a selected large-leaved variety characterized by medium fermentation.

Raw materials for its production are collected in the highlands of Fujian, Anxi Province, Guangdong and sunny Taiwan Island.

The drink has several completely unmatched names. Translated from ancient Chinese, it is referred to as the dark dragon. However, many call it the turquoise, due to the fact that during processing the leaves acquire the color of the azure sea.

Features

In China, oolong occupies the middle step between black, red and green teas, combining their best qualities.

Taste similar to the latter, and smell & ndash; with the second.

Black varieties are 100% fermented, green & ndash; by 10-12%, and milk oolong has an indicator of 50%.

The finished, properly brewed drink has a caramel-creamy aftertaste, a light lemon tint and light, hard-to-catch notes of fresh cream.

Quality oolong, as it is commonly called in England, is characterized by whole leaves twisted into rigid round granules, which open up under the influence of moisture.

There should be no fine particles, dust, branches or foreign matter in a quality oolong.

If you feel the pungent aroma of milk & ndash; most likely, the raw material was artificially aromatized.

What kinds of

The most famous are:

• Chinese & ndash; features the softest soft finish of cream.
• Taiwanese & ndash; has a sweet taste and milky smell. Only royal, expensive varieties are produced from such tea bushes.

Traditional and flavored oolong subspecies are produced.

To create a pleasant aroma, use ginseng, rose extract, cinnamon extract and fragrant jasmine flower petals.

Unusual oolong flavor

There is a hypothesis that a creamy taste is formed by irrigating tea bushes with milk mixture or pre-soaking shoots in milk. But that's not true.

Milk oolong is characterized by a subtle, slightly perceptible aroma formed during a special fermentation. All leaves are subject to oxidation and withering, thanks to which a characteristic aftertaste and aroma are acquired.

Due to the popularity of this variety, manufacturers often go to the trick, treating ordinary tea leaves with artificial flavors. This method is less costly and simpler than natural, natural production. Therefore, if when buying you caught the very notes of fresh cream & ndash; it is likely a trivial flavor.

Chemical composition

The composition contains a huge amount of healing substances, as well as a number of micro- and macronutrients.

The leaves contain magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, zinc and fluoride, which are useful for strengthening tooth enamel, improving sexual function, stimulating brain activity.

In a nutshell, it is impossible to answer the question of why green tea of the oolong variety is useful, since it contains a whole vitamin complex.

Vitamins of the group & laquo; B & raquo; well affect digestive processes and stabilize the psycho-emotional state.

«РР» make the vessels more elastic.

& laquo; E & raquo; & ndash; stimulates epidermal cells, improves the appearance of the skin, prevents atherosclerosis.

Vitamin & laquo; A & raquo; shown to those in physical development, a & laquo; K & raquo; & ndash; affects liver and gallbladder function.

Manufacturing

The variety is not fully fermented. This is an intermediate option between black and green teas.

Fermentation is understood as the process of oxidation of substances contained in the raw material. The juice released during the twisting of the tea leaf undergoes an oxidation and fermentation process.

This process is important to control and stop in time before the tea is completely fermented and turns black. As a result, the leaves acquire an unusual aroma and taste. Thus, the most expensive and well-known varieties are obtained.

Oolong production has its own characteristics:

• Raw materials are collected from adult, fully formed bushes. Young shoots and buds are immediately removed.
• Leaves take from 1 hour to wilt outdoors.
• The dried product is transferred to bamboo screens.
• To speed up the fermentation process & ndash; tea leaves crumble for several hours inside special drums in which the tea leaf breaks and releases juice.
• Fermentation is stopped by heating in rotating drums.
• Next, the raw materials are molded and twisted depending on the grade.
• Frying: fast at high temperature and slow at low temperature.
• Sorting and packing.

The taste of oolong is imparted in several ways:

• Treatment of bushes with a liquid based on cane sugar with milk flavor.
• Adding whey from milk to the raw material base immediately before the final packaging.

The latter option is much more common.

The benefits of milk oolong tea

The beneficial properties are stronger than many similar varieties. Its effect on the body is in many ways similar to black varieties and the most expensive in the world & ndash; white.

• It has gained popularity because it breaks down fats effectively. Of course, it does not guarantee rapid weight loss, especially if you drink it with calorie cakes. But in combination with diet and sports, it will undoubtedly give the desired result in the form of weight loss.
• Famous for antioxidant properties. Those who like this drink are less susceptible to various ailments.
• Indicated for older adults with cardiovascular disease. Its active substances can help strengthen vessels and make their walls more elastic.
• This is a good immune stimulator that helps to strengthen the body and prevent colds.
• Positively affects the cells of the human body, slowing down their aging processes and restoring collagen levels. Collagen makes the skin firmer and looks healthier and younger.
• Promotes the elimination of cholesterol from the body, eliminates toxins, toxins and heavy metals, preventing them from settling on the walls of blood vessels.
• In addition, it promotes weight loss (in a comprehensive weight loss program) due to the fact that it normalizes metabolism and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Ensures stable operation of all vital systems in the body, protects against strokes and heart attacks.

In addition to therapeutic properties, milk oolong also brings other benefits to the body & ndash; uplifting, helping to overcome depression.

Activates brain activity, invigorates, relieves fatigue and restores strength.

Harm from use

The main negative impact of tea occurs due to caffeine in the composition and all kinds of aromatic additives (cream, caramel, milk). Although, the latter are present only in low grade tea.

If you buy a high-quality product and drink it in moderation & ndash; it will not harm.

Before use, it is advisable to study the composition for the presence of elements that can cause allergies.

Selection rules

The choice of variety depends on individual preferences and the state of the body as a whole.

Low fermentation is recommended for those looking for less pronounced taste and aroma.

Highly fermented & ndash; those who want a richer taste.

Pay attention to the quality of the product and how the sophisticated aroma is achieved & ndash; during production or by adding flavor.

The main difference between low-grade counterfeiting and real oolong & ndash; weight

Oolong should be heavy, due to tightly twisted tea leaves. Its appearance is characterized by green with easily visible highlights.

Opt out if you have fine dust or damaged leaves instead of individual lumps.

How to lose weight

It has long been known that Chinese milk oolong tea has useful properties and helps to cope with extra pounds.

Its use accelerates metabolic processes and leads to fat burning. Drinking 3-4 cups a day for a month, you can count on weight loss from 3 to 6 kg.

Brewing rules

You can enjoy extraordinary taste and delicate aroma, benefit from the use of oolong, only with proper brewing.

This process is very subtle and nuanced.

It is suitable for earthenware or ceramic dishes.

However, really all sides will be revealed if you pick up a clay kettle. Clay has porosity, but at the same time retains all the useful elements inside, a rich taste and forms a sophisticated smell.

A quality tea leaf can be brewed up to 10 times. The time of the next infusion increases each time by 3 minutes. But the most useful and correct is 3-4 cycles.

Before pouring dry leaves into the vessel, it is recommended to rinse it with boiling water. This will help you reveal all shades of taste and aroma faster and brighter.

The duration and temperature of brewing is taken according to the averaged, classic principle & ndash; 75-85 & deg; C for 1-3 minutes.

But in reality, these parameters depend on the level of fermentation. So, weakly fermented, poured with water in 65-70 & deg;, highly fermented & ndash; 90-92 & deg;. If you exceed these boundaries & ndash; you can kill all useful properties.

The selected dishes are filled with tea by 1/3 and poured with boiling water. The first portion is drained in a couple of minutes. This infusion is not yet suitable for consumption. The second time the container is poured with hot water, closed with a lid and infused for 2-4 minutes, after which it is poured into the pials.

Storage considerations

Like other varieties, oolong absorbs all the flavors that hover around. It should be stored not only away from foods with a pungent smell, but also separately from other teas.

For long-term storage, it is not recommended to use tin and metal jars. It is better to find porcelain, ceramic or glass vessels with a tight-fitting lid.

If the container is well closed and air does not penetrate, refrigeration is acceptable. But it is better to choose a dark cool place and opaque dishes that protect the contents from sunlight, in which all active substances are oxidized, the taste and aroma fade.

How to drink properly

Tea makers recommend eating oolong after meals.

However, it is advisable not to drink desserts and sweets with them, as with traditional tea drinking. It is a useful end to a meal, helping the body digest food better.

Do not drink immediately before bed.

The composition has tonic properties, which can lead to sleep disorders.

To improve lactation

Milk tea stimulates milk production in nursing mothers, as well as saturates them with nutrients.

To do this, grated cinnamon is poured into a warm drink. When brewing, a little more water is added to the regular portion to reduce the intake of caffeine.

Gastritis

Gastrointestinal diseases cause a lot of inconvenience.

The main ones are the correct selection of food products. Just one inappropriate ingredient can cause pain, heartburn, burning and other unpleasant symptoms.

Oolongs are used for indigestion, gastritis and other similar ailments. They drink them on an empty stomach up to 4 times a day.

In cholecystitis

A disease in which the body has impaired bile flow. This happens as a result of inflammatory processes in the gallbladder, which ultimately negatively affect all internal organs and, as a result, human well-being.

Milk oolong is recommended to be consumed 1-2 times a day, before eating.

This promotes full gallbladder and liver function.

You should know! Oolong is contraindicated in the presence of urolithiasis. Its reception can contribute to the movement of stones along the aisle, creating blockages and deterioration of the patient's condition.

Pancreatitis

In acute pancreatic disease, accompanied by an inflammatory process, it is better to refuse use, due to the fact that its components can provoke pain syndrome.

With a chronic course of the disease, tea drinking once a day is permissible. In this case, the fifth brew should be the basis. In this consistency, the drink will not be harmful.

In diabetes

If you drink oolong without additional sweeteners, then it can reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. With it, proteins that stimulate insulin production and prevent the development and progression of coronary vascular disease enter the arteries.

Contraindications

Tea & ndash; the most harmless among all existing drinks and has a positive effect on the body and psycho-emotional state.

However, each variety has its own side effects and before brewing it is better to ask in advance what tea will turn out for you.

Always remember that oolong:

• It is forbidden to drink hypertensive. Thein significantly increases blood pressure on par with caffeine.
• Do not drink before bed. It has an exciting effect, preventing you from falling asleep.
• It is a strong diuretic. Therefore, it is not indicated for people with kidney disease.
• Not recommended for pregnant girls. As described above, it can increase pressure dramatically.
• Categorically contraindicated in gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, gastritis and colitis. Its effect is especially undesirable in exacerbations of these diseases.

If you do not have the above restrictions, it is still better to listen to the opinion of doctors and set a norm for yourself that does not exceed three cups per day.

Conclusion

Knowing the main benefits and contraindications of oolong green tea, you can safely treat yourself to a cup of this sophisticated drink with a pleasant aroma.

If it suits you for all indications & ndash; make it a rule to eat it after an evening meal.

This will not only improve your mood, but also activate all metabolic processes, filling the body with energy and increasing immunity.