The blue tea , also known as Oolong tea, a popular drink in the Asian region, which is characterized by great offer health benefits. The infusion is made with partially fermented leaves, which come from a plant called Camellia Sinensis.
This infusion is used to lose weight and strengthen the immune system, therefore, it is also useful to prevent and treat diseases. Although its multiple properties manage to cover other aspects that benefit health in general.
Index
Benefits of blue tea
The habitual consumption of blue tea can improve health in general, this is due to the properties it possesses, among the benefits obtained by the ingestion of this infusion are:
Control bad cholesterol
Blue tea has properties capable of reducing some types of lipids in the body, limiting the absorption of bad cholesterol, a highly relevant factor, since with such benefits it is possible to avoid clogging of the arteries; thus preventing vascular accidents, heart attacks, among others.
Fight obesity
One of the main characteristics of this tea is that it accelerates the metabolism; allowing the body to burn fat more efficiently, causing as a side effect that the person begins to lose weight.
Prevent premature aging
Blue tea contains high levels of a flavonoid called catechin, this is a very powerful antioxidant, whose function is to eliminate those substances that degrade the cells of the body, this means that blue tea protects cells; keeping them healthy and fighting premature aging.
Strengthen the body’s defenses
Among the properties of blue tea is to strengthen the immune system, this allows to maintain the body’s defenses at an optimal level, protecting the body from bacteria and viruses that cause different types of diseases. In addition, its purifying capacity eliminates those toxins that harm the health of the individual.
Control sugar levels
Blue tea is an excellent complementary drink for those who suffer from diabetes, since it has the ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Serves as a painkiller
Within the components of blue tea, there is an amino acid that allows you to control behavior in stressful situations, this allows you to remain calm at all times, improving response capacity, as well as the decision-making process.
Fight cancer
The high level of antioxidants blue tea , allow it a faithful fighter against various types of cancer because it prevents the reproduction of cancer cells in the body and strengthens healthy cells.
Improves the functioning of the digestive system
By consuming moderate doses of blue tea, abdominal pain disappears, because this infusion acts as a digestive stimulant, which reduces reflux, stomach ulcers and improves digestion. Likewise, this infusion also has anti-inflammatory effects on the intestines.
Prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver
Blue tea is a fascinating natural remedy, which prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver, which turns out to be very useful for those who eat a high-fat diet.
Promotes mental health
Caffeine, as well as other substances that blue tea contains, allow the individual to increase their mental performance, which is why it is recommended for those who require high levels of attention.
Properties of blue tea
The blue tea leaves have caffeine, theophylline, theobromine and a high content of vitamins, which provide the body with great benefits, vitamin A, B, C, E, and K are some of those found in its composition.
Regarding minerals, blue tea leaves have calcium, manganese, copper, carotene, selenium, folic acid and niacinamide. On the other hand, the semi-fermentation process required by the leaves, causes the formation of various polyphenolic compounds that are of great importance for human health.
How is blue tea prepared?
The preparation method is extremely simple, it is only necessary to take into account the following indications, regarding the ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of tea leaves for every cup of water.
- Porcelain or clay container. (The metal could diminish the properties of blue tea)
- Water (1/2).
Preparation method:
- Heat the water to a temperature that is between 80 and 90 degrees.
- When it is observed that the water is close to beginning to boil, the fire is turned off, and the blue tea leaves are placed.
- Then the infusion is allowed to rest for a period of 5 to 10 minutes, and the remains of the leaves are strained.
It is important not to exceed the cooking time, as the leaves could lose some of their properties.
Contraindications to the consumption of blue tea
Although it is true that blue tea is very beneficial for the body, not all people can consume it, because its powerful components can generate consequences for various medical conditions, therefore it is contraindicated for those who present:
Hypertension
This is because the caffeine contained in the composition of the infusion can cause harm to those who suffer from stress.
Anxiety
Blue tea can worsen anxiety symptoms, therefore, it is recommended that people who suffer from this disease avoid its consumption.
Osteoporosis
One of the effects of the caffeine found in the infusion is that it promotes the elimination of calcium through the urine, therefore it is necessary to avoid excessive consumption, as it could cause problems such as osteoporosis.
Irritable bowel syndrome
The excessive consumption of blue tea favors the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, therefore, in case of suffering from this disorder, it is necessary to avoid ingesting the infusion.
Anemia
When taking this tea during the ingestion of food or in full digestion, the process of absorption of iron is interrupted; It is necessary to emphasize that the absence of this mineral is harmful to the body, this is because in the long term diseases such as anemia could develop.
Pregnancy or breast-feeding
It is important to exercise caution and not consume the infusion if you suspect pregnancy, this is because the properties contained in blue tea leaves could cause side effects on the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the doctor; Likewise, it is necessary to avoid the consumption of tea if you are breastfeeding, because it could be harmful to the infant.
Conclusion: is it advisable to consume blue tea?
The properties of the leaves allow the infusion to have great medicinal qualities, therefore, it is a potential alternative when it is expected to improve and maintain the body’s well-being, naturally, for short periods of time.
Therefore, it is recommended that those people who do not have allergies, or problems that may influence the interaction of tea with the body; ingest the infusion in order to take advantage of its benefits. However, prolonged use is not recommended, on the contrary, it is necessary to stop its consumption every 6 weeks.
Likewise, it is also recommended to take it only twice a day, taking into account it should be ingested an hour before or after each meal. This is due to the tannin content that limits iron absorption, which could lead to nutritional problems.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.