Wu-Yi - The Black Dragon Tea By Mary Rose Antonio At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Wu-yi (or Wu-long) stems from the Chinese words “wu” and “luong” for “black” and “dragon” respectively. Even legends exist surrounding how this famous tea got its name!

The mere mention of this well-known tea evokes an air of mystery; instantly conjuring in our minds a faint scent of jasmine and the exotic mystique of the far off Orient.

Let’s explore the mythical black dragon and find out what it is and why it has been used by traditional Chinese herbalists for centuries.

What is Wu-yi?

Also known as oolong in the West, this wonder drink is made from the same plant as all true teas - Camellia sinensis. While more full-bodied in flavor and higher in caffeine than green tea, its flavor profile is typically less sweet and contains less caffeine than black tea. There are several varieties of oolong tea, with the two most popular grown in the Wu-yi Mountain Province and Taiwan.

Wu-yi, like green (and to a lesser extent) black tea, contains antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as powerful antioxidants. These disease fighting powerhouses and anti-aging antioxidants, known as catechins, have been shown in scientific studies to inhibit some forms of cancer According to the National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/tea

Oolong is processed more than green tea, but oxidized and fermented for less time than that of black. As a result, the amount of phytochemicals and antioxidants present in this amazing drink differ from the two.

The level of oxidation a tea leaf undergoes effects the properties it contains. While catechin levels are reduced the longer a tea is allowed to oxidize and ferment, other benefits are increased.

Why Wu-yi?

Simply because it has a reputation as a wonder tea and there’s no wonder why!

Used to manage and treat all sorts of ailments from high cholesterol, allergies, eczema, high blood pressure and even diabetes, wu-yi’s benefits are nearly too many to name.

Scientific studies have shown that older women who regularly drink tea are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than non tea drinkers of the same age. Also, regular, long-term tea drinkers (versus non tea drinkers) can add higher spinal bone mineral density to the long list of oolong benefits.

A healthy diet that includes regular cups of oolong tea is most definitely beneficial to nearly anyone.

Even children can enjoy a weakly brewed cup of this delicious and nutritious tea!

The benefits of oolong do not end here. There have also been studies that show this pleasurable beverage is extremely efficient in boosting the metabolism and plays a key, fat burning role.

Combined with a suitable exercise routine and healthy balanced diet, this can be a valuable addition to the life of anyone seeking to keep fit.

It doesn’t take numerous amounts of tea per day before one can start to see the benefits of oolong. A mere half a cup of this marvelous tea per day can reduce your risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50%. Those who regularly drink two and a half or more cups of oolong tea per day can enjoy an even greater reduction.

So you see, it doesn’t take much and it’s never too late or too early to begin reaping the benefits of this amazing tea!

The next time you decide to indulge yourself with the gift of tea, try considering wu-yi - The Black Dragon Tea.

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