With winter nearing, it is time to bring out your woollens and hang up your stockings. It is also the time to make some dietary changes to ensure that you stay fit and healthy during the wintry months. One of the best things to include in your diet chart is a hot cup of oolong tea.

Even though it is not the usual choice for most people when it comes to picking their beverages, oolong tea can bring several benefits with it.

What is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea constitutes about 2% of the world’s total tea produced. It is prepared by picking the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the plant which also gives black and green teas.

It is not as oxidised as black tea which is why it is much milder in flavor. However, it is full of various minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, making it extremely beneficial for your health.

A cup of tea every day can aid you to prevent different illnesses and remain healthy throughout the winter.

Benefits of Drinking Oolong Tea:

Oolong helps prevent and control several diseases. Having a cup of tea each day can be extremely therapeutic as well. For instance:

• Controls Blood Sugar:

It contains antioxidants called polyphenols that help in keeping your blood sugar and insulin levels in check. Recent studies show that drinking a cup of oolong tea every day can significantly reduce the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

• Helps to keep your Heart Healthy:

Drinking a cup of oolong tea daily can reduce the risk of developing heart diseases almost by 61%. It also helps keep your blood pressure low and improve the overall condition of your heart. Also, since oolong tea contains less caffeine, it is much better for health than other caffeinated beverages.

• Can help in Weight Loss:

The antioxidants in this tea variant can help to boost metabolism in the body, thus, burning fat easily. Studies show that consuming a cup of diluted or full strength oolong tea can burn 2.9% – 3.4% of calories every day. Therefore, including it in your daily diet plan can help you in losing weight.

• Prevent common Cough and Cold:

Common cough and cold, two of the most frequent ailments to plague people during winters, can be prevented by drinking oolong tea. Since it contains a lot of antioxidants, it helps to fight the free radicals in your body, thus, boosting your overall immunity.

Therefore, it makes for an excellent drink all year round, and especially during the winter months.