Wu Yi Tea, Weight Loss, and Sasquatch Sightings

Unless you are Amish and don’t have access to electronics (which appeals to me more and more everyday) you have seen someone, somewhere extolling the virtues of Wu-Yi tea and it’s magical ability to strip the extra fat from around your thighs.  The teas are being hawked at higher prices than other teas because of this amazing ability.

So is it true?

Sort of.  Wu-Yi tea is helpful when it comes to raising your metabolism and promoting weight loss. But so is any other oolong tea.  You see, Wu-Yi is not a type of tea but a region of tea.  The Oolong teas are grown on Mount Wuyi Shan in the Fujian Province in China.  This area is known for the exceptional flavor of the teas which comes from the high mineral content of the soil.  The combination of the soil, the humidity, and the weakness of the sun shining through the valley all contribute to the flavor of Wu-Yi tea.

As far as weight loss, all Oolong teas are helpful when it comes to revving up your metabolism. All tea contains polyphenol.  Oolong tea has a much higher concentration of it than any other tea.  Polyphenol is a natural substance that causes the body to breakdown fat.  It does this by activating the triglycerides which break down fat and speed up your metabolism.  When the metabolism is working at a higher rate you are burning fat even when resting.

The flavor is spicy with a slight smoky sweetness.  It is somewhat of a combination between green and black teas. The tea varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Some have a chocolate flavor while others are described as having light floral notes. Try several sample sizes if you can and see which brand you like the best.  Nearly all of the good tea companies carry it…and remember that Wu-Yi is just a regional Oolong…any Oolong tea will have a similar effect.

• Teavana Formosa Nut Oolong  is fruity and nutty with the addition of apples, pistachios, almonds, and candied violet flowers.
• Adagio Wu Yi Ensemble is light and nutty.
• Zhi WuYi has the flavor of almonds and raisins and is organic.

So, the next time you are tempted to order a 20 dollar box of tea bags because it is suppose to help you lose weight remember that you can use any Oolong for the same thing.  Drink at least 4 cups a day for best results.

Oh, and Sasquastch? I don’t know..what do you think?  Perhaps he is a little exaggerated, too.

Image:Morguefile

 

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