Milk Oolong Tea: health benefits and harms

For many, milk oolong seems at first exotic and very unusual. He who tries it, or forever becomes his true fan and includes in his diet constantly, or does not perceive it. But there are few such people, since milk oolong gives a supply of energy, gives strength, restores activity, boosts immunity, strengthens health due to the content of many useful substances needed by the body.

What is milk oolong

Oolong itself differs from other species in this way: when, for example, the name “baikhovy” is on the packaging, this means that for its base the top leaves and leaf buds with white villi, that is, bay hoa, have been removed from the tea bush. And for oolong, the harvest comes from already mature leaves that are full of juice, and the bushes are older. The collected leaves are left under the sun for a very short time - no more than half an hour. During this time, the leaves will have time to dry out a little, which is called wilting.

The main thing at this time is that each sheet is turned upside down on time. This helps to destroy the integrity of cell membranes. Then they lie in a thick layer in the shade and cool in special large baskets or on trays, mainly bamboo. If it is a large plant, the raw materials may be on large canvas sheets. During this time, fermentation of juice begins in them, numerous biochemical processes occur.

You need to knead the leaves, doing it so skillfully so as not to break. The degree of such processing depends on the duration of the process and the characteristics of the raw material. 20 or 60 percent fermentation can be achieved. But the usual norm for oolong is from 40 to 50 percent.

History

Milk oolong takes its origins from ordinary Taiwanese. And the variety that laid the foundation for the dairy variety was bred not so long ago - in the 80s of the twentieth century, its homeland is Taiwan. It was the Jin Xuan tea variety that was the basis due to the fact that it felt fragrant notes of milk. It was these characteristic features that were taken as the basis, and the leaflets were processed by exposure to certain temperature conditions and using fermentation.

A new variety has appeared not quite usual, it is appropriate to recall the saying that there would be no happiness if it were not for misfortune. It all started since the Second World War. The Taiwanese island was captured by the Japanese. They hoped that they would stay here for a long time and even managed to found a tea research institute. But nevertheless they had to leave this fertile place, while after them thousands of hybrid oolongs were saved. Thanks to the scientist and breeder of Chinese descent Wu, they did not die, and work with them continued. In 1982, it was possible to create a new hybrid - a milk bush, which was first given the name "Taiwan Tea No. 12", then "27th Son", since its place on the plantation was numbered "2027".

One could be proud of this new product because:

1. The variety was characterized by a very high yield.
2. The plant was resistant to diseases from which many tea bushes die.
3. As soon as the tea leaves were crumpled, they began to exude a milky aroma with creamy notes.

But it should be noted that the variety of this tea does not have a special aroma: milky notes in it are weak and irregular. Such a quality can be appreciated only by experts, and for the mass consumer, flavorings are necessarily added to the production process.

Professor Wu gave a name to his brainchild, naming the variety Jin Xuan - in honor of his mother.

Kinds

Milk oolong has several varieties. It includes a whole group of weakly fermented oolongs or the middle category, but their twist is always hemispherical. And it is called milk because it has a natural or artificial milk flavor, and its concentration can be different, and the taste of the drink depends on it.

The flavors in this drink can be different, and they give not only a milky aroma, but also caramel, chocolate with milk and many others. Thanks to modern technology, it is possible to easily adjust the saturation of additives and their characteristics.

The basis of tea may not always be of the highest class. Low-grade oolong, the price of which is very low, or the highest grade - all of them must reveal their taste during tea drinking.

There are such types of milk oolong:

1. Jin Xuan has a natural milky aroma.
2. Nai Xiang Jin Xuan differs in that it additionally requires a flavor, and this process is very long, but has its positive qualities. The drink becomes fragrant, and the taste of milk-cream notes in it are very pronounced. Some people think that this variety is manually pollinated with sugarcane or sprayed with milk, but this is not so.

Milk oolong and oolong: what is the difference

Milk oolong and oolong tea are different types of tea trees. Milk oolong is a painstaking work of breeders, it was thanks to them that they achieved that unique milk aroma and exquisite taste. But it should be noted that all this is semi-fermented tea. In China, there is its own classification, where oolong tea occupies an intermediate position, if you choose between red and green tea.

Composition and calorie content

Scientists have counted over 400 types of various useful substances in Oolong, without which the normal functioning of human organs and systems is impossible. Here are present:

1. Vitamins of group B. B1 helps to produce hydrochloric acid, is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and in the formation of blood cells. B3 is indispensable for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, helps the nervous system to cope with stress. An essential component for the nervous system and DNA synthesis is vitamin B6. It is also needed for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of proteins and fats. Vitamin B12 improves digestion, promotes the formation and resistance of cells against the negative effects of the external environment.
2. Vitamin C is ranked among the most powerful antioxidants. He knows how to bind free radicals, blocking their destructive effect on body tissues. Ascorbic acid also increases the activity of other antioxidants, first of all, selenium and vitamin E, which is restored quickly if vitamin C is present from the oxidized form. But the properties of ascorbic acid are much greater. It regulates blood coagulability, lipid level, forms bone and connective tissue, reduces the action of allergens, stimulates the production of interferon, which prevents the multiplication of viruses.
3. Vitamin D is not found in finished form, but is present as provitamin in milk oolong. Once in the human body, it acts as the starting material from which this vitamin is built. It is the main regulator of phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
4. Vitamin E. This vitamin has a large amount of work in the human body. First of all, it is a wonderful antioxidant that has an effect on intracellular lipids, reducing their oxidation and stopping destruction, restores the functions of the endocrine glands, takes part in protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and prevents the development of muscle degeneration. He also gained fame as a vitamin of youth, as it significantly stops the aging process, prevents the appearance of wrinkles, makes the skin more elastic.
5. Vitamin K. Its other name is phylloquinone. It promotes the formation of prothrombin in the liver.This substance is necessary for normal blood coagulation, otherwise liver diseases may develop, bleeding occurs - hemorrhagic diathesis. With the help of phylloquinone, muscle functions are realized, the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines is strengthened, the liver and heart work. With a deficiency of this vitamin, frequent ruptures of small blood vessels and the formation of bruises on the surface of the body occur.
6. Magnesium takes part in the exchange of phosphorus, regulates pressure, if it is elevated. In milk oolong, the proportions of magnesium and phosphorus are harmoniously combined.
7. Manganese must participate in all metabolic processes, as it activates the functions of many enzymes. Its most important purpose is to establish the work of the nervous system, sex glands and musculoskeletal system. This microelement acts as a prophylactic if there is insufficiency of the coronary arteries of the heart, thyroid gland pathology, lipid metabolism or carbohydrate disturbance.
8. Iodine. You can feel a shortage in the body of this element almost immediately, because ailments in the thyroid gland begin. And since many systems suffer from this, metabolic processes such as protein, fat and carbohydrate are disrupted.
9. Iron. Without it, the work of a number of enzymes that are catalysts of redox reactions will be impossible. This element is part of hemoglobin and myoglobin, with its help oxygen is transported, energy is produced and the immune system is supported.
10. Calcium. This mineral is the main element of bone tissue. Its functions are to participate in the complex mechanisms of blood coagulation, remove salts of heavy metals or radionuclides from the body. He has the properties to have anti-allergic effects and relieve the effects of stressful situations.
11. Phosphorus is one of the components of bone tissue. But he has other tasks. It is involved in energy metabolism, in a large number of metabolic reactions, for example, in the formation of nucleoproteins, responsible for cell division and reproduction of offspring. This element has a very positive effect on libido.
12. Selenium. It is often used in medicine for the prevention of cancer, if a person is involved in harmful chemical production, with radiation. Selenium has pronounced antioxidant properties, it stimulates the formation of antibodies, which means an increase in the body's defenses. Thanks to selenium, the likelihood of infections and colds is reduced.
13. Zinc. This trace element directly affects the redox processes, is part of many enzymes, which is especially important - and antioxidant, which means that helps to prevent the formation of free radicals. Zinc also restores normal tissue respiration, is involved in the regeneration of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
14. Essential oils have phytoncidal activity, stimulate the body's defenses, have an anti-allergic effect, come to the rescue in case of intestinal and bronchial diseases, hypertension and atherosclerosis.
15. Tannin. It has a mild biological effect on the body, perfectly tones, strengthens blood vessels, reducing the permeability of their walls. Especially useful for those who have bowel disease.
16. Flavonoids are needed by people as antioxidants, antibiotics of plant origin. They remove salts of heavy metals, have anti-cancer activity.

What is useful milk oolong

For women

For women, this type of tea will be beneficial if you need to ease the pain symptoms associated with the first days of menstruation (due to the high content of calcium).A large percentage of vitamin C increases the chance of conception. Also during menopause, especially at first, when a woman is losing intensive bone mass, the production of estrogen is noticeably reduced (namely, it helps to build up calcium in bones), milk oolong will help maintain health. Thanks to magnesium, the negative symptoms of menopause are reduced.

For men

First of all, milk oolong is beneficial for the stronger sex, as it helps the normal functioning of the prostate and reproductive organs. This is a great merit of zinc. This element helps if a low testosterone level is detected or a low sperm concentration is observed. This oolong contains a lot of selenium, which is also found in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles. For especially energetic men who have an active sex life, the need for selenium should always be higher. And the presence of calcium, vitamins C, D and B12 in tea promotes sperm motility, its viability and its quality improvement.

During pregnancy

Scientists have proved that vitamin C, which is located in milk oolong, is necessary during the gestation, as it reduces the risk of miscarriage, and complications during labor. Due to the presence of calcium in the drink, toxicosis is reduced. Many women during this period have a sharp shortage of iron, anemia can develop. Therefore, milk oolong will be useful for pregnant women, but first you need to consult a doctor what daily dose of the drink can be taken.

When breastfeeding

With breastfeeding, the presence of useful components will support the immune system, improve the quality of milk. During lactation, it is important to supply the baby with all the necessary substances for normal development, and they are fully contained in milk oolong.

For kids

For children, milk oolong is beneficial due to the presence of many trace elements and vitamins. There is iodine, which contributes to the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, and it significantly affects the formation of the brain of the child, improves the functioning of the nervous system, which helps during intensive classes at school.

When losing weight

When losing weight, milk oolong helps to abandon the aromatic and seductive baking and sweets due to the fact that it itself has a rich caramel-milk flavor and can suppress appetite. This drink is able to eliminate the feeling of false hunger, restores normal metabolism. It removes fluid from the body, adsorbs excess fat and sugars, also removing them from the body. A successful combination of useful components allows you to achieve the desired effect in the normalization of weight without resorting to diets and fasting. It’s enough to stick to your diet.

Useful properties of oolong tea with ginseng

It is believed that the most exquisite is oolong tea with high-grade jasmine. This drink conveys a unique wonderful aroma of petals and perfectly warms.

This tea is made from Taiwanese raw materials, and is called jade, since the color of the tea itself is very similar to this stone. The color of the brewed drink is emerald golden.

Such tea is very useful in that:

1. It tones up perfectly, especially if a person needs a lot of mental or physical activity.
2. Lowers cholesterol.
3. Rich in vitamins and trace elements.
4. Improves the work of the cardiovascular system.

Application in cosmetology

Milk oolong has many components that help maintain healthy and supple skin. For example, the presence of a large amount of zinc in it prevents aging of the skin, and without this trace element, the epithelium is not able to renew. Vitamin E helps the skin to be more elastic.

It is enough to brew the oolong in accordance with all the rules, pour it into ice molds, and then wipe the face, neck and neckline in frozen form every day in the morning and evening. The skin will be smooth and satin.

To the brewed tea in the amount of 3 tablespoons add a few drops of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed mint juice and half a teaspoon of honey. Stir and tips apply on face, neck. Wash off after 15 minutes. Such a mask very effectively nourishes the skin and makes it radiant.

You can revive the hair with the help of milk oolong, especially if the scalp is susceptible to an allergic reaction. Brew a drink, add a small amount of soaked crumb of rye bread to it (this mask is made on dry unwashed hair), soak for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.

You can just rinse your hair with brewed oolong. They will become silky and shiny, and a few drops of lemon will add brightness to the hair.

Harm and contraindications

Milk oolong has a lot of magnesium, and it is known to reduce pressure, so people with hypotension should not get carried away with a drink in large quantities. Too tightly brewed oolong can cause concern.

How to choose and store

The basis of tea may not always be the highest grade. Moreover, basically it is inexpensive tea. And the more whole leaves in it, the higher it is in quality. When buying milk oolong, you should pay attention to such nuances:

1. The leaves are twisted, but should not be particularly different from each other in length.
2. Broken leaves are not allowed; this is always whole leaf tea.
3. Color should be the same.
4. There are no crumbs and dust in the package.

When brewing milk oolong, you can also determine the quality of the product:

1. The leaves at the edges are darker, and the veins and the middle are green, and they retain their dense structure and color.
2. All its specific taste qualities must remain.

So that tea does not lose its aromatic qualities, it is desirable to store it in a container made of glass, ceramics, earthenware, porcelain. Tin containers are also ideal. There is another important condition: the lid must be tightly closed so that it is dark and dry inside. The sun's rays adversely affect oolong. You should also find a place for storage where there are no flavored products. The fact is that oolong intensively absorbs all the smells.

Experts say that this type of tea can be stored in the freezer if the temperature does not exceed -20 degrees, but not more than a year.

How to brew milk oolong

A properly brewed drink has a golden color, and its taste is quite mild, with a soft milky cream tint. For cooking, it is advisable to have a porcelain teapot. But some lovers of milk oolong prefer a glass bowl, since the sight when the leaves begin to unfold is magnificent.

Before brewing tea, the container must be rinsed with hot water so that it is warmed up. But do not heat the container on fire, as the surface may overheat, as a result, the taste of tea will suffer and bitterness will appear.

Experts strongly recommend using only purified water, and the brew should be at a temperature of 80-85 degrees. The best proportions are 1 teaspoon of leaves per 150 ml of water. Moreover, you can brew tea more than once.

Depending on the fermentation process, brewing is different:

1. If weak fermentation - no more than three minutes.
2. At medium - the water temperature can be higher - up to 90 degrees. The dishes can be clay, because due to the thicker walls the leaves will open as much as possible, giving off their aroma.
3. A more complex recipe is created for tea that has undergone more fermentation. Then another type of tea is added to milk oolong - ca hai.Both types of tea are insisted separately in different containers in the same proportions, then the infusions are mixed. You can brew this drink based on leaves up to seven times.

It is better to immediately brew tea of ​​the desired strength, so as not to dilute it with boiling water. So the taste and aroma will be preserved. Ideally, the brewing water is mountainous. Liquid from the tap can significantly damage the quality of the drink.

How to drink milk oolong

It is better to drink this drink in small sips, while you need to feel how it reveals its unique qualities and fills the body with energy and strength. It is believed that this is a festive drink, and you can’t drink it in a hurry and fuss.

Can I drink at night

If you brew tea, choosing too much concentration, it can cause insomnia, but weakly brewed, on the contrary, will turn the drink into a good sleeping pill.

Interesting facts about milk oolong

1. Since milk oolong belongs to China, and this people gave the world a lot of beautiful lyrical legends, one of them is dedicated to this kind of tea. An unusually beautiful comet flew in the sky, and our moon fell in love with it. But the comet did not reciprocate and flashed past, but did not manage to disappear into the vast space, burning up. The moon was so saddened that it was able to raise a strong cold wind. He reached the Earth, and where the tea plantations were located, it became very cool. When workers went out to pick tea leaves in the early morning, they smelled not only the smell of morning freshness, but also an unusual sweet milky aroma that hung over the area.
2. The plantations on which this species grows are lost among the Alishan mountains at an altitude of 2,400 m above sea level.
3. Only mature and dense leaves and buds are collected from tea trees by hand. The best time to gather is spring and autumn.

Photo of milk oolong