(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org)

Oolong.  The word just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?  Studies have shown that drinking Oolong tea may cause the pounds to roll off as well!!

In the Far East, it is believed that a daily regimen of Chinese Oolong tea contributes to a slim waistline. How? Well, weight gain is caused by excess accumulation of fat in the body, occurring when food is synthesized into triglycerides in the liver and small intestine and then travels into the bloodstream and other tissues. These triglycerides are crucial for the body to function energetically. When there is an imbalance – an excess amount of triglycerides in the body –they turn to fat.

Oolong (which means Black Dragon) contains high amounts of polyphenols which trigger the enzymes responsible for reducing excess triglycerides. This is why regular consumption of this natural tea is highly effective in increasing the metabolism and battling the bulge!

At Bigelow Tea, we are all about balance.  And we’re very familiar with the healing powers of tea, as expressed by the ancient Chinese writer Lu Yu, who wrote that “Tea symbolizes the harmony and mysterious unity of the Universe.”  Our smooth-tasting blend of Bigelow Chinese Oolong Tea is enjoyed in many of the finest Chinese restaurants, an endorsement that simply delights us! And, since we’re being weight-conscious, consider adding some ooohh-so-good Bigelow Chinese Oolong to your salad with one of our favorite recipes – Oolong Soba Noodle Salad.  Only 139 calories!

Although Oolong tea is not a miracle weight loss cure and should not be used as a replacement to proper diet and exercise, this flavorful libation is a proven weight loss aid. So, enjoy and, from time to time, measure that waistline….you may like what you see!

High blood pressure is a dangerous medical condition that currently affects over 65 million Americans, and up to 1 billion people worldwide. High blood pressure kills about 50,000 Americans every year, and contributes to 75% of all strokes which is the #3 killer in the U.S. today. Dire statistics, but it is good to know that daily consumption of green tea can help. While it’s true that many studies have concluded that Green tea consumption is associated with overall reduced mortality, what about specifically controlling high blood pressure and strokes?

In several studies, over 8 years, researchers in Taiwan discovered 65% lower risk of high blood pressure for men and women who drank at least 20 ounces (600 ml.) of green or oolong tea daily for at least a year. Other results have shown that a daily green tea regime helps prevent artery constriction, which forces the blood pressure to rise, thus protecting against strokes caused by high blood pressure.

The Archives of Internal Medicine reported another study of 550 men that revealed that drinking almost 5 cups of tea per day reduced the likelihood of stroke by 69 percent. Add a little lemon to your tea, and the results are even more dramatic. Good to know that daily enjoyment of tea, as part of a healthy lifestyle, helps control blood pressure and can help prevent stroke, as well as other healthful benefits. So enjoy that healthy, calming cup of tea, a well deserved break for both brain and body.

It should come as no surprise that Rachael Ray may lose her voice from time to time. After all, the recently turned 40-year-old celebrity has her own talk show. After a doctor’s visit she learned that she had damaged her vocal cords. What’s her cure? In addition to some other treatments, “she has been…downing herbal tea”.

Photo Courtesy of Usmagazine.com

However that’s not the only reason she drinks tea. She has used her talk show as a platform to rave about new research linking oolong tea to weight loss. She admitted to drinking oolong everyday in a successful effort to shed some pounds. According to the Journal of Nutrition, a study performed showed that “oolong tea stimulated energy expenditure and fat oxidation”. They do however note that these results were based on the chronic consumption of tea and a normal diet. Oolong tea has even been associated with possibly increasing longevity. Want to try for yourself? Get your own oolong today!

Tea has been around for more than 5000 years.  The Chinese have been cooking with tea for as long as they have been drinking it.  Ancient Chinese uses of tea still found today include steamed fish stuffed with dried Oolong leaves and tea infused boiling water for cooking eggs.

Now, tea as an ingredient in cooking is experiencing a renaissance of sorts.  According to Diana Rosen, Los Angeles-based author of several tea cookbooks, “We are discovering what they knew centuries ago:  Tea makes food taste better.”  In addition to all the health benefits provided by tea, tea also enhances flavor.

Flavor and form are key when using tea in cooking.   The flavor of tea should match the dish.  Sweet grassy green teas, for instance, pair better with shrimp and other shellfish, according to Rosen.  Contemporary examples using different forms of tea as an ingredient include dried tea as a flavorful rub for fish, poultry, pork and beef as compared to brewed tea, which is better suited for soups, baked goods, and cream sauces.

Cooking with tea…it’s the latest trend…be on the look out for tea as an ingredient on the menu at your favorite restaurant!