Expert: Candie - 5/1/2006

Question
Hello!

I was hoping someone could explain the health benefits and claims of wu-long tea which was shown on Oprah and is currently being advertised on the internet.   Can Wu-long really inhibit the absorption of carbohyrates?  It is being touted as a weight loss tea, with claims that those using it can lose about 2 lbs a week after drinking 2 cups a day.
Thanks!

Answer
This is all just a mis-mash of information. Wu-long is another word for Oolong which is a semi-fermented tea. Which does not inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates. It may have some weight loss benifits but I would suggest any green tea that is not blended with herbs. My husband has lose 80 lbs by cutting back his food portions and drinking green tea constantly. In China it is common knowledge that you don't drink green tea when you are starving because you will starve to death faster, because it causes your body to burn your fat stores. There is no such information about Wu-long or Oolong. I have seen good weight loss in people who replaced all beverages with tea and drank at least 6-8 glasses a day.

Candie
http://www.culinaryteas.com