Oolong and black tea are traditional Chinese teas made from the plant Camellia sinesis. These two are different in that they are prepared differently and have different oxidation levels.
Black tea leaves are generally obtained from assamica species of the Camellia plant while oolong tea is made from the sinsesis species.
Difference in processing of black and oolong tea
Oolong tea leaves go under partial oxidation. This is why the leaves of oolong are lighter in color. The leaves are withered under scorching sunlight and subjected to 8-85% oxidation.
On the other hand, black tea leaves are fully oxidized under measured temperature and humidity. The high level of oxidation of the leaves gives black tea its strong color.
Caffeine Content
Oolong tea contains approximately 37 mg of caffeine per 8 fl. oz. of tea where as black tea contains 42 mg of caffeine per 8 fl. oz.
EGCG Concentration
During the processing of black teas, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is converted into theaflavins. These theaflavins have similar antioxidant properties as the green tea catechins.
In contrast, because oolong tea leaves are partially fermented they retain their EGCG content.
Health benefits of oolong tea and black tea
| Benefit | Weight Loss |
|---|---|
| Oolong Tea | The catechins in oolong tea speed up fat oxidation, which help in losing weight. |
| Black Tea | Black tea contains low sodium, calories and fat which help in managing weight gain. |
| Benefit | Skin Benefits |
|---|---|
| Oolong Tea | The polyphenols in oolong tea fight the free radicals and help with skin problems like dark spots. |
| Black Tea | Black tea contains vitamins like B2, C, E and minerals like zinc and potassium which is beneficial for skin. |
| Benefit | Healthy Heart |
|---|---|
| Oolong Tea | Oolong tea helps in reducing cholesterol level and prevents heart diseases. |
| Black Tea | Black tea can help in lowering high blood pressure. |
| Benefit | Cancer Prevention |
|---|---|
| Oolong Tea | EGCG has been extensively researched on as a cancer preventive polyphenol. It may help in preventing cancers of mouth, breast, skin, prostate and lungs. |
| Black Tea | Theaflavins and thearubigins found in black tea scavenge free radicals and prevent cell damage. Black tea may also be effective in prevention of ovarian cancer. |
| Benefit | Lower Blood Sugar Level |
|---|---|
| Oolong Tea | Polyphenols found in oolong tea can help in treatment of type 2 diabetes. |
| Black Tea |
A polysaccharide compound found in black tea is useful in treatment of diabetes as it lowers blood sugar. Three cups of black tea per day can also prevent type 2 diabetes. |
