What is Wu-Long Tea?
Wu-Long tea or Camellia sinensis is a traditional Asian beverage. There is some debate as to its exact origin, but most believe it came from China. Bear in mind that there are several varieties of the same. The taste and aroma of each variety is influenced by the actual leave varieties that go into the tea, the drying process, steeping, etc. Each variety also has unique benefits. This article will focus on Wu-Long Tea by Okuma Nutritionals.
Okuma Nutritionals
The company was formed in 1998. Its focus was the many health benefits of Wu-Long tea. In the process different varieties of Wu-Long was researched and tested. The Okuma research concluded that a particular variety, known as Wu-Long is richer in polyphenols than most varieties. Hence, Okuma Nutritionals focused solely on Wu-Long.
What Makes it Different?
Wu-Long tea is a little known variety. This is probably because it is extremely rare, the production is delicate and labor intensive (at least before Okuma came into the picture). The result however is a tea that is delicate in flavor and is rich in antioxidants.
How Does It Work?
Polyphenols are anti-oxidants. They combat the signs of aging and also help speed up the metabolism. A faster metabolism means more fat is burned by the human body. Aside from this Wu-Long tea also helps regulate sugar or insulin levels. Hence the Glycemic index is also positively affected. Simply put, when sugar levels are adequate, food/sugar cravings are easier to manage.
Ingredients
There is only one (1) ingredient, and that is 100% high quality Wu-Long leaves of the Wu-Long variety. There are no additives, preservatives, sweeteners, coloring, etc. But that is exactly the point when it comes to tea. To be most effective it must be 100% natural.
How Fast Wu-Long Tea Can Work?
Based on clinical trials conducted it takes 1 month of daily use to see visible results. Significant results show at around 3 to 6 months. After 1 year of daily use, the consumer should reach his/her optimum weight. Of course this presupposes same individual is getting enough exercise and eating right.
Julia Lundstrom CEO of Okuma Nutritionals talks about the amazing power of Wu-Long Tea 🙂
Click here to know more about how Wu-Long Tea can help you lose weight
Daily Dosage
The tea is taken twice daily 15 minutes before breakfast and 15 minutes before lunch. This is applicable for both the tea bag and capsule variety. The ideal is to steep the tea bags in clean, drinkable water. The tea to water ratio is 6 ounces of water per tea bag.
This is roughly 3 grams per 200 ml cup. Afterwards you can adjust the same to suit your tastes. The water must be boiled at 200 to 205 °F (93 to 96 °C). This is just below boiling. The leaves are then steeped for 3 to 5 minutes.
Lifestyle Choices
You can drink all the tea you want BUT if you refuse to move your body or get proper nutrition then you will only maintain your weight at best. Okuma Nutritionals recognize this fact.
That is why regular cardio exercise of around 30 minutes to 1 hour per day coupled with a well balanced meal 3x a day is recommended. If you can manage it, 5 smaller meals will actually work better.
Clinical Studies Show
37 different clinical and scientific published reports extol the benefits of Wu-Long tea. In fact in 2001 the Journal of Nutrition concluded that the regular intake of Wu-Long tea provides at least 2 benefits.
The first is the increase in the body’s metabolic rate.
Second is the increase of fat oxidation, around 12%. This occurs less than an hour after ingesting the tea. The effects lasts for at least 24 hours.
In other words the individual expends more energy with every movement and burns more fat deposits for 24 hours. Logically speaking, if the same is taken daily for long periods of time then weight loss is possible.
Green Tea vs. Wu-Long Tea
You have probably heard of the more popular green tea and its fat burning and anti-oxidant properties. Well, scientists from Japan’s University of Tokushima School of Medicine published an article stating that Wu-Long tea is 2 times more effective at burning fat than green tea.
Take note, they are talking about ordinary Oolong tea. Okuma Nutritional advertises Wu-Long tea to be at least 2 times more effective as ordinary Oolong tea.
Wu-Long and Carbs
Carbohydrates get converted into sugar. The more carbs, the more sugar. The problem is, low carb diets tend to destabilize blood sugar levels. At first low carbs lower sugar levels.
This triggers a reaction known as sugar craving. The tendency of the individual is to gorge on sugary foods. Now your problem is too much sugar. The Suntory Research Center in Osaka, Japan concluded that Wu-Long tea regulates sugar levels. Therefore there is no need to curb your actual and regular intake of carbohydrates.
Other Health Benefits:
The high anti-oxidant content of Wu-Long tea also helps in slowing down the signs of aging, clearing up pimple outbreaks. The same is also responsible for strengthening the teeth, and gums, freshening breath. Overall it also increases the immune system of an individual.
News Worthy Facts and Figures:
Based on the company website they have sold more than 4 million boxes. They claim to have more than 675,000 satisfied, loyal and slimmer clients. Take note Okuma opened in 1998, so that’s 4 million boxes in 15 years.
An evening report on CBS News cites a study that support Okuma’s position. In that, the increase in energy expenditure of individuals who regularly consume Wu-Long tea is around 35% to 43% higher. These are significant numbers, if the same is to be believed as conclusive.
Product Line
Okuma Wu-Long is available in tea bags and in tablets. The latter contains a higher concentration of the tea, hence higher caffeine.
| Packs | Price For Tea Bags | Price For Capsules | Key Attraction ForTea Bags Packs | Key Attraction For Capsules Packs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus Pack: 1 Month Supply (Maintenance Mode) | $47 | $57 | 1 month Package PLUS secure VIP discount on all future purchase | 1 month Package PLUS secure VIP discount on all future purchase |
| Premium Pack: 3 Months supply (The Sweet Spot) | $97 | $127 | Save 31% | Save 25% |
| Max Pack: 6 Months Supply (Maximum Weight Loss) : | $167 | $197 | Save 42% | Save 42% |
Bonus and Freebies
Buying the premium and max packs entitles the consumer to 25% and 42% discounted rates respectively. Customers also gets 4 surprise freebies on their initial purchase.
This is aside from the free information accessed via the main website i.e. resource center and site links. Existing and potential clients are also encouraged to call the toll free customer support hotline for any concerns.
Shipping and Other Freebies:
Okuma Nutritionals ships anywhere in the world. Their shipping options are:
- United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority International
- United Parcel Service (UPS) Fast Priority Shipping
Loyal customers also get additional discounts. This usually takes effect after the first purchase. There is also the VIP Smart Ship program that allows loyal patrons to get their purchases faster. For more information about the same, contact their customer support.
90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee
| The website says that Okuma accepts refunds “if for any reason the customer is not satisfied with the product”. In order to process the same, the consumer has to contact customer support and ask for a refund. As a general rule, these type of refund policies will exclude the original shipping cost and require you to shoulder the return shipping cost. |
Final Verdict:
There is no shortage of scientific and clinical studies regarding the benefits of Wu-Long tea. The main health benefits are not really in contention here. The question really is the Wu-Long variety.
Simply put, “Is it really worth paying for Wu-Long tea by Okuma nutritionals or is ordinary Wu-Long enough?” This concern has to be better addressed by Okuma in order to increase its relevance and sales.
Click Here To Know More About Wu-Long Tea And Okuma Nutritionals
