What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Oolong Tea Regularly

Posted by AweSamo February 20, 2026
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Oolong Tea Regularly

Oolong tea is a popular drink that may help support your health goals in several ways.

1. Your Blood Sugar May Be Supported

Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and blood sugar are all interrelated. The antioxidants in oolong tea may help regulate blood sugar and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Evidence suggests that other types of tea, such as green, white, and black, may help prevent type 2 diabetes and lower blood sugar levels. It’s possible that oolong tea could, too, but more research is needed to confirm this effect.

2. Your Metabolism May Get a Boost

Oolong tea may support metabolism. Metabolism is a chemical process in your body that converts food into energy.

Catechins are compounds found in oolong and other types of tea that have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in particular, is a type of catechin that may be responsible for the positive impact of oolong tea on metabolism.

In one study, participants consumed two cups of oolong tea, caffeine, or a placebo for two weeks. Those who drank oolong tea and caffeine had about a 20% increase in fat breakdown compared to the control group, with no effect on their sleep quality or duration.

These results are promising and indicate that oolong tea may help burn fat. However, more research over longer periods is needed to determine whether the proposed fat-burning effects are due to caffeine or to compounds in oolong tea itself.

3. Your Gut Health May Improve

Obesity has been linked to poor gut microbiota (the microorganisms, such as bacteria, that live in your gut). Improving your gut microbiota is associated with better body composition.

All types of tea are associated with improving gut microbiota, but fermented teas such as oolong and black are more effective than unfermented teas (e.g., green).

Oolong tea may help support your gut thanks to its natural plant compounds (polyphenols). Many of these compounds make their way to your large intestine, where they interact with beneficial bacteria. This may help support a healthier balance of microbes. Fiber remains the main fuel for gut health, but tea can also support gut health.

4. Your Inflammation Levels May Decrease

Oolong tea also has anti-inflammatory effects, primarily due to its health-promoting polyphenols and polysaccharides (molecules that store or supply energy and support digestion).

Obesity is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body. It’s possible that oolong tea could help reduce this inflammation, but more research in humans is needed.

5. Your Energy Levels May Increase

Oolong tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine. There’s less caffeine in oolong tea than in coffee or green tea, but more than in black tea.

Everyone’s caffeine sensitivity is different. However, the caffeine in oolong tea may be enough to boost energy, focus, and concentration.

It might also give you more energy for physical activity, which may help improve your fitness.

How Much Oolong Tea to Drink Daily

There’s no exact prescription for how much oolong tea to drink daily for health. The most effective way is through lifestyle changes, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet.

Keep in mind that experts recommend limiting caffeine to 400 milligrams (mg) daily, so drink oolong tea in moderation.

Also, be mindful of the amount of add-ins you use, such as sugar or sweeteners and cream, and how often you use them.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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By Sarah Bence, OTR/L

Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. She is living with celiac disease and endometriosis.

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