Oolong tea could be used to treat a number of health conditions, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
It’s rich in antioxidants, and contains vital vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, E and K, it’s been reported.
It also contains polyphenol chemicals, which contribute to the tea’s anticancer properties, the researchers said.
It’s these properties that is making oolong tea more popular around the world, they added.
“Oolong tea exhibits antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease, antidiabetes, and antiallergic effects,” said the researchers.
“The production of oolong tea has increased greatly in the recent years, and is becoming more and more popular around the world.
“The application of oolong tea for health purposes is under way, and a number of products have been produced such as tea powders and tea jams.”
Drinking two or more cups of tea daily could reduce the risk of some types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, a study claimed.
Taiwan locals hailed the tea’s health benefits, according to Eve Baker, who visited the country in 2003, and subsequently started her own oolong tea company in the UK, Oolong Tea Club.
Growing tea in the mountains was the key to developing the teas properties, she told Express.co.uk
“During my time on the island I heard the locals make all sorts of claims about anticancer properties,” said Baker. “Coming from a scientific medical background, I didn’t believe them; but I decided to investigate the subject.
“The reason that I don’t think [its properties] have been spotted is that most people don’t know what oolong tea is.”
Oolong tea is made from the same plant that is used to make green and black tea.
But, oolong tea is partially fermented, whereas black is is fully fermented and green tea isn’t fermented at all.
It has a sweet taste, but doesn’t contain any sugar or milk.
Meanwhile, more than 350,000 new UK cancer cases were diagnosed in 2014. About 160,000 people died from the condition in the same year.