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Coffee - without sugar! - has long been (and still is) my go-to option to accompany my lunch. Amidst a larger 2025 goal of reducing the number of cups of kopi-o kosong I gulp down a week, however, I’ve recently thought about how my lunch experience can be switched up slightly with yet another sugarless drink: A can, or indeed bottle of oolong tea. Oolong tea is said to offer a perfect balance of flavour and functionality - perfect not just for complementing one's meal but also reinvigorating your afternoon. On the one hand, its partially oxidised leaves yield a complex taste profile that promise to awaken the palate without overwhelming it. But beyond its culinary merits, word has it too that oolong provides a wealth of health benefits to support your wellbeing: From boosting metabolism to enhancing mental clarity. The origins and diverse varieties of oolong tea Oolong tea ostensibly boasts a rich history rooted in ancient China. Originating during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the tea was initially reserved for emperors and their courts. Its name, meaning "black dragon" in English, actually refers to the unique shape of its leaves after they've been left to dry out in the sun! Oolong production later spread to other regions, including Taiwan, where it gained popularity in the mid-1900s. Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation, resulting in a wide spectrum of flavors and aromas: From light and floral, to rich and roasted. Renowned varieties include Tie Guan Yin, known for its floral notes, or Da Hong Pao, which is said have a profile that is 'woodier'. Diving into the Health Benefits of Oolong Tea A Powerhouse of Antioxidants: Said to be partially fermented, oolong tea boasts a unique blend of antioxidants found in both green and black teas, making it a nutritional powerhouse. Studies have shown that regular consumption of oolong tea can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 21%, thanks to its ability to improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Boosting Metabolism and Brain Function - in a balanced manner: The average Singaporean working adult lives a fast-paced 9-5 life - for which oolong tea is capable of offering a natural energy boost. Its combination of caffeine and L-theanine not only enhances mental alertness but also aids in weight management by increasing fat oxidation and metabolism. For fellow coffee-drinkers who think they might also be taking their love of the bean to too-far extremes, here’s some good news too: According to a study, oolong tea provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee. Moreover, oolong tea's health benefits extend to supporting brain function and potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline. A recap: Why this switch out to oolong tea at lunch sounds good over the longer term And as mentioned earlier, there’s one very simple reason - above all - why oolong tea could stand out as the superior drink of choice at lunch for Singaporeans: It boasts a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other tea varieties. According to the Health Promotion Board, oolong is made from mature tea leaves that are bruised and partially oxidized, resulting in a flavor profile that differs from white, green, and black teas. So, could coffee continue to get swapped out more regularly for oolong tea during lunches? I’m quite confident that this could be the case. Its unique blend of health benefits, flavour complexity, and energising properties means it's suited to complement any sort of meal: Whether it’s a standard cai png order, or a bowl of ban mian, or even something more indulgent, like a one-person lunch set at the mala store of your food court just below the office. The rewards that present themselves are multifaceted: Improved digestion; sustained focus for the afternoon ahead; or quite simply, a restful moment of refined pleasure! Images from Unsplash