Research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006; 60(11):1330–1336) examined whether oolong tea influences fat absorption in humans.
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 12 healthy adults consumed either a polyphenol-enriched oolong tea or a placebo beverage after eating a standardized fat load of 38 grams. The fat was provided in the form of potato chips, eaten 30 minutes after both lunch and dinner. Fecal fat excretion was measured over a 10-day period.
Following a seven-day washout period, participants switched groups and repeated the protocol. This crossover design allowed each participant to serve as their own control.
The researchers found that significantly more dietary fat was excreted in the stool during the oolong tea phase compared with the placebo phase. In addition, fecal cholesterol excretion was higher when oolong tea was consumed.
Based on these findings, the authors suggested that polyphenols in oolong tea may reduce intestinal absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol. The results were observed in a small group of healthy adults and reflect short-term metabolic effects rather than long-term outcomes.
