Health Benefits of Iced Tea: Your Summer Superdrink for Health and Hydration
During summer time in this scorching heat when everything is draining you down and making you dehydrated there is nothing better than a glass of refreshing chilled iced tea. The very first sip of an iced tea can quench your thirst and rejuvenate you from within. Other than being a great source of hydration and boost, iced tea pairs up really well with all kinds of meals.
But did you know that beyond its deliciously crisp taste, iced tea can offer multiple health benefits? So let's explore why iced tea deserves a prime spot in your daily routine and some of the iced tea’s benefits.
What Exactly is Iced Tea?
Iced tea is a cool and refreshing beverage made by chilling brewed tea and serving it over ice. It's a delightful way to enjoy the flavours of tea, especially during hot weather. You can enjoy it plain or add fruity or citrusy flavours for a refreshing twist.
Typically, iced tea is brewed like regular tea and then cooled in the refrigerator before serving. While many people prefer their iced tea without milk, some recipes include milk for added creaminess and flavour. Whether you prefer it sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea is a versatile and thirst-quenching drink perfect for any occasion.
But is iced tea good for health? Let’s find that out!
Some Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Iced Tea:
1. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease:
Beyond being a refreshing beverage, iced tea can also be a heart-healthy choice! Research has shown that regular consumption of unsweetened tea, including iced tea can be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues.
The antioxidants present in tea might contribute to its protective effects on heart health by improving blood vessel function, reducing inflammation, and lowering cholesterol levels. But of course stick to one cup a day or take advice from a professional before consuming large amounts of caffeine!
2. Boosts the Immune System:
Sipping on tea and chipping out the ice every day might help make your immune system stronger, keeping pesky germs and diseases at bay.
Iced tea is packed with powerful antioxidants like EGCG hence it can help fight off nasty free radicals in your body. Your body’s defenses can strengthen against infections and viruses with the help of iced tea. Moreover, iced tea keeps you hydrated which can help with flushing out toxins, keeping your body healthy and happy!
3. Protects Your Skin:
Iced tea can be brewed with various types of teas and one of their delicious variants is made up of green tea. The green tea polyphenols found in iced tea can offer significant benefits for skin health and appearance. These polyphenols have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that might potentially help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress.
Moreover, the tasty iced tea can provide a lot of fluids to the body, which can keep your skin hydrated and plump from within.
4. Improves Concentration:
Still studying late or working late but are not able to focus? Don’t fret because the delicious iced tea is here for your rescue. Tea contains two main components: caffeine and L-theanine.
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves and it synergises with caffeine to improve attention, focus, and alertness without the jittery side effects often associated with high caffeine amounts. One glass of iced tea is all you might need to sharpen your mind and keep you productive throughout the day.
5. Reduces Stress:
After a hectic day, there's nothing quite as soothing as sipping on a calming glass of iced tea. Studies have shown that tea consumption, particularly green tea, might be associated with lower levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone.
Even the slow brewing process, or just pouring yourself a glass of chilled iced tea can help you relax and feel less anxious, giving your mind a break from the day's hustle.
6. Decreases Risk of Dementia:
Enjoying a refreshing glass of iced tea may have long-term benefits for brain health and cognitive function.
Research suggests that the antioxidants in green tea can protect your brain from age-related issues, lowering the risk of dementia like Alzheimer's. So, enjoying a glass of iced tea can keep your mind sharp as you age.
7. Strengthens Bone Mineral Density:
Is iced tea healthy? Even for our bones? Yes, you heard it. Tea, rich in flavonoids and phytoestrogens, along with fluoride, might potentially help preserve bone mineral density and protect against osteoporosis by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Some research has been done which suggests that polyphenols, commonly found in green tea, might potentially enhance bone mineral density and manage bone loss by exerting antioxidant effects.
8. Keeps You Hydrated:
Staying hydrated is important, especially in hot weather. Iced tea is a tasty and zesty way to stay refreshed and hydrated, replacing lost fluids and keeping you feeling cool and energized.
While water is the best choice for hydration, iced tea provides a flavorful alternative that can encourage increased fluid intake.
9. Filled with Antioxidants:
Iced tea is packed with antioxidants that protect your cells from damage, slow down ageing, and give your skin a healthy glow. Iced tea is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, catechins, and polyphenols, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, slow down the ageing process, and promote youthful, radiant skin.
Regularly enjoying a glass of iced tea can boost your antioxidant intake and support overall health.
How Much Iced Tea Should You Drink?
While we have seen that iced tea has multiple benefits and is practically ideal to drink, with anything moderation is always important. You can have 1-2 glasses of a mild iced tea brew daily and reap its benefits from this amount of consumption.
However, if you want to consume more of it regularly, it’s best to take the advice of a healthcare professional on the same. If you want to keep your calories in check you can choose not to sweeten it with added sugars.
Tip: If you’re making iced tea at home you can infuse it with various citrusy fruits to get a natural zest and sweetness!
Now that you know all the benefits and how delicious it is, what's stopping you from brewing and enjoying a refreshing glass of iced tea? With its many health perks, iced tea is not only a tasty beverage but also a great addition to your daily routine. So, why not give delicious iced tea a try today? Beat the heat and boost your health with a refreshing glass of iced tea brew!
