7 positive (and 5 negative) effects that drinking iced tea can have on your health.
You might think iced tea is nothing more than flavored water, but it turns out that tea leaves can have quite a big impact on your body.As you will learn below, the impacts can be both positive and negative, so make sure you know what to expect.
And if you tend to drink a lot of tea during the day, be aware that these impacts may become even more present with the increase in your consumption.
(We will start with the negative effects, before ending with the positive effects.)
- 7 positive
Good for your skin.
Natural tea is rich in antioxidants, which give you a fresh complexion and decrease the production of body oils.
Decreases blood pressure.
Hibiscus tea causes a reduction in blood pressure, so consider swapping your black tea for hibiscus tea.
Stronger bones, especially for women.
It turns out that caffeine can help fight osteoporosis, especially in older women. A small amount is enough, so don't overdo it.
Prevents cavities.
Yes, tea can even help your teeth. Both black tea and green tea prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth. It does not replace daily tooth care, but every little bit helps.
Reduces the risk of lung cancer.
Some studies have shown that tea can prevent cancer (to a small degree, though), thanks to the flavonoids they contain that destroy free radicals that can lead to cancer.
One study suggests that one cup a day should be enough.
Vigilance increases with consumption of tea.
It is thanks to caffeine, which, in moderation, can improve concentration and alertness.
Reduces the risk of heart attack.
These flavonoids that prevent cancer? They can also reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Some of these effects are not good news, so weigh the pros and cons when choosing the drink you are going to drink!
- 5 negative
Increases the risk of kidney stones.
Studies have shown that drinking lots of black tea can cause kidney stones or kidney failure.
Increases the risk of diabetes.
Note: This is only the case with sweet tea, which can actually be as bad as a soda, so keep this in mind when choosing your drink.
Increases the risk of obesity.
Again, this is the case with homemade sweetened iced teas or almost all of the iced teas you find commercially. They often contain more than 250 calories, which does not make them a healthy choice.
Increases the risk of stroke.
Sweet iced tea increases your blood sugar which increases your triglyceride levels. This means that people who consume a lot of sugary teas have a higher risk of having a stroke.
Also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Black tea contains caffeine, and those who consume it regularly have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than people who drink water.
Pure Leaf Iced Tea, Unsweetened, Real Brewed Black Tea, 0 Calories, 18.5 Fl Oz, Pack of 12
