How to make iced tea? (and what are its benefits)
Iced tea is becoming more and more popular, especially in hot weather. This is typically any type of tea that has been cooled and / or served with ice.
Generally, it is made with black , white or green tea , although some herbal teas are also served cold with the mention "iced tea". Different types of iced tea exist around the world, often cut with syrups to boost the taste (lemon, peach, cherry, orange and passion fruit for the most popular).
But there are still some differences in the method of preparation of iced tea, compared to that of normal tea, especially with regard to the brewing time. So, ready to become the king of iced tea?
Nutritional value of iced (black) teaIced black tea contains low levels of potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, sugar, caffeine, fluoride, flavonoids and various other antioxidants. Other types of iced tea, such as green tea or herbal teas, will have different nutritional profiles.
Side effects of iced teaIced tea comes with a few potential side effects, including possible irritability, headaches, kidney stones, and potential diabetic complications. Most of these side effects are caused by excessive consumption of iced tea or adding sugar to the drink . Unsweetened iced tea is highly recommended if you want to take advantage of all the health benefits and avoid some of these side effects.
Although caffeine boosts energy and is one of the main reasons people drink drinks like tea or coffee, it can have negative side effects when taken at high levels, such as sleep, irritability, upset stomach, headache, acid reflux and inability to concentrate. Drinking a moderate amount of this tea should help you avoid most of these problems.
Research has shown that tea contributes to the development of kidney stones when consumed in large quantities. Tea contains compounds known as oxalates , which become oxalic acid in the body and can contribute to kidney and gallstones. If you have or have experienced kidney stones, consider talking to your doctor before making this tea an integral part of your diet.
Finally, if you drink unsweetened iced tea, you can help regulate blood sugar, which is good for diabetics. However, if you add sugar to each glass or pitcher of tea, you are more likely to develop diabetes or exacerbate symptoms, due to such a concentration of sugar.
Clear :
- don't overdo iced tea
- don't sweeten it, or use natural sweeteners like honey sparingly
And everything will be perfectly fine! Now let's go to practice with some homemade iced tea recipes.
How to make iced tea (very easily)?It is very easy to make iced tea (although there are a multitude of ways to do this), and it will all depend on the intensity and flavor you want to give it. Here are two very nice classic recipes that I use when I have people (or even for myself alone), it is important to note that it is in your interest to choose a relatively strong tea, knowing that the ice cubes will greatly reduce the taste of tea.
Iced tea recipes
Ingredients:
- 4 basic black tea bags (possibility of using green, white, oolong or herbal tea)
- 1 to 2L of filtered water, depending on the intensity you want to give to the tea
- 4 lemon slices
- Monin syrup with the flavor of your choice (optional, passion fruit goes very well with)
Preparation:
- Bring the water to a boil in a stainless pan
- Lower the heat and add the tea bags
- Let the tea steep for 10 to 12 minutes
- Remove from heat and let the tea cool for 5-10 minutes
- Pour a lot of ice into the tea
- Add the lemon slices (and / or a little syrup) and let the tea cool 3 to 5 minutes before serving
Second recipe, iced tea under a summer sunIngredients:
- 6 black tea bags
- 1 to 2L of filtered water, depending on the intensity you want to give to the tea
- 6 lemon slices (optional)
Preparation:
- Fill a large pitcher with water
- Add the tea bags and place the pitcher in the sun
- Let the tea steep in the sun for 4 to 5 hours
- Remove the tea bags and add the lemon slices
- Serve the tea on ice and enjoy
Key ingredients of iced teaIt's really not rocket science, your homemade iced tea will only be made with black tea, water and natural sweeteners, such as lemon wedges or honey. That said, different types of tea can be used, including white, green and herbal teas for slightly different flavors. In addition, you can add other elements to “spice up your flavors”, such as mint leaves, a cinnamon or vanilla stick, a dash of syrup, etc. It's up to you to vary the pleasures!
What are the benefits of drinking iced tea?In addition to being particularly delicious, iced tea offers the same benefits as black tea, thanks to its concentrations of caffeine, polyphenols, catechins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Unsweetened iced teas, or those served with lemon or lime are the healthiest, since they obviously contain no calories or sugars, while providing the drink with more antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients.
1) Maybe an ally for weight lossIced tea is low in calories and low in natural sugars (when it is not sweet), which can help you in your weight loss efforts, especially if you are used to drinking sugary drinks and others high sugar drinks. Iced tea can also help you feel full and refreshed, without increasing your daily calorie intake.
2) Prevents chronic diseasesThere are powerful compounds in black tea called flavonoids that have been directly linked to the prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, which means they can seek out and neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress and tissue inflammation. This is also true for cardiovascular disease because antioxidants reduce the inflammation of tissues in the arteries and blood vessels of the heart.
3) An ally of the immune systemThe antioxidants and nutrients found in tea are known to stimulate the functioning of the immune system, which helps the body's defense against pathogens and infections. Some bottled iced teas also enrich their mixtures of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which can increase the strength of the immune system, but unfortunately most of them are packed with sugar. Stay with homemade iced tea.
4) Promotes good bone healthWith significant levels of manganese and fluoride in black iced tea, this summer drink can help you protect your bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis . Fluoride is directly linked to the prevention of tooth decay and the strengthening of tooth enamel, but it is also present in the rest of our bones and is an integral part of maintaining the strength of our bones as we age .
5) Excellent for diabeticsIf you drink unsweetened iced tea , the compounds in black tea can help regulate your blood sugar, increase your body's resistance to insulin, and make your life easier as a diabetic.
Lipton Gallon-Sized Black Iced Tea Bags, Unsweetened, 48 ct