Is Brisk Iced Tea Healthy?
It can be easy to reach for a can of iced tea when looking for something to quench your thirst, but is brisk iced tea a healthy choice?
The good news is that brisk iced tea is mostly just water and tea, so it’s naturally low in calories. It does have some sugar, depending on the type of tea you choose. But this doesn’t mean that is should be a regular part of your diet.
Health Benefits of Tea
Iced tea of any variety, including brisk iced tea, can be a healthy addition to your diet. Tea is rich in phytochemicals called flavonoids, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. The antioxidants in tea might also reduce the risk of heart disease and even some cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
Generally, the more oxidized the tea, the more flavonoids are present. For this reason, some believe that black tea provides more benefits than green or white teas.
Are There Any Risks?
Although there are some health benefits of tea, there are also some potential risks of drinking brisk iced tea. Too much tea, or tea with added sugar, can lead to weight gain. It can also increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease due to the added sugar.
Drinking too much caffeine, found in tea, can also lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Caffeine may interfere with calcium absorption and lead to calcium loss.
Bottom Line
Brisk iced tea can be a healthy addition to your diet in moderation. However, it is important to be mindful of the added sugar in some types of iced tea and the potential risk of consuming too much caffeine.
If you’re looking for a healthy beverage, try unsweetened iced tea and watch your caffeine consumption. Adding lemon or adding herbs to your iced tea can also make it a more healthy and flavorful drink.
Key Points
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- Tea is rich in flavonoids with antioxidant properties. These may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
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- Watch for added sugar. Too much sugar or caffeine can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
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- Drink in moderation. Try unsweetened iced tea and watch your caffeine consumption. Add herbs and lemon to make it more healthy and flavorful.