Iced tea is an ideal drink for summer, as it is cool and refreshing, and it also tastes delicious, especially after adding fruit flavors to it. But if you drink iced tea every day, is it beneficial?
Iced tea is usually made from black tea, and in fact, the health benefits of black tea may vary depending on the type of tea you use.
Dr. Chris Norris of Sleep Standards points out that iced tea and hot tea are nearly identical in terms of health properties, but iced tea is typically brewed hot and then left to cool.
But he said: “Some research shows that cold brewing for a longer period may have more health benefits than steeping the leaves in hot water.
“Steeping in cold water is said to increase the health benefits of tea, including increased antioxidant activity.”
Does iced tea help hydrate the body?
Did you know that about 60% of the human body consists of water, and that obtaining a sufficient and appropriate amount of water throughout the day benefits the body in many ways and is not limited to just quenching thirst?
Water helps keep the body properly hydrated, deliver nutrients to cells, maintain body temperature, fight infections, lubricate joints, and improve mood.
The Mayo Clinic also recommends that adult women get about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of water per day, while adult men should get 15.5 cups (3.7 liters). Fortunately, all of this doesn't have to come from plain water.
According to Dr. Chris Norris of Sleep Standards, iced tea is a great option. saying: . “Tea is just as hydrating as water.” A study published in 2011 in the British Journal of Nutrition reached the same conclusion. The researchers pointed out that although the caffeine in black tea is often considered a cause of dehydration, their findings indicated that tea and regular water are almost identical in their ability to provide hydration, so you can use iced tea to get as much water. Adequate water.
-Caffeine and iced tea and their effect on the body:
Many people try to get rid of the habit of drinking coffee, tea, energy drinks, soft drinks, or drinks that contain caffeine in general, but there is no will to give up caffeine completely, but it is possible to reduce the amount you consume during the day to a more reasonable amount by Switch to iced tea.
“Iced tea is a great drink for anyone who needs help getting a little extra focus or energy to concentrate,” said nutritionist Trista Best. “Many heavy caffeine drinkers have chosen to get less caffeine by switching to iced tea instead.” Another beverage that contains a high percentage of caffeine.
Iced tea is rich in antioxidants:
Antioxidants are known to combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage the body's cells and can lead to cancer.
The role of iced tea in weight loss:
When it comes to the health benefits of iced tea, researchers usually focus on black tea.
Drinking iced tea helps oxidize fats. “Fat cells are in a state of constant turnover, which means that fat is constantly entering or leaving the cell and fatty acids can then be released into the bloodstream,” explained Katherine Schwab, a health and wellness researcher at Tons of Goodness. Fats are burned (oxidized) to obtain energy. When fats are oxidized, it leads to weight loss. There was also a study in 2018 that found that iced tea was more effective in oxidizing fats than drinking hot tea
If you are following a diet to lose weight, you should replace hot black tea with iced tea.
Iced tea can burn more calories:
Unsweetened iced tea may burn more calories than hot tea.
Scientists say that for our bodies to be able to process liquids, they need to be heated to body temperature.
Therefore, when you drink a cup of unsweetened iced tea your body burns more calories by using energy to raise the temperature to body temperature. Choosing iced tea instead of hot black tea also helps in the weight loss process.
-Iced tea helps moisturize the skin:
Collagen plays an important role in the process of preserving the skin from the signs of aging. Collagen is a protein found throughout the body, in addition to performing many other important functions, as explained by the Healthline website.
As we age, the body's ability to produce new collagen decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkling of the skin.
As nutritionist Lisa Richards told The List: “It has been shown that dietary polyphenols, such as those found in iced tea, can stimulate collagen production in the body.” She explained that this substance (polyphenols) can also prevent collagen damage resulting from free radicals.
-Iced tea and its role in reducing heart disease:
According to Dr. Chris Norris at Sleep Standards: “Unsweetened iced tea contains flavonoids that play a vital role in protecting the heart from disease, and keeping the heart healthy and in good condition.”
He explained that flavonoids are a type of antioxidant that protects the arteries from inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Iced tea is rich in manganese:
Manganese is known to be the compound responsible for wound healing, strengthening bones and enhancing metabolism.
Research also reveals that one cup of iced black tea contains 0.52 mg of manganese, which represents more than a quarter (35%) of the required daily intake for women and (23%) of the daily intake for men.
This means that each cup of iced tea actually adds to the manganese reserves within the body. While another study revealed that manganese prevents tissue damage by activating the manganese superoxide enzyme.
-Unsweetened iced tea is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks:
Iced tea is the appropriate solution to use if you feel like drinking an iced drink rather than other sweetened drinks.
This means you can safely drink two or three cups of unsweetened iced tea and still consume the recommended amount of sugar.
The Harvard School of Public Health also recommends a daily intake of 24g of added sugar for women and 36g for men. Therefore, replacing sugary drinks with unsweetened iced tea can help lose weight due to the lower number of calories.
Since iced tea does not contain harmful chemicals, preservatives and artificial sweeteners, it is also healthier for the body in the long run.
Iced tea helps stabilize blood sugar:
Unsweetened iced tea can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
According to a study conducted in Japan, people who consumed iced tea daily showed a 33% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Flavonoids and phytochemicals found in black and green tea help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Polyphenols, commonly found in iced tea, help diabetics maintain blood sugar levels.
Iced tea is beneficial for oral health:
Unsweetened iced tea, whether black or green tea, is a rich source of fluoride. According to one study, the fluorides found in unsweetened black tea protect against cavities and maintain oral health.
One cup of unsweetened iced tea contains about 0.5 mg of fluoride.
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