The tea plant is a common medicinal plant in South-East Asia since ancient times. Later on, they started to drink tea as a stimulating, healthy beverage. Due to the colonial conquest and tourism, tea is now globally known. In many countries, tea is the second most consumed beverage next to water and it’s embedded in many cultures.
Tea contains bio-active substances such as flavonoids, amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, and caffeine (or theine). Studies have proved that green and black tea have protective effects against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity-related illnesses. They play a role in lowering cholesterol, preventing diabetes, strokes, and dementia and showing an antiviral effect. Catechins present in green tea are thought to be more effective in preventing obesity-related diseases and show better fat reducing effects than black tea.
Iced tea has the same benefits as hot tea. It is said that hot tea has a cooling effect on our body. But is there anything better than an ice cold drink during a hot summer day? Believe me, we live in the tropics and I drink fresh iced tea every day!
Instead of commercially available, sugary, fizzy drinks why not try a homemade, refreshing iced lemon tea? I’m sure you won’t regret it!
ALSO READ: How To Prepare The Perfect Cup Of Tea
Iced Lemon Tea Recipe
When making iced tea it’s important, same as for hot tea, to not over-steep your tea. If you prefer to drink stronger tea add more leafs or tea bags instead of over-steeping. This will bring out more tannins, making your tea bitter. Some people might say that longer steeping times get more antioxidants into your drink, but there are no scientific studies that back up this claim.
You can use black/green tea leaves or tea bags to make the tea. Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice in a glass together with lots of ice-cubes. Fill up the whole glass with them. If you want to add honey or maple syrup, do it in the hot water and not in the glass. Personally, I like my iced lemon tea unsweetened.
Before pouring the tea into your glass, let it cool down a few minutes. Don’t put it in the fridge, because it gives your tea a cloudy look. Pour the tea into the glass and let the ice-cubes do their job. To spice it up a bit add a star anise or cinnamon. Add some fresh lemon slices for a great look and taste!
ALSO READ: Discover The Top 10 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water In The Morning
Enjoy 😉
THINK OF YOUR HEALTH AND MOTHER EARTH! SAY NO TO SINGLE USE PLASTIC CUPS AND START USING THESE HANDY REUSABLE THERMO CUPS TO STORE YOUR HOT AND COLD DRINKS!
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
