Tea: A Summer Health Drink

Add comment June 10th, 2009

Looking for a healthy way to quench your thirst this summer? Think iced tea to help you stay hydrated in the warm weather– and you’ll also reap benefits from the antioxidants found in tea.

Tea’s health benefits stem from naturally occurring flavonoids, which are potent disease-fighting antioxidants. Tea has been shown to help boost immune function and may help play a role in fighting heart disease and cancer. To get the most from your tea, drink brewed tea (from tea bags) instead of tea mixes. Both black and green tea offer health benefits.

Start with your favorite tea bag and let it steep in steaming hot water for at least 3 minutes, then let it cool and pour over ice. To keep calories low, enjoy it plain or you can add some sweetness with fruit juice, honey, or a low-calorie sweeter. Many types of fruit-infused teas are available, which offer a naturally sweet flavor.

Green Tea Citrus Sangria

4 cups boiling water
6 Lipton Green Tea with Citrus tea bags
2 tbsp. honey
3 cups assorted fruit (such as sliced kiwi, berries and plums)
2 cups chilled white cranberry juice

Pour boiling water over tea bags; cover and brew 3 minutes. Remove tea bags and squeeze. Stir in remaining ingredients in pitcher; cool. Serve over ice. Makes 8 servings. About 80 calories per serving. 

Recipe courtesy of Lipton