Summer SuperDrink: Old-Fashioned Iced Tea

Everybody talks about the benefits of green tea, but there are still some of us who simply don’t like the taste of it. At SuperFoodsRx, some of us prefer black tea and we live on it. The truth is, both teas are excellent SuperFoods.

Many people don’t realize that green, black and oolong tea are all produced from the same shrub, Camellia sinensis, and regular consumption of any and all of them is beneficial to your health.

Tea is readily available, almost calorie-free, and it’s positively full of antioxidant flavonoids. As you know by now, antioxidants neutralize free radicals, the harmful substances produced in our bodies. The good news is that one or two cups of tea–green, black or oolong–may provide as much of an antioxidant dose as five servings of fruits and vegetables!

More good news: Drinking tea regularly is associated with lower blood pressure, decreased sun-induced aging of skin, and beneficial changes in regard to periodontal disease, diabetes, longevity, and neural function. It is also recognized as being anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy.

The amount of polyphenols is highest in freshly brewed tea and these decrease with time. Canned and powdered teas have some benefits, but the most benefits come from drinking freshly brewed tea. Here’s a simple, easy recipe for old-fashioned iced tea:

SuperFoodsRx Quick Iced Tea 

1. Fill a 32 oz. glass cup measurer with cool water.
2. Microwave for 9 minutes or until it just comes to a boil.
3. Remove from microwave and add 5 tea bags of the brand of your choice.
4. Let steep for 5 minutes.
5. Don’t forget to squeeze out any liquid in the bags and let it drip into the container before you throw them out. This really increases the amount of flavonoids in the brew.
6. Pour into pitcher and chill.

You can add honey or lemon for taste. Enjoy!