Some people credit the creation of iced tea to Richard Blechynden, who in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair was inspired to pour the hot brewed tea he was trying to sell summer fairgoers over ice and created one of America’s favorite beverages.
Today, iced tea can also claim to be good for you, too.
Many research studies suggest a connection between drinking tea regularly and a variety of potential health benefits. This is all great news for June, which is National Iced Tea Month.
According to the website news-medical.net, drinking iced tea might reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other forms of heart disease. Reduced risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and skin cancers, also have been associated with regular iced tea drinkers, but research is ongoing.
Tea may inhibit bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque, and the fluoride content in tea supports healthy tooth enamel. Iced tea contains antioxidants, vitamins C, E and amino acids.
Researchers also believe results from a compound in black tea called L-thiamine may support the immune system’s natural resistance to infection and perhaps even tumors.
Tea of any temperature is great for the body, so iced tea is as healthy as regular hot tea. Teas are divided into three groups based on the amount of oxidation they undergo during processing; green and white teas, black tea and oolong tea.
These iced tea recipes are easy and fun to make. If you are watching your sugar intake, Stevia can help sweeten without adding calories or fat. You may purchase this herbal sugar substitute at most grocery stores or at health food stores. You will find it near the sugar and other sugar substitutes.
Stevia Iced Tea
3 (1-ounce) tea bags
1/2 gallon boiling water
2 packets stevia
1 gallon cold water
5 pounds crushed ice
Place tea bags in a large enamel or stainless steel container. Pour boiling water over tea bags and steep 5 minutes. Remove bags and add Stevia packets. Stir to dissolve. Fill 2 gallon pitchers half full with cold water. Pour hot tea into cold water. Fill 12-ounce glasses with ice. Pour tea over ice just before serving. Garnish with wedges of lemon. Serves 25.
Calories: 10, total fat: 0g, dietary fiber: trace, protein: trace, potassium: 6 percent
Citrus Iced Tea for 1
1 tall glass crushed ice
1 cup prepared Stevia Iced Tea
1/3 cup orange juice
1/8 teaspoon lemon juice
Combine ice, iced tea, orange juice and a splash of lemon juice in a cocktail shaker or a jar with a lid. Shake until cold and frothy. Pour into a tall iced tea glass and garnish with an orange slice, if desired. Yields 1 serving.
Calories: 131, total fat: 0g, dietary fiber: 1g, protein: 5g, potassium: 69 percent
PeppermintApple Iced Tea
3 (1-ounce) tea bags
8 single serving peppermint tea bags
1 quart boiling water
1 quart cold water
2 cups apple juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
Steep mint tea and peppermint tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Place cold water, apple juice and lemon juice in a 1-gallon pitcher. Pour hot tea into pitcher and stir. Pour over tall glasses filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with fresh mint and citrus slices, if desired. Serves 12.
Calories: 29, total fat: 0g, dietary fiber: 1g, protein: trace, vitamin C: 10 percent
Nutritional breakdown of recipes by MasterCook Deluxe.
— Rae Udy is a local columnist who emphasizes nutritional information and healthy eating. She has written a cookbook called “Countdown Cooking.” Her column appears on Wednesdays. Write her in care of the Longview News-Journal, P.O. Box 1792, Longview, TX 75606.
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