4 ways to enjoy a lighter, refreshing glass of iced tea

A cold glass of iced Lipton tea on a warm summer day is often thought to be the quintessential refreshing beverage. But in addition to being a tasty refreshment, tea also offers several health benefits.

Find four ways to enjoy a lightened up version of iced tea:

Getting a caffeine boost from tea

For a caffeine boost, try brewing a cup of pure green tea. A serving contains 50 milligrams of caffeine, which is about what you get in a 12-ounce Diet Coke.

Green tea

Research suggests that drinking four cups of antioxidant-rich green tea daily can help improve skin elasticity, texture and hydration, as well as increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin.

The antioxidants in green tea are also great for heart health and reducing inflammation. If you find the taste of green tea bitter, try a variety with a natural fruit flavor that can mask the flavor of the green tea a bit, like berry, peach or ginger. Consider one of these clean, good-for-you tea brands.

To schedule a nutrition consult, whether virtually or in-person, contact us at nutrition@ochsner.org or call us at 504-733-1600.

Matcha tea

Matcha is a finely milled green tea powder; the entire tea leaf is ground and suspended in water, not strained out like regular tea leaves. Bright green in color, matcha is rich in nutrients including L-theanine, an amino acid that can enhance mental alertness and relaxation without causing drowsiness.

Matcha is also typically higher in catechins (EGCG), the antioxidant-rich polyphenols thought to be a key factor in the health benefits of green tea. Try a teaspoon or two of matcha powder whisked into hot water to enjoy the tea in the traditional Japanese style, or simply add it to your favorite summer smoothies or iced lattes.

You can also incorporate matcha into soups, purees, salad dressings and even desserts like ice cream!