Infused teas have become increasingly popular since about half of the U.S. population drinks tea, and this is largely due to the growing “wellness trend”. While I’m not a huge fan of following trends or infused water or tea in general, this trend definitely has its perks. Some possible health benefits found with teas or waters include reduction of cancer risks and heart disease, and it can can improve dental health as well as boost weight loss. Part of the reason that teas are so healthy is that they incorporate fruits and vegetables or natural herbs with vitamins and minerals, which often have plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants can come in the form of flavonoids in black and green teas, which prevent oxidation, or the release of LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Less LDL cholesterol can result in a reduction of blood clots by widening the blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Since tea is so healthy and has the potential to provide health benefits through their preventative aspects, then we should be able to drink tea all day every day and we’ll live forever right? Not necessarily. Some evidence has shown that there is no proven protective effect with more then one and a half cups of specifically black tea per day. These types of teas, black and green, also contain caffeine, however it is less than coffee on average. The typical caffeine levels of tea are less than that of half of a cup of coffee. There is approximately 20-60mg of caffeine per 8 ounces of tea while there is about 50-300mg of caffeine per cup of coffee. It’s not to say that caffeine is bad for you. A safe level of caffeine would be 400mg or less per day, or about four cups of brewed coffee. In the case that you consume much more than this, some side effects could include: migraine, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, frequent urination, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, or muscle tremors.
Infused teas and waters can be very expensive but if you make your own, you can save money and cater the flavors to your own liking. Infused water is an easy way to stay hydrated and get enough vitamins and minerals. In addition, water is known to curb hunger and thus satisfy cravings of unneeded calories.
Below are some recipes for infused waters and teas that might be a good start into this trend:
1. Strawberry Mint Water:
Ingredients:
-6-8 sliced strawberries
-1 cup mint leaves
-40 oz. cold purified water
-ice
2. Blueberry Orange:
Ingredients:
-6 cup water
-2 mandarin oranges, cut into wedges
-a handful of blueberries
-ice
3. Apple Cinnamon:
Ingredients:
-1 apple, sliced thin
-1 plum, sliced thin
-2-3 cinnamon sticks
4. Rainbow citrus water:
Ingredients:
-1 blood orange
-1 clementine
-1 lemon
-1 lime
-32 oz. filtered water
**Instructions for all: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and put in the fridge for 2-24 hours to allow the water to infuse. Add more fruit (whole) if desired & serve cold.