Iced tea is not only a refreshing beverage but also reduces stress and provides some minerals to the body. Tea is the most consumed beverage all over the world and can either be sweetened or unsweetened. Unsweetened iced tea adds a lot of nutrients and compounds to the body. Although sweetened iced tea may be more delicious, it may result in health complications. This article highlights the pros and cons of drinking iced tea and helps you evaluate the benefits and dangers of taking a lot of iced tea.
Pros:
1. Keeps you hydrated: Iced tea is good for your body and keeps you hydrated throughout the day.
2. Fight cancer cells: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) compound found in the iced tea help to fight cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.
3. Source of manganese: Adding a cup of black iced tea into your diet increases the level of manganese in your body. Manganese helps in strengthening bones, promoting wound healing, and supporting metabolism.
4. Boost antioxidants: Iced tea is a great source of antioxidants that provide compounds for fighting cells that damage free radicals in the body.
5. Prevent tooth decay: White iced tea helps protect your tooth cavity preventing any tooth loss. It can change your mouth’s PH level but doesn’t interfere with the tooth enamel like other beverages.
6. Sooth nerves: Drinking iced black tea too often or daily helps lower the level of stress hormones in the blood. Taking a cup of tea after a stressful event will help de-stress more quickly.
7. Boost heart health: There is a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke among those who drink 3 cups of green tea daily. Flavonoids compounds found in green, white and black tea help fight chronic diseases and heart issues.
8. Keeps you cool: In warm months, iced tea can help you keep cool and replenish your body fluids. It makes you feel fresh and increase your concentration.
9. Source of fluoride: Iced tea helps increase fluoride intake in the body and also provides flavonoids components. Fluorides help fight tooth decay and strengthen your teeth.
10. Lower sugar and calories: Taking unsweetened iced tea adds zero amount of sugar and about 2 calories into the body. Less sugar in the body helps prevent weight gain.
Cons:
1. Kidney failure: Taking too much black iced tea daily may result in kidney stones. Accumulation of oxalic acid in the kidney may result in kidney failure.
2. Diabetes: Sweetened ice tea can reduce insulin sensitivity in the body increasing the risk of diabetes. Black tea can affect blood sugar levels.
3. Stroke: Sweetened iced tea increases your sugar intake which in turn increases the levels of triglyceride putting you at a higher risk of stroke.
4. Obesity: Taking some types of iced tea which have more calories and added sugars can result in weight gains. If you’re trying to lose weight, avoid iced tea with more than 250 calories.
5. High blood pressure: Black tea has a lot of caffeine and taking too much black iced tea can increase your blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and to some people, it can trigger a heart condition known as arrhythmia.
6. Anxious: People sensitive to caffeine products should avoid taking black iced tea since it makes them feel anxious.
7. Lack of sleep: Taking iced black tea can make you have difficulties sleeping due to the high content of caffeine present.
8. Addiction: Sometimes can become addicted to it or become psychologically and physically dependent on it such that if they don’t, they experience a headache or feel down all day long.
9. Anemia: Black tea worsens the condition of people suffering from iron deficiency problems.
10. Bleeding disorder: People with a bleeding disorder should drink black tea with caution. The caffeine component in ice black tea can slow blood clotting.
