Source: Fitness Magazine – by Melissa Walker
After plain old H 2O, tea is the most popular drink on the planet. And some researchers say it’s even healthier. “Tea packs more of a punch than water,” says Carrie Ruxton, Ph.D., a dietitian and tea expert in the United Kingdom. “In addition to providing hydration, it’s rich in health-promoting substances.” The science is staggering: Studies suggest that one cup of tea may contain up to five times more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. These disease-fighting compounds may help prevent certain cancers, keep your heart healthy, burn fat and ward off weight gain, sharpen your mind, and help your body beat the effects of aging and stress. The facts are in: It’s teatime!
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ICED TEA Don’t use hot water, which creates chemical reactions that change the flavor slightly. To cold-infuse, put tea leaves in a bottle of water (one teaspoon of fresh leaves or one bag for every six ounces of water), then refrigerate for a couple of hours. Screw on a filter cap, like The TeaSpot Steep & Go ($10, amazon .com), and sip away. Making a pitcher? Add four teaspoons of loose leaves or four two-gram bags per quart of water and chill for eight to 12 hours. “You can also put leftover hot tea over ice to drink later,” Richardson says. Finish it within 24 hours; after that, the antioxidants start to dissipate.
