HANDS-ON: 10 MIN. // TOTAL: 10 MIN., PLUS 8 HR. CHILLING // SERVES 6
I remember making sun tea with my mom when I was little, and this process is similar—but you don’t have to wait for warm summer weather. To sweeten it, I like to add a touch of stevia or stir in a little honey thinned with warm water.
6 cups water, at room temperature
4 green tea bags
2 or 3 lemon slices
Combine the water, tea bags, and lemon slices in a pitcher or a large container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Remove the tea bags, straining the liquid. Return the tea to a pitcher. Discard the tea bags and lemon slices. Sweeten as desired, stirring well. Chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice.
(SERVING SIZE: 1 CUP): CALORIES 0; FAT 0G (SAT 0G, UNSAT 0G); PROTEIN 0G; CARB 0G; FIBER 0G; SUGARS 0G (ADDED SUGARS 0G); SODIUM 0MG; CALC 0% DV; POTASSIUM 0% DV
STRAWBERRY-CITRUS ICED GREEN TEA: Omit the lemon slices, and replace with 1 small (thin-skinned) orange, peeled and sliced, and 6 to 10 large strawberries, hulled and halved. Chill and strain as directed, reserving the orange sections; squeeze the juice from the orange sections into the pitcher. Sweeten as desired, stirring well. Chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice.
GINGER-MINT ICED GREEN TEA: Omit the lemon slices, and replace with 1 (1-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger and 4 to 6 fresh mint sprigs. Chill and strain as directed above. Sweeten as desired, stirring well. Chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice.
green tea
This antioxidant-rich beverage appears to be one of the best ways to keep the brain hydrated thanks to compounds called catechins. Not only do catechins appear to be some of the most effective antioxidants in preventing free radical damage, but some research suggests they can help block amyloid plaque formation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea is also associated with reducing heart disease risk and preventing cancer. Most research points to drinking a cup, hot or cold, one to three times per day, but remember that even green tea has a small amount of caffeine, so balance your intake with other caffeine consumed or if you have sensitivities to caffeine.