Few things can compare to sitting out on the porch at the end of a long summer day with a cold glass of iced tea.
But in all the years that I've been drinking iced tea and sweet tea, I had no idea that it might actually be having a significant impact on my health — for better and for worse.
I was quite pleased to learn that just as there are health benefits to ginger, there are a number of incredible health benefits associated with drinking iced tea as well.
But unfortunately, those who drink too much iced or sweet tea may actually be putting their health at risk. So how much is too much?
Scroll through below for an exclusive look at the impact iced tea can be having on your body, and how you can make sure to drink the right amount to reap the benefits and avoid the risks.
Most of this came as quite a surprise to me. I had no idea a cold glass of tea might actually be good for my heart and could potentially fight cancer.
Check out this list, and then kick your feet up with some delicious iced tea — in moderation, of course!
How Much Is Too Much Iced Tea?
Tea can have a number of incredible health benefits, but drinking too much of it can take things over into the “danger zone.”
A recent report found that a man drinking 16 glasses of iced tea each day — or about a gallon of tea — began to experience negative health side effects.
Drinking this much, particularly if sugar is involved (as in the case of sweet tea), can have some serious negative side effects.
Five Dangers Of Too Much Iced Tea Danger #1: Kidney Stones
Drinking overly excessive amounts of iced tea can have a negative effect on your kidney health.
According to CBS News, “Doctor’s traced an Arkansas man’s kidney failure to an unusual cause — his habit of drinking a gallon of iced tea each day.
“Black tea has a chemical known to cause kidney stones or even kidney failure in excessive amounts.”
Danger #2: Diabetes
One of the many mistakes people make is they substitute sugary sodas with healthier iced tea, and then they load their tea with sweetener.
When it comes to diabetes, Healthguidance.org reports that “sugar is a major contributing factor… Giving up soda is a huge step towards better overall health, but not if you just fill another drink with just as much sugar.”
This may make fans of sweet tea unhappy. But these experts recommend that you “consider using natural sweeteners” instead.
Danger #3: Obesity
Those looking to shed pounds may also turn to iced tea as a solution. But drinking too much can actually cause you to gain weight.
According to Mydiet.com, “The most popular brands of iced tea contain at least 250 calories per serving and… contain even more sugar than you would expect to find in most sodas.”
Frequently indulging in iced tea “can pose a serious obstacle to fitness and weight loss.”
Danger #4: Stroke
When it comes to a stroke, there are many things about it that are out of your control. But according to Livestrong.com, “Diet is one of the risk factors you can control.”
They go on to list “sweetened tea” as one food that “increases your sugar intake, which elevates your triglyceride level.”
This can put you at a much higher risk for stroke.
Danger #5: Cardiovascular Disease
Large amounts of iced tea mean large amounts of caffeine, which can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum tells Everydayhealth.com, “All black teas are caffeinated, which is not great if you have high blood pressure or a fast heart rate — it can make things worse.”
Dr. John Day goes on to say that “stimulants can trigger heart arrhythmias in some patients.”
Keep scrolling to see the health benefits of drinking iced tea!
How Much Is The Right Amount Of Iced Tea?
Obviously, the key to iced tea is to drink it in moderation.
Enjoying an unsweetened iced tea a few times a week, or even once a day, can help you to avoid these dangers.
In fact, tea in moderation can actually have quite a few health benefits.
In order to achieve these benefits, you likely have to avoid sugar-filled teas such as the extremely popular sweet tea.
Keep scrolling for a look at the benefits of drinking iced tea in moderation.
Seven Benefits Of Iced Tea Benefit #1: Improves Skin
By drinking a glass of iced tea sans sugar, you might actually be doing your skin a huge favor.
According to Healthguidance.org, "Natural, unsweetened iced tea is loaded with antioxidants.
"Antioxidants are excellent in slowing the progression of old age, and they are incredibly good for your skin as well, meaning that they can help keep you looking and feeling younger."
Benefit #2: Lowers Blood Pressure
Certain types of iced tea, particularly iced hibiscus tea, can have an extremely positive effect on your blood pressure.
According to Eatingwell.com, "Drinking hibiscus tea can significantly lower blood pressure, particularly when it is slightly elevated."
Benefit #3: Strengthens Bones
While too much caffeine can have a negative effect on bone strength, a limited amount of iced tea can actually have a positive impact.
WebMD writes, "A new study from England shows that tea may build and strengthen bones, protecting women against osteoporosis.
"At least two European studies have reported that tea drinking protected against hip breaks."
Benefit #4: Fights Cavities
With so many delicious drinks being bad for your teeth, isn't it refreshing that iced tea can actually be good for them?
According to Medicaldaily.com, "The consumption of green tea or black tea after having a sugary treat can reduce cavities by preventing plaque build-up and inhibiting bacteria."
However, they go on to warn, "Do not consume tea with sweeteners, milk, or cream."
Benefit #5: Battles Lung Cancer Risk
Perhaps the most surprising potential health benefit is iced tea's ability to battle certain types of cancer.
According to Healthguidance.org, "Iced tea has been researched as a possible aid in preventing cancer because of the flavonoids it contains. These target the potentially harmful free radicals within the body and destroy them before they can do any damage."
WebMD even cites a study that shows, "Drinking a cup or more a day of green tea may counteract the effect of smoking on lung cancer."
Benefit #6: Increases Alertness
Aside from the obvious energy that caffeine can give you, iced tea can also be good for your mental health and overall alertness.
WebMD writes that drinking iced tea is a great way to "bring about mental alertness."
Of course, they suggest drinking brewed iced tea over bottled iced tea to reap the maximum benefits.
Benefit #7: Combats Heart Attack Risk
Just as drinking too much tea can have a negative impact on your heart and cardiovascular health, a moderate amount of unsweetened tea can lower your risk of having a repeat heart attack.
Daily Mail cites a study linking iced tea with a reduced chance of having a second heart attack. "Researchers believe the protection in tea may be coming from flavonoids."
They go on to say, "Researchers have found that flavonoids protect after a heart attack."
As always, you should consult your doctor before making any health decisions, even those involving your iced tea intake.
But knowing how much iced tea is too much can help you to reap the maximum possible health benefits, while avoiding all of the health risks.
Did this iced tea health information surprise you? Are you an iced tea fanatic? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE this vital health information with anyone who loves to drink iced tea!
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