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Recipe from our Dietitian at Hy-Vee #2

by Chris Culbertson, posted Aug 7th 2008, 17:31

Guest Blog by Michelle Arasim Diekmann, RD, LD at Hy-Vee

Hydrate with Iced Tea

Keeping well-hydrated can be a concern this time of year. The best way to get enough fluids is to drink anything wet, as long as it is non-alcoholic. Water is the best coolant, and is sometimes easier to drink if it is flavored and lightly sweetened. Another favorite summertime drink that can do its part to keep a person hydrated is iced tea. Even though iced tea does have caffeine, recent studies have shown that caffeinated beverages do not dehydrate people who are used to drinking beverages with caffeine already. The caffeine content varies in iced tea, but an average 6-ounce serving of iced tea contains less than half that of coffee.

There are also health benefits from drinking iced tea, from the powerful antioxidants found in tea. Green and black teas are about equal in antioxidant value. Herbal teas are made from leaves and flowers of plants that are not tea, so do not contain the antioxidants that are found in tea.

If you buy bottled tea, a tea made from “real brewed tea” or “brewed from tea leaves” like that found in Lipton bottle teas, will have a higher antioxidant content than tea from powdered or instant tea. Cold Brew Lemonade Iced Tea will help quench your thirst and keep you hydrated this summer.

Hint of Lemon Green Tea

Serves: 4

All you need:
3 c. boiling water, divided
4 Hy-Vee HealthMarket green tea bags, divided
1 1/3 c. Perrier ™ lemon sparking water, divided
4 packets of Splenda™ sugar substitute, divided

All you do:

In each of 4 coffee mugs, pour ¾ cup boiling water. Steep one tea bag in each mug 2 to 3 minutes. Discard tea bags.

Stir 1/3 cup sparkling water and one packet of Splenda into each mug. Serve warm.

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