You’ve probably wondered which is healthier: drinking a hot green tea brew or an iced one. Although both contain caffeine, the latter is generally a healthier choice. Both contain antioxidants and caffeinated properties. Here, we’ll examine the benefits and explore their different methods. Read on to discover the differences between hot and cold green tea. And remember: whichever way you choose to drink your green tea will benefit your health.
Benefits
Green tea benefits your health in many ways, but one of the most notable is caffeine reduction in cold-brewed versions. The temperature of the water determines the level of caffeine in the beverage, and the more complex the tea, the lower the amount of caffeine. Since most commercial green teas are not homemade, you’ll want to brew your own. To make cold tea, heat the water below boiling and let it sit for one minute before adding it. A thermometer will also help you determine the correct water temperature before brewing your tea.
High-temperature tea is better at extracting its properties. However, some people prefer cold tea for its refreshing taste and are less concerned about its health benefits. On the other hand, a cup of hot green tea can be enjoyed in 10 to 12 glasses a day. While green tea has been used since ancient times, iced brews have recently gained popularity due to their refreshing properties. Iced teas are much healthier than sodas and are also less bitter.
In addition to the added taste of cold green tea, cold-brewed tea has more health benefits. The polyphenols and catechins are more likely to remain intact in cold-water tea. Cold-brewed tea also releases more of its natural sweetness, which helps to reduce the bitterness that many people experience when drinking hot-brewed tea. In addition, drinking cold tea reduces the sugar needed to sweeten it.
Another difference between hot and cold-brewed tea is the time the tea steeps. While a hot-brew method may be quicker and more convenient, cold-brew tea takes a long to steep and retains more beneficial properties. It is also more effective for health-conscious people because the cold-brew method allows the tea to steep for a longer time, thus preserving its antioxidant and bioactive content.
Methods
Green tea is an excellent way to get your daily dose of antioxidants, and there are benefits to both methods of drinking. Drinking it hot can hurt your digestive system. However, drinking green tea cold can help you stay hydrated and avoid digestive upset. In some parts of the world, tea is preferred over hot drinks. In the U.S., iced tea is a summertime favorite and can also be enhanced with fruit.
While drinking tea is generally associated with high temperatures, drinking cold has other benefits. High-temperature tea is more effective at extracting some of the properties of the tea than cold tea. Some health benefits of cold tea are less noticeable. While these benefits may not be immediately apparent, the harmful effects of drinking cold tea can take years to show. Drinking it at a lower temperature is better for those with sensitive stomachs while drinking it hot can cause gas and diarrhea.
When choosing between hot and cold green tea, consider the caffeine content. While hot water releases more caffeine than cold tea, the latter is a lower-caffeine alternative. Cold tea is also more flavorful and has more antioxidant benefits. Cold tea can be good for people who don’t like caffeine. One study concluded that cold tea is better for those with a caffeine allergy. However, you should always follow a recommended caffeine dosage for your body type.
Cold tea infusion has health benefits, which are higher in cold-brewed green tea. It takes longer to extract the tea’s antioxidants and total phenolics. The cold-infusion preserves the highest antioxidant content of black and green tea. It doubles the amount of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps fight illness-causing free radicals in the body.
Caffeine content
The amount of caffeine in green tea depends on the method used to prepare it. A typical eight-ounce cup of brewed green tea contains about 20 to 29 milligrams of caffeine, while a decaf green tea has significantly less caffeine. Depending on the brand, different types of green tea have varying caffeine content. Those with a high tolerance to caffeine should avoid coffee house green teas.
For those trying to lower their caffeine intake, green tea may be the better choice. Currently, research recommends consuming no more than 300 mg of caffeine daily. However, caffeine in any drink depends on your body type and tolerance; caffeine content may differ from class to class. Cold green tea does not contain more caffeine than hot tea and may even be more suitable for those with a low caffeine tolerance.
The amount of caffeine in black and green tea varies. While white tea has the lowest caffeine content, the latter has a higher caffeine content than black tea. However, black tea is typically the preferred choice for coffee drinkers, as its caffeine content is less than that of green tea. The caffeine content in green tea may differ depending on the process used to process the leaves. Generally, shade-grown tea leaves contain more caffeine than those grown under sunlight.
Green tea has less caffeine than coffee, so its consumption shouldn’t be a concern. An eight-ounce cup typically contains 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee is about four to eight cups. Therefore, it’s best to drink cold tea as often as possible and avoid drinking coffee. If you’re considering drinking green tea, check the caffeine content and the type of brewed tea you choose.
Antioxidant content
Researchers have found significant differences in antioxidant content in green tea made from hot and cold leaf samples. The kinetics of migration of active molecules and the concentration of polyphenols in each tea leaf vary widely. Tea leaves differ in composition based on the variety, plucking practices, and growing environment. This variability contributes to green tea’s varying antioxidant content and health benefits. In addition to tasting and color differences, studies have reported that the two stea types have different antioxidant ranges.
The amount of time spent steeping tea also influences the antioxidant content. While hot tea has more antioxidants, cold tea contains fewer. It may be better to steep the tea for at least 10 minutes for maximum benefits. Cold tea is often bitter. Researchers recommend steeping tea for at least 10 minutes before serving to increase the number of antioxidants it contains. Water composition also dramatically impacts the number of antioxidants it has. Drinking your tea in deionized or bottled water could significantly increase the content of EGCG.
A recent study found that steeping green tea leaves in hot water decreased their antioxidant activity. However, soaking tea leaves in cold water did not have the same effect. Researchers compared the antioxidant activity of different tea types and found that white tea had higher levels than green tea. Despite the differences, both types of tea contained high levels of polyphenols and were associated with high levels of metal-chelating activity.
Cold green tea has fewer calories and less caffeine, making it much easier on the stomach. Cold tea also has higher antioxidant content, much lower in caffeine and gallic acid. Furthermore, cold-brewed tea is sweeter, making it the better choice for people watching their caffeination levels. Cold tea also hydrates the body, which is another benefit to drinking tea in both hot and cold form.
Weight management
In a recent study, researchers found that the drink’s temperature made a difference in a stranger’s perception. When a stranger held a hot cup of coffee, they rated him as more trustworthy than one who held a cold one. Cold tea also reduces waist circumference, but it does come with risks. Some researchers suspect that caffeine has an additive effect. However, it’s not clear which is worse.
While both types of tea have their benefits, some people prefer to consume it hot, while others prefer the cold version. While both methods are healthy and have similar nutritional value, drinking cold tea is generally more enjoyable. This is because cold tea is sweeter and doesn’t have the tannins that can upset a sensitive stomach. Besides, cold green tea is less likely to cause digestive issues. Cold tea may also help you lose weight more quickly.
Whether you drink cold or hot green tea depends on your preferences and goals. If your main goal is to lose weight, drinking hot tea may be a better option. Cold tea has caffeine, while hot tea has none. The benefits of drinking both will depend on your specific circumstances. However, hot tea is better for boosting metabolism. Cold tea burns more calories than desirable, while hot tea increases metabolism and decreases belly fat.
In a study on whether cold or hot green tea had weight-management effects in mice, scientists found that the more complex tea had better results on gut microbiota composition than the warm one. It was also found that cold tea had anti-obesity effects. The benefits of cold tea are not limited to weight management, but it’s possible that it could help treat dyslipidemia and obesity.