Drinking unsweetened tea is very common for those who want to avoid adding too much sugar to their diet, while still benefitting from the other nutrients found in tea.
What is Unsweetened Tea?
Unsweetened tea is a common name for iced tea (black or green) that isn’t additionally sweetened with sugar. Essentially, unsweetened tea is just a regular tea on ice. Since most iced tea varieties include some type of sweetener to improve flavor and make the beverage more appealing, unsweetened tea may taste unusual at first, but it has a wealth of health benefits. Many people mistake this drink for something besides basic “iced” tea, but it does have all the same components as a cup of black or green tea, including the caffeine. [1]
Unsweetened Tea Nutrition
Thai iced tea is a delicious and refreshing drink made of milk, tea and sugar. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
In terms of nutrition, this tea contains less than 5 calories, zero fat, and zero sugar, as well as a negligible amount of carbohydrates, which promotes weight loss. It also regulates blood sugar. There is also a good supply of manganese, fluoride, and a variety of flavonoids, as well as catechins and other antioxidants, all of which can have notable effects on your body.
Unsweetened Tea Benefits
There are quite a few benefits to unsweetened tea, such as:
- Prevention of heart disease
- Increased energy levels
- Boosted immune system
Immune System
Black and green tea is known to stimulate the immune system due to the activities of various antioxidants, which can counter much of the strain on the system due to excess inflammation. [2]
Blood Sugar
By removing the sugar from sweet tea, and avoiding carbonated beverages with even more sugar, you are better able to keep your sugar levels under control, which is good news for diabetic patients. [3]
Heart Disease
Catechins and flavonoids have both been linked to improved cardiovascular health and better integrity of the walls of blood vessels and arteries. [4]
Chronic Disease
Antioxidants counter free radicals, which are the substances that can cause chronic inflammation and diseases. [5]
Mental Alertness
The caffeine in this tea helps to boost energy levels and stimulate cognitive function.
How to Make Unsweetened Tea?
Making your own unsweetened tea at home is a simple way to avoid the addition of any sugar.
Unsweetened Iced Tea Recipe
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil over the stove.
- Depending on how strong you want your tea, add tea bags (black or green) to the water.
- Allow the tea to steep for 4-6 minutes, then remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
- Place the tea in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
Notes
Unsweetened Tea Side Effects
In terms of side effects, the main things to consider when drinking the unsweetened variety of tea is its impact on your stomach, as well as the negative effects of caffeine. Excess consumption of this tea can lead to the following:
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea.
As mentioned, there is caffeine in unsweetened tea, which means there could be side effects like
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Anxiety,
