Thai tea stands out as a popular and delicious beverage option. For the last few decades, it has taken the world by storm.
But is Thai iced tea healthy?
Thai iced tea can be a healthy beverage choice. Besides to being tasty and refreshing, this traditional Thai beverage has health advantages. It is similar to other herbal teas known for their capacity to relieve inflammation and also it contains a lot of antioxidants, much like green tea.
In this article, I will tell you the nutritional benefits of Thai tea and explore why it can be a great addition to your diet. Let’s uncover the truth about Thai iced tea!
Understanding Thai Iced Tea
Before we dive into the topic, let’s first understand what is Thai iced tea. Thai iced tea is a combination of these ingredients:
- Black Tea Leaves
- Spices (Star Anise, Crushed Tamarind, Cardamom)
- Condensed Milk Or Evaporated Milk
- Sugar
- Artificial Color
- Ice
Nutritional Composition
Thai iced tea is a good source of various nutrients. Depending on the amount of milk and sweetener used, an 8-fluid-ounce portion of Thai tea has between 90 to 150 calories.
Additionally, it supplies calcium, potassium, and iron: three crucial minerals. It’s crucial to remember that the nutritional makeup can change depending on the particular recipe and products used.
Is There A Lot Of Sugar In Thai Iced Tea?
Thai iced tea often comprises a significant quantity of sugar. In the classic recipe, sweetened condensed milk is used, giving the beverage sweetness and creaminess.
To lower the sugar content, you can choose other options such as utilizing less sweetener or selecting unsweetened varieties.
How Many Calories In Thai Iced Tea?
The calorie content of Thai iced tea can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. On average, an 8-fluid-ounce serving of Thai iced tea contains around 90-150 calories.
Factors such as the amount of sweetener and milk used can impact the overall calorie count.
What Is The Main Calorie Content Of Thai Iced Tea?
The main calorie content in Thai iced tea primarily comes from two sources: sweeteners and milk.
Sweetened condensed milk is commonly used in Thai tea recipes, contributing to the creamy and sweet taste. The amount of sweetener and milk used can vary, affecting the overall calorie count of the beverage.
How Good Is Thai Tea For You?
- Thai tea contains phytochemicals that can help maintain a strong immune system, improve the body’s ability to fight off infections and enhance general health.
- While still giving similar protective benefits to other herbal teas like green tea, Thai tea offers a distinctive and tasty experience.
- While Thai tea can be a healthy addition to your diet, it’s important to consume it in moderation, considering its sweeteners and milk content.
- The U.S. National Library of Medicine says black tea, made from the Camellia sinensis plant helps to induce mental alertness.
Antioxidant Power House
The significant amount of antioxidants in Thai iced tea is one of the primary explanations for why it has attracted recognition.
Antioxidants are chemicals that help guard our cells against injury from harmful substances that are referred to as free radicals.
High antioxidant levels in Thai tea, especially flavonoids, and catechins, have been scientifically associated with several health improvements.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
The antioxidants found in Thai iced tea are particularly beneficial for supporting a solid immune system. These antioxidants may help to reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and improve immune system function, according to a study.
Thai tea can enrich your diet and assist your body to fend off illnesses and increase general health.
When taken frequently, Thai iced tea has the power to lower inflammation and reduce the chance of contracting chronic diseases.
Comparing Thai Iced Tea To Other Herbal Teas
Thai tea and well-known herbal teas like green tea have comparable antioxidant levels. While Thai tea has a distinctive flavor profile and a wonderful experience, green tea has long been known for its health advantages.
You can benefit from various antioxidants while also savoring various flavors by combining both green tea and Thai tea into your daily regimen.
Here is a data table that defines the antioxidant properties of other herbal teas.
| Tea Types | Antioxidant Level |
|---|---|
| Thai Iced Tea | High |
| Green Tea | High |
| Chamomile Tea | Moderate |
| Peppermint Tea | Low |
How Long Is Thai Tea Good For?
Depending on how it is maintained, Thai tea can be prepared or consumed in a variety of ways:
- When made and stored in the fridge, Thai tea normally lasts three to four days.
- When stored in a sealed container and kept in a cold, dark environment, dried Thai tea leaves may persist for up to a year.
- Before ingesting Thai tea, it’s crucial to look for any indications of deterioration, including mold or unpleasant flavors.
Can A Kid Drink Thai Iced Tea?
Although Thai iced tea normally isn’t harmful to children, you should be aware of how much sugar and caffeine it contains.
Because moderation is important, parents can choose to brew the tea weaker or use decaffeinated kinds. Nonetheless, before making Thai tea a part of a daily diet of a kid, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician.
Is Thai Iced Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
It is recommended to consume Thai iced tea in moderation during pregnancy due to its caffeine content. Excessive caffeine intake may pose risks as caffeine is usually not recommended to expecting mothers.
Opting for decaffeinated versions or limiting consumption is advised. Consulting with a healthcare professional is always best to ensure its alignment with individual circumstances.
For more factual information, you can watch this video.
Is Thai Iced Tea Good For Nursing Mothers?
Thai iced tea contains caffeine, and excessive caffeine intake can be transferred to breast milk and affect the baby. Nursing mothers should consume Thai tea in moderation or opt for decaffeinated versions.
Conclusion
- If consumed responsibly, Thai iced tea can be a nutritious drink option. It contains several antioxidants, including flavonoids and catechins, which have a variety of advantageous health effects.
- Thai tea includes antioxidants that contribute to a strong immune system and can reduce inflammation.
- Thai tea’s calorie count can vary, with milk and sugar being the main sources. Thai tea is a delightful substitute for other herbal teas because it has various fragrances and gives similar antioxidant advantages.
- Before consumption of this tea, an individual’s overall intake of caffeine and sugar should be taken into account, especially if they are a child, a pregnant woman, or a nursing mum.
- Dry tea leaves can be stored for up to a year under the right conditions.
- All in all, Thai tea is a highly beneficial beverage but just like everything else, moderation is the key to playing safe.