This summer, forget the sugary sodas and juices that weigh down your figure. A natural, ultra-fresh and almost calorie-free drink could well become your best ally.
When the mercury rises, we all look for the same thing: a cool, thirst-quenching drink that does good without weighing down the figure. The problem is that the most tempting options are often our line’s worst allies. Sodas, industrial juices, store-bought iced teas or lemonades hide impressive amounts of sugar. A simple 250 ml glass of soda already represents 90 to 110 calories, the equivalent of 6 to 7 cubes of sugar.
Yet there is a simple, natural and delicious alternative that ticks all the boxes. A drink that hydrates perfectly, which provides a real feeling of freshness and which contains almost no calories when prepared at home. Better yet, it is attracting more and more wellness enthusiasts as summer approaches. This drink is iced white tea. Still little known compared to green tea or black tea, white tea is nevertheless the least processed of all. Harvested very young, barely dried, it retains a sweet, slightly floral flavor and great lightness. Served chilled, it becomes the ideal summer drink to cool off without feeling guilty.
The great advantage of homemade iced white tea is its virtual absence of calories. Prepared without sugar, a 240 ml glass contains on average only 2 to 4 calories, practically nothing. The comparison is striking: at equal volume, an industrial iced tea climbs between 60 and 90 calories, and a fruit juice often exceeds 110 calories. Enough to replace sugary drinks without the slightest frustration, while supporting your efforts to stay in shape during the heat.
Beyond its light side, white tea is known for its richness in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and catechins. These compounds help protect the body against cellular aging. As it undergoes very little transformation, white tea retains these molecules well, which makes it a drink that is both enjoyable and well-being.
To prepare it, nothing could be simpler. Steep a spoonful of white tea in water at around 75°C for 5 to 7 minutes, then leave to cool before placing the preparation in the refrigerator. Serve with ice cubes, a few fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon to enhance the taste. For a more gourmet version, add pieces of peach or red fruits.
Naturally thirst-quenching, very low in calories and rich in antioxidants, iced white tea has everything to become your essential summer drink. A simple habit to adopt from the first sunny days to stay hydrated, in great shape and light.
