Bored with water? Try a new and refreshing drink to cool off

(ARA) - The hot days of summer and even early fall can leave you parched for a refreshing drink. Sure, water is a great hydrator, but there are times when you thirst for a different taste and maybe a little caffeine to give your energy levels a boost.

In the southern states, sweet tea is an item on just about every restaurant menu. And unsweetened iced tea is a popular summery drink across the United States.

Traditionally, teas are always prepared by steeping teabags with hot boiled water to increase the aroma. But cold-brewing tea can bring more of the essence out of the tea leaves.

By cold brewing tea leaves, the resulting drink not only can quench thirst and eliminate grease from your system, but also retains the caffeine and tannic acid found in the tea leaves.

Cold water brings out the amino acid (sweetness) from the tea leaves, and eliminates the chance of the tea being over-steeped and bitter which can happen when bags are prepared with hot water. Cold-brewed tea emphasizes the idea of sweet tea but with no added sugar.

Because caffeine is stored within the leaves, cold-brewed teas do not stimulate the secretion of stomach acid; therefore, people with sensitive stomachs can also enjoy the taste of tea.

Natural tea can help you reduce body fat and increase your metabolism rate. Studies have shown that Oolong tea leaves contain rich amino acids and cellulose, which lower cholesterol and boost metabolism. Green tea leaves contain vitamins C and E, as well as high fiber. And black tea leaves help with digestion. Having a glass of cold-brewed tea - without sugar or cream - after each meal will help you to slowly dissolve fat in your body. Look for cold-brewed tea bags through Teawan, and also browse the quality tea products.

If you're new to making cold-brewed tea, try these tips for your next refreshing drink.

1. Use purified water or premium natural mineral water for the best taste.

2. Use a bottle with a wide opening and sealable lid for storing the tea. Put the cold-brewed teabag in the middle of the container and hang the tag over the edge for easy teabag removal. Pour in cool or cold water until the container is full.

3. Let the tea brew. If you used warm water, steep the bag for one to four hours. If you used cold water, let the tea steep between four to 12 hours.

4. Once steeped, keep the container in the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on how you prefer your tea.

The next time you head outside into the hot sun, don't forget to carry along your container of iced tea for a refreshing and healthy drink to help keep you cool during your activities.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Swiss Premium Ready-to-Drink Iced Tea Makes a National Splash This Summer

Chill out this summer with a delicious and refreshing glass of Swiss Premium Tea. The ready-to-drink iced tea hits refrigerated sections of local grocery stores this month. Available in gallon and half-gallon jugs, as well as single-serve pints, Swiss Premium Tea comes in an array of flavors, including Regular and Diet with Lemon, Sweetened Tea/Southern Style and Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey.

Approximately 85 percent of tea consumed in the United States is iced and Swiss Premium Tea is the natural beverage choice for the entire family. It is a great alternative to sugary beverages because it does not contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or preservatives. It provides tea drinkers with a natural source of antioxidants that may help increase the body’s protection against free radical damage and support good health.

“To date, Swiss Premium Tea has only been marketed in a number of select markets, yet it is ranked as the third top-selling brand in the country,” said Rick Zuroweste, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Dean Foods, owners of the Swiss Premium Tea brand. “Added to that, tea consumption has doubled nationally over the past decade. For these reasons, we see tremendous growth and refreshment opportunities by introducing the Swiss Premium Tea brand to a national audience.”
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To Lose Weight, Take a Breakfast Break

(ARA) – It is often difficult to prepare a nutritious breakfast when your mornings are already short on time. But you may want to think twice before skipping the meal altogether.There’s ample evidence to show that eating a nutritious, balanced breakfast is a must if you’re trying to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Starting your day with a healthy meal not only improves your stamina and memory during those busy first hours, it also jumpstarts your metabolism for the day, says Bob Greene, an exercise physiologist, personal trainer to Oprah Winfrey and author of “The Best Life Diet.” In fact, several studies have found that breakfast eaters consume fewer calories throughout the course of the day than breakfast skippers.

“People often pass on breakfast thinking that it will help cut calories,” Greene says. “Instead, they make up for those calories later on, often in the evening, as they raid the cupboards for chips, cookies and other high-calorie foods. And, if people skip both breakfast and lunch, their metabolism may start slowing down. That’s the last thing you need if you’re trying to shed pounds. If you’re short on time, try a protein smoothie. It provides a refreshing, on-the-go pick-me-up to keep you energized until lunch.”

Smoothies are one of the easiest things to whip up at home with a blender and a little creativity. When you begin with a lean protein base like egg whites (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per smoothie), you’ll have a beverage that will help keep you full and satisfied. Egg whites are an all-natural protein source that is fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories, making them ideal for a power breakfast.

Because they’ve been pasteurized and packaged in ready-to-pour cartons, AllWhites offer a safer and more convenient alternative to cracking and separating eggs. Look for AllWhites 100 percent all-natural egg whites in the dairy case of your local supermarket.

With your protein base in place, you can get creative with your favorite fruit and juices. The following recipe has just 282 calories, and is packed with 7 grams of fiber and antioxidants from green tea, raspberries and grapefruit juice to support healthy cells. Pair it with a whole grain cracker spread with a little peanut butter, or a couple of tablespoons of nuts, and you’ll have a complete breakfast to enjoy either at home or on the way to work.

Raspberry Green Tea Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:
1/2 cup white grapefruit juice
1/3 cup ready-to-drink green tea
1/2 cup raspberries (frozen or fresh)
3/4 cup (6 ounces) fat-free vanilla yogurt
1/3 cup AllWhites 100 percent liquid whites

Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

1 serving (16 ounces)

For additional great tasting smoothie recipes and other healthy breakfast ideas visit www.betterneggs.com or www.thebestlife.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent