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After a restful night's sleep, the body needs an instant refreshment to ward off the soreness in the muscles and prepare the brain to face the day. For this, teas have long been used as a remedy. Not only is it revered for its refreshing properties, but it is also enjoyed for its deliciousness and soothing relaxation.
However, researchers have concluded that cold brews are much more beneficial and delicious in flavour than hot brews. Teas, whether green tea or black tea, tend to exude more natural oils, nutritive elements and flavour when you let them brew overnight and drink in the morning.
Along with this, overnight cold brews are comparatively less bitter than hot brews. So, it is the perfect supplement when you are looking to cut down on sugar and want to include a sugar substitute with less sweetness. Learn more about the benefits of overnight tea brews below and know the method by which you can brew them.
7 Reasons Why You Should Drink Cold-Brewed Tea
1) No Bitter Taste
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Overnight cold brewing generally releases fewer tannins in the tea as compared to hot brewing. When the tea is brewed using the traditional hot-to-cold method, the heat alters the chemical structures of the leaves and infuses more tannins, which lead to a bitter and acidic taste.
Tannins are generally good for the body but as the flavours get bitter, you need to add sweetener to be able to drink them. But with the cold brewing, the flavours develop slowly for several hours. it makes the taste smoother and brings out new flavours that you might not notice with hot water. Plus, because there are fewer tannins, it might even help your body absorb more iron from food.
2) Healthier Than Hot Brews
Hot brewing methods can help absorb more antioxidants as compared to cold brewing. But with cold brewing methods, tea retains all the healthy active compounds, which are generally lost in heat. As mentioned in the study published by the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2015, the cold brewing method allows for the extraction of slightly higher amounts of certain beneficial compounds, such as catechins (including EGCG), xanthines (including caffeine), and gallic acid, compared to hot brewing. This suggests that longer contact time with water at a lower temperature facilitates the migration of these compounds from the tea leaves into the brew.
3) Antioxidant activity
While hot brewing absorbs more tannin, which is a significant antioxidant and has been linked to many benefits, the antioxidant benefits of cold brews are no less. As mentioned in the study published by the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2015, cold-brewed tea exhibits a higher total phenolic content, which is connected to its beneficial health effects as a major source of antioxidants. The longer extraction time in cold brewing may contribute to the migration of a higher amount of active compounds, potentially enhancing its antioxidant activity. The rapid cooling process in cold brewing may protect antioxidant molecules from degradation, oxidation, and other side reactions that could occur during hot brewing. This preservation of antioxidant compounds could contribute to the overall health benefits of cold brewed tea.
4) Less Caffeine Content
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Caffeine in the tea is also the cause of its bitter and astringent taste, and hot brewing helps in releasing all the caffeine in the tea. On the other hand, with a slower brewing rate, cold brews don’t absorb caffeine and maintain high levels of vitamin C. It is therefore perfect for those who are looking to reduce their caffeine intake but cannot give up on tea. With less bitterness, you can also enjoy your brews without sugar or by using mild sugar substitutes.
5) Retaining Nutrient Content
Cold brews are potentially much healthier than hot brews as the heat is cancelled out, which can reduce the nutrient content. Teas have a multitude of nutritional components, like vitamin C, D and B complexes, along with polyphenols like flavonols, theaflavins and catechins. These components are generally lost in heat but preserved in cold brewing. Studies published in the European Journal of Epidemiology in 2017 have shown that vitamin C in cold brewed tea can boost immunity and that vitamin D will help strengthen bones. Additionally, the B-complex vitamins may enhance metabolism. Regular consumption of cold-brew tea can potentially reduce the risks of stroke and heart disease.
How To Brew Tea Overnight?
Cold brews should be made in glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers. You can use a mason jar, glass water bottles, stainless steel pots, pans, tea pots, soda bottles or anything that's easily available in your home. Avoid brewing tea in plastic, iron and aluminium containers, as they can infuse harmful chemicals. Do not keep hot brews in the fridge, as it can degrade the nutritional components.
