Just Like Diet Coke

09/14/2023
Ann Marie
5 Comments

If you need a refreshing sparkling drink that’s also low in calories, the first thing that may come to mind is diet soda. But what if I tell you that you can get the same boost plus more added benefits in a healthy alternative?

Diet Coke is a sugar-free version of the sweetened beverage. They contain zero calories but basically no health benefits at all.

Then comes a healthier alternative for a dark-colored beverage that holds amazing health benefits unprecedented by any can of soda. Did you know that a single can of Diet Coke packs roughly around the same caffeine as a fully-steeped black tea?

Distinguishing Between Teas

Interestingly, black tea is a mainstay beverage in cheating aging. Packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, it helps reverse aging from the inside out. It might be a good idea to cut the soda for a cup of hot or cold black tea and feel the amazing benefits yourself.

Black tea, white tea, green tea, yellow tea and oolong all come from the similar shrub Camellia sinensis. This evergreen shrub is popularly known as the green tea bush.

The difference between these teas is the amount of time it takes to process them. Longer processing means longer shelf-life and stronger flavor but these teas provide the same health benefits.

Green tea is freshly harvested in spring and is non-oxidized. White tea undergoes an oxidation process for three days while black tea is processed much longer.

Black tea is also referred to as red tea because of its color when infused, almost resembling that of a Diet Coke.

Yellow tea is rare and resembles green tea as it undergoes a gentle drying process. Oolong, on the other hand, went through semi-oxidation. Depending on the oxidation level, it can resemble green tea, white tea or black tea.

Why This Tea?

These are two reasons why people also love diet coke – its caffeine and low-calorie content. Some people mainly choose diet coke because it is refreshing.

However, here are more reasons why you might want to swap a can of diet soda for a cup of black tea.

People who live with caffeine pumping in their blood often prefer black tea over any other type of tea. It is also a virtually zero-calorie drink containing only around 2 calories in every 8 oz cup.

Support Heart Health

Black tea is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that protect the body against many chronic diseases. Flavonoids are specifically important in reducing the risk of heart disorders. It helps manage the blood pressure level to protect the heart and arteries.

Drinking black tea also reduces the cholesterol level in the blood when taken with a healthy diet and exercise. Cholesterol is one of the main causes of hardening of the arteries leading to coronary heart disease.

Prevent Cancer

Black tea contains phytochemicals. These are bioactive compounds from plants that protect the cells and prevent a wide range of diseases. Experts suggest taking more phytochemicals to protect the cells from environmental toxins. The antioxidant properties in phytochemicals also prevent cell damage caused by the body’s natural metabolic processes.

Control Diabetes

Non-sweetened black tea may decrease blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. It also helps the body improve its ability to metabolize sugar. This is good news for pre-diabetic adults aiming to stabilize their blood sugar levels. Drinking black tea after a meal may prevent postprandial glucose and spikes in blood sugar. Black tea may decrease the risk and manage the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.

Manage Obesity

People wanting to lose weight and control obesity often lean on tea for their weight-reducing ability. Black tea is one of the most beneficial types of tea when it comes to reducing fat.

Black tea improves metabolism and boosts the energy level. When paired with a proper diet and minimal exercise, it may help develop a fit and healthy body when used accordingly.

Aid In Digestion

Every time you want to soothe bloating and digestive upset, you probably and likely should consider sipping hot tea. It is indeed a go-to beverage for an upset tummy, indigestion, gas and nausea.

The compound theine found in black tea has a laxative property. It aids in indigestion and boosts digestive function to mellow out stomach cramps and pain. It gets rid of gas and is useful for constipation and other digestive problems.

Prevent Infection

It is a lesser-known fact but black tea does help in curbing and preventing infection. It has excellent antimicrobial activity due to the actions of its polyphenols. It can reduce the range of pathogens and disrupt their growth to prevent and cure infections. Inhale the steam of black tea while drinking and it can clear a clogged nose and congestion.

Improve The Nervous Function

Caffeine, when taken moderately, is a good food for the brain. It helps improve cognitive function and increase mental alertness right after consumption. It prevents tiredness and drowsiness and keeps the body energized for the day’s activity. If you need to stay alert and awake, take a cup of black tea to feel alive, refreshed and more focused.

Lower Anxiety

Black tea keeps you awake – but the kind of wakefulness that does not induce excitement like coffee does. Black tea has L-theanine, an amino acid that helps lower anxiety. It increases the dopamine level, the chemical that is released to make you feel good. Thus, drinking black tea enables you to feel more relaxed and feel less stressed out.

Among the different types of teas, black tea contains less L-theanine due to its oxidation process. (Matcha carries the highest L-theanine among the tea varieties). But black tea still has the power to soothe a stressed mind nonetheless.

Prevent Dental Problems

Did you ever wonder why some toothpaste features tea, more often green tea, as its ingredient? That’s because teas contain trace amounts of fluoride essential for building healthy teeth.

A lukewarm decoction of Camellia sinensis roots was traditionally used for alleviating gum disease, dental caries and other dental problems. Gargling with black tea may also bring these oral health benefits. Black tea can tame toothache, thanks to its microbial property that also reduces germs in the mouth.

Boost The Immune System

Drinking black tea may help improve your overall health. Among all the teas, black tea contains the highest tannins and alkylamine. They help improve immune function and fight off viruses. When the flu season rolls in, you will find black tea more comforting than a can of diet soda.

Simple Diet Coke Alternative Recipe

If you are concerned about your health, you will realize how diet soda can bring you no good. So instead of reaching for a can, why not brew a simple and quick recipe using black tea?

You can choose to drink your tea hot or cold however you like it with the weather.

Here is a delicious black tea recipe that combines the refreshing tang of soda. You can use store-bought black tea of your choice like Earl Grey. Pop in sparkling water for that kind of bubble and zing you would look for in a soda. Also, check out how long you can store your water before it becomes unsafe to drink.

Ingredients

1 cup freshly brewed black tea
1 cup sparkling water
Sugar substitute to taste (Optional)

Steps

Prepare the black tea according to directions. You may also use loose-leaf black tea and steep 1 level tsp for every 1 cup of hot water. Set aside to cool.
If you are not fond of diet soda and prefer something sweeter, you can also add a sugar substitute. For those who do not care about the sugar content, honey or any syrup makes it taste better.
Put the tea in a pitcher, add the sparkling water and stir. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour over the sparkling iced tea.

Note: Black tea may increase acidity if you are already acidic. It can also increase acid when taken on an empty stomach.

Caffeine overdose may happen if you drink too much black tea in a day. The recommended adult consumption is one to four cups a day, depending on your tolerance.

Black tea can interact with stimulant drugs while other medicines can slow down the breakdown of caffeine. It can lead to increased heartache, headache and restlessness.

Takeaway

Black tea is by far more beneficial than sodas that market promising health benefits.

The best thing about black tea? It’s pretty versatile. You can add herbs like basil, lemon, cucumber or any herb of choice for a healthier twist. So, go ahead and indulge yourself with this Diet Coke alternative like no other.