It’s that time, folks. Cold and flu season is upon us, and germs are on the move. While there is no one-step solution to immunity, a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and fiber is critical to keeping our systems healthy.
But what about medicine ball tea? We asked a registered dietitian for expert insight on the topical drink touted as a sick day staple.
What is medicine ball tea?
Medicine Ball Tea was the brainchild of a Starbucks customer who asked baristas to combine different ingredients on the menu to create a calming, immune-supporting drink.
A drink made by combining mint green tea and peach tea, steamed with lemonade, hot water and honey. It got so much attention that the company has officially added it to its menu: Medicine Ball Tea is now available at Starbucks locations across the map under the name Honey Citrus Mint His Tea.
Here’s a nutritionist’s opinion on how to make your own medicine ball tea and whether the drink is really as beneficial as it looks.
Health Benefits of Medicine Ball Tea
Some Starbucks drinks are a nutritionist’s nightmare (Venti Peppermint White Hot Chocolate with 630 calories and 92 grams of sugar). However, Honey Citrus Mint Tea has some redeeming properties.
Below, Jennifer Aga Khan, RD, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian, highlights the health benefits and drawbacks of Starbucks medicine ball tea.
Perhaps the most nutritious aspect of medicine ball tea is the simple fact of hydration. Drinking plenty of water is essential when sick to reduce fever, prevent mucus from becoming too thick, and replace fluids lost through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When it comes to hydration, tea is just as effective as plain old water. Keep in mind what kind of tea you’re drinking, says Aga Khan. Drinking too much is probably not your best bet, likewise adding lots of cream and sugar [to your tea] Multiple times a day should also be considered when assessing intake,” adds Agha-Khan.
“Overall, drinking a few cups a day is a good way to stay hydrated, especially in the cooler months when you may not want to drink cold water.
Most people should aim to drink 9-13 cups of water daily. And yes, a cup of lightly sweetened, or even better, unsweetened herbal tea can certainly count toward that goal.
full of antioxidants
Tea is rich in phytonutrients that support our health. “Green tea in particular is rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids and catechins, which are antioxidants that counter oxidative stress in the body. [can help] It reduces the risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” says Agha-Khan.
The flavonoids in green tea also support detoxification processes in the liver. EGCG, a characteristic catechin in green tea, is also being studied for its potential role in cancer prevention, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Please note that these benefits are not limited to medicine ball tees. Plain green tea provides these health benefits as well.
May help soothe your throat
The medicine ball tea recipe calls for honey to act as a mucilage. That means it helps coat and soothe inflamed and irritated tissues, such as your throat during colds and coughs.
“Even so, [honey is] It is still considered added sugar and should be taken into consideration when considering daily intake,” Agha-Khan reminds. [added sugar] The maximum intake is 25 grams per day, and 38 grams per day for men. ”
For reference, Starbucks Grande Medicine Ball Tea offers 30 grams of high sugar from a combination of honey and steamed lemonade. “This exceeds the recommended amount [of daily added sugar] close to women and inches [the daily limit] It’s for men,” says Aga Khan.
Tips
To lower the sugar content of this drink, Agha-Khan replaces the steamed lemonade with fresh lemon juice and uses a teaspoon of honey (instead of a tablespoon) in the recipe.
Provides nutrients that support immunity
A December 2017 study found that while vitamin C can’t prevent or cure the common cold, it may help alleviate some of the symptoms if you’re already sick.Journal of Healthcare and Prevention.
But again, instead of sweetened lemonade, you’d be better off adding plain old lemon juice to your cup. “This way you can get the antioxidant effect. [from vitamin C] We don’t add any sugar,” says Aga Khan.
How to make medicine ball tea
According to Agha-Khan, here’s what you need to make copycat cups of medicine ball tea at home.
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8 ounces water
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1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon honey
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1 green tea bag
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1 additional herbal tea bag of your choice (e.g. peach, ginger, spearmint, lemongrass tea)
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Small pot or electric kettle for boiling water
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Tea infuser if using loose leaf tea
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mug
Tips
“If fresh lemon juice is too sour and you prefer a more traditional lemonade, try a no-sugar-added lemonade powder such as Cure or Sunwink.
You don’t need serious kitchen skills to make your own medicine ball tea. Follow Agha-Khan’s simple steps to brew a cozy cup.
- Start by boiling water in your stovetop pot, electric kettle, or microwave.
- After it boils, pour hot water into a mug with lemon juice and honey. Stir well to mix.
- Place both tea bags in a mug and steep for about 5 minutes.
- Stir again before serving.
You don’t have to count on medicine ball tea to cure a cold, but if you’re in the mood for a soothing, immune-supporting cup, feel free to sip on this comforting beverage.
Hydration drinks provide key nutrients needed for good health, including the flavonoids in tea and antioxidants such as vitamin C in lemons. Reduce the sugar content by minimizing the amount of honey in your mug.
It should be noted that there is nothing additionThis drink is beneficial. This means that any type of tea can deliver antioxidants. It helps relieve pain.
So brew a cup if you really enjoy this combo. However, know that the unsweetened herbal teas in your cupboard will probably give you the same effect: Temporary symptom relief.cureyour cold. If only it were this easy…