Cold Brew Tea for Maximum Antioxidants?

by Ann
(US)

Hi, my younger sister (44) has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I drink green tea already, but only can drink it cold.

Does that defeat the whole purpose of health benefits (which I really need as I am high risk)?

Can you tell me best way what's the best way to prepare it cold to preserve them?

Also, confused about how to buy it so that antioxidants are preserved. I guess Lipton's won't cut it but can't afford $$$ on wasted money if not necessary.

Can you help?

Answer:

Hey Ann, there is no evidence that brewing tea cold will help preserve the antioxidants. The amount of antioxidants depend on a few factors:

- leaf age - normally young tea buds contain more antioxidants

- storage - need to be air-sealed and kept at low temperature

- brewing - drink while it is fresh - don't leave for more than 7 hours.

Cold Tea Vs Hot Tea Health Benefits

Brewing temperature needs to be tailored to the type of tea. Generally speaking, Chinese green teas are better at withstanding high temperature compared to Japanese green tea.

If the water is too hot, the tea becomes bitter - which is not very nice.

This has to be with the method the tea has been made (steaming, roasting, ovening etc) and how small the leaves are. I don't think it has any direct relationship with antioxidants.

For maximum value of money, and for a soothing cup of fresh green tea with lots of antioxidants, I highly recommend this Maofeng tea. It has obtained very good feedback this year:

Huangshan Maofeng Everyday Organic

The teas have been packed into air-tight bags and kept in freezer for maximum freshness.

Finally, for breast cancer, as far as I am aware, green tea and essiac tea would help:

Green Tea and Breast Cancer - EGCG Show Anti-Cancer Promise

Essiac and Breast Cancer - A Testimony

I hope this helps.

Julian