emirates7 - When it comes to tea, everyone’s got their go-to. Some swear by the comforting warmth of a steaming cup, while others feel nothing beats the refreshing chill of iced tea.
But beyond personal vibes—does one actually come out on top for your health?
Let’s brew some facts, stir in expert insights, and see where the leaves settle.
Hot Tea: The Classic Comfort Drink
There’s something about a hot cup of tea—especially when you’re cozied up under a blanket—that just feels right. Dubai-based clinical dietitian Shama Chatterjee shares why hot tea is more than just a comfort drink.
Perks of hot tea:
- Aids digestion, especially after eating
- Warms you up and soothes tired muscles
- More aromatic, making it great for stress relief
What research says:
A 2018 study published in The European Journal of Nutrition showed that warm drinks like green or black tea can boost blood circulation and enhance the body’s absorption of antioxidants. Chatterjee notes that hot tea is also tied to improved relaxation and sleep quality.
Green tea: Hot water helps release more EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a compound known for supporting heart health.
Chamomile: Best enjoyed warm to get the full calming effects.
Iced Tea: The Chill Hydrator
On a sweltering day, there’s nothing like an ice-cold tea to cool you down—and it turns out, it’s not just refreshing.
Iced tea benefits:
- Great for staying hydrated, especially in the heat
- Milder in taste—ideal for those who find hot tea too strong
- Fun and flexible—you can mix it with fruits, herbs, or even bubbles
What science says:
A study in the Journal of Food Science found that while chilling tea can slightly lower its antioxidant levels, cold-brewing still preserves a lot of beneficial polyphenols—especially with a long steep (6–8 hours). Chatterjee adds that people tend to drink more iced tea in one sitting, which ups their hydration.
Hibiscus tea: Known to help lower blood pressure
Black tea with lemon: Good for digestion and gives a Vitamin C lift
White tea: Delicate and refreshing—perfect hot or cold
So, Does Temperature Make a Difference?
Here’s the truth: both hot and iced teas offer great health benefits—but how you brew them may matter more than how you serve them.
Hot brewing (boiling water for a few minutes) quickly draws out:
Caffeine for a mental kick
Theanine for focused calm
-Catechins for antioxidant power
This method extracts more compounds, giving hot tea a stronger flavour and more concentrated nutrients.
Cold brewing (steeping tea leaves in cool water for 6–12 hours) results in:
- Lower caffeine, gentler on the stomach
- Smoother taste and reduced acidity
- Preserved delicate antioxidants like flavonoids
Cold-brewed teas are especially ideal for people looking for a refreshing and milder experience.
The Bottom Line: Drink What Works for You
But beyond personal vibes—does one actually come out on top for your health?
Let’s brew some facts, stir in expert insights, and see where the leaves settle.
Hot Tea: The Classic Comfort Drink
There’s something about a hot cup of tea—especially when you’re cozied up under a blanket—that just feels right. Dubai-based clinical dietitian Shama Chatterjee shares why hot tea is more than just a comfort drink.
Perks of hot tea:
- Aids digestion, especially after eating
- Warms you up and soothes tired muscles
- More aromatic, making it great for stress relief
What research says:
A 2018 study published in The European Journal of Nutrition showed that warm drinks like green or black tea can boost blood circulation and enhance the body’s absorption of antioxidants. Chatterjee notes that hot tea is also tied to improved relaxation and sleep quality.
Green tea: Hot water helps release more EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a compound known for supporting heart health.
Chamomile: Best enjoyed warm to get the full calming effects.
Iced Tea: The Chill Hydrator
On a sweltering day, there’s nothing like an ice-cold tea to cool you down—and it turns out, it’s not just refreshing.
Iced tea benefits:
- Great for staying hydrated, especially in the heat
- Milder in taste—ideal for those who find hot tea too strong
- Fun and flexible—you can mix it with fruits, herbs, or even bubbles
What science says:
A study in the Journal of Food Science found that while chilling tea can slightly lower its antioxidant levels, cold-brewing still preserves a lot of beneficial polyphenols—especially with a long steep (6–8 hours). Chatterjee adds that people tend to drink more iced tea in one sitting, which ups their hydration.
Hibiscus tea: Known to help lower blood pressure
Black tea with lemon: Good for digestion and gives a Vitamin C lift
White tea: Delicate and refreshing—perfect hot or cold
So, Does Temperature Make a Difference?
Here’s the truth: both hot and iced teas offer great health benefits—but how you brew them may matter more than how you serve them.
Hot brewing (boiling water for a few minutes) quickly draws out:
Caffeine for a mental kick
Theanine for focused calm
-Catechins for antioxidant power
This method extracts more compounds, giving hot tea a stronger flavour and more concentrated nutrients.
Cold brewing (steeping tea leaves in cool water for 6–12 hours) results in:
- Lower caffeine, gentler on the stomach
- Smoother taste and reduced acidity
- Preserved delicate antioxidants like flavonoids
Cold-brewed teas are especially ideal for people looking for a refreshing and milder experience.
The Bottom Line: Drink What Works for You