Cold Tea Brews a Boost for the Brain

When it’s hot out, a cup of iced tea is very refreshing, and the benefits far outweigh so many other drinks on the market. The theaflavins in both green and black teas help improve blood flow, keeping your skin fresh and your brain young. Because tea is so beneficial, I’ve developed many recipes with it for my cookbook.

One of my simplest tea recipes is Pomegranate Iced Tea. I simply blend pomegranate juice with brewed black tea that has been chilled. Catechins found in black tea inhibit the growth of cancer cells, stimulate metabolism, act as an anti-inflammatory, and can help lower cholesterol. The flavor combination of this drink is as lovely as the color. The antioxidant power of the pomegranates works with the catechins in black tea to make this an anti-aging super drink.

What about caffeine? The caffeine in tea has been found to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and Type 2 diabetes. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and cardiac muscle, and aids digestion by increasing gastric secretions. Still, some people prefer decaffeinated tea. The decaffeination process leaves the pholyphenols and catechins intact, so feel free to use decaffeinated tea in any of my recipes.

Combining pomegranates with black tea gives your body extra free-radical-fighting power to combat aging. If pomegranates are too tart for your taste, you can sweeten this tea with honey or use presweetened pomegranate juice. For a stronger drink, stir a teaspoon of instant iced tea into the pomegranate juice.

Pomegranate Iced Tea

SERVES 2

2 black tea bags
1 cup hot water
1 cup pomegranate juice
2–4 Tbs. honey (optional)
1 cup ice cubs
Pomegranate seeds and slices as garnish

1. In a pitcher, steep the tea bags in hot water for 3 minutes. Remove bags.
2. Add the pomegranate juice and stir well. If using honey, stir in now.
3. To serve, pour into tall glasses over ice and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and slices.