PUBLISHED 06/09/2008
Tea leaves contain EGCG, a flavanol that has been shown to help increase calorie burn by about 60 calories a day and may help curb weight gain. But brewing methods affect the EGCG content level--as well as drinking safety--of some iced tea.
DIY: Pour two quarts of very hot water (boiling water destroys tea flavanols) into a one-gallon container with four tea bags. Steep for five minutes. Add two quarts of cool water to dilute. Produces high levels of EGCG.
Automatic: Iced tea makers take less time than do-it-yourself methods. The machine heats water and brews the tea, which filters into a pitcher. It produces levels of EGCG similar to those of regular brewing.
Bottled or canned: Some brands, such as Enviga, are enhanced with EGCG, while others have hardly any. Many contain sugar--so watch out for the extra calories.
Sun tea: Steeping tea bags in water warmed by the sun is unsafe because the water doesn't get hot enough to kill bacteria. The longer sun tea brews, the more time bacteria have to flourish. Skip it.
