Iced tea

Iced tea is America’s favorite summer sidekick. But did you know tea does more for your body than delight your taste buds and quench your thirst?


Tea packs a mighty punch when it comes to your health. Joe Simrany, president of the Tea Association of America, Inc., says, “Tea helps inhibit chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, and certain forms of cancer. It can also increase metabolism and contribute to dental health and increased bone mass.”

That’s pretty good news for avid iced tea fans!

Defending you against disease
Here’s how it works. Black tea, the main ingredient in traditional iced tea, contains antioxidants called flavonoids. These are the same antioxidants that are found in fruits and vegetables and help prevent free radical damage. Research tells us these antioxidants may help prevent cancer, heart disease, premature aging, and more.

Iced tea contains about 190 mg of flavonoids per serving. Tea will go a long way toward boosting your antioxidant intake. (But this doesn’t mean you can skimp on your fruits and veggies—they provide fiber and many vital nutrients!)

A delicious way to drink more water
Tea is also a delicious way to make sure you drink your six to eight glasses of water a day. Drinking part of that requirement as iced tea can help maintain your body’s fluid balance and keep your body cool, cushion your joints, and transport nutrients throughout your body. Remember, getting enough fluids is especially important as the weather heats up.

No calories, no fat…naturally
Iced tea naturally contains no calories, fat, or sodium, when you drink it without adding extra ingredients. It’s a great-tasting, healthy alternative to soda and other sugary drinks.

Be sure to always keep a pitcher full of iced tea in your fridge. Serve it at your family gatherings. Even pour some in a bottle and take it with you when you’re out and about—for a refreshing pick-me-up that’s good for you.

Baby Back Ribs with Java Jerk Sauce

Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup brewed coffee 1/2 cup brown sugar ½ cup ketchup 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup lime juice 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce 2 tablespoons mango chutney 1/4 cup molasses 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ½ can of beer 3 racks baby back pork ribs, 2-3 pounds each

Directions: To prepare sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan set to medium heat. Stir with a whisk to thoroughly incorporate. Just as mixture starts to simmer, turn stovetop to low and simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring often to keep the sugars from scorching on the bottom of the pan. Remove half of the jerk sauce and set aside. Prepare grill to medium-high heat. Place ribs on grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until browned on both sides. Baste with sauce and cooked until desired doneness. Cut into individual ribs and pass reserved sauce.