Iced coffee and iced tea are popular summer beverages. Here is what you need to know about these drinks and which one is better for keeping your weight in check.
India’s rising temperatures have forced people to quench their thirst via drinks that are tasty as well as hydrating at the same time. But the growing awareness of their weight and how much of it is tied to their daily consumption habits has forced people to overlook their choice of drink in their hand. Be it iced coffee or iced tea, people need to know which one will help them keep their weight in check while satisfying their thirst at the same time. The difference between the two drinks depends on their individual ingredients. From the type of coffee beans, milk type, type of sugar, and the addition of whipped cream in iced coffee to the sugars and tea leaves used to make the iced tea powders, the need to look at their individual ingredients and their respective nutritional values is necessary. When it comes to weight loss, people tend to underestimate the role their daily habits play in effective weight regulation.
These popular summer beverages are famous for their taste, but have you ever considered which one of them is better for shedding weight?
Nutritional Comparison Of Iced Coffee And Iced Tea
India’s rising temperatures and growing interest in weight loss methods have led to people thinking about the nutritional aspects present in each of these drinks. When it comes to the calorie aspect, iced tea contains 2 to 5 calories, depending on the unsweetened version. While iced coffee contains approximately 5 to 10 calories, approximately more if whipped cream is added to the drink.
The caffeine release is analysed; iced coffee releases more caffeine, while iced tea has low to moderate levels of caffeine release. One is prepared from tea leaves and the other from roasted coffee beans.
The key compounds in these beverages are as follows:
- Iced tea contains catechins and antioxidants that make it beneficial when consumed in moderation. The composed powder contains a high level of hydration, as it is consumed after mixing it with water.
- On the other hand, iced coffee contains chlorogenic acid and caffeine that can have beneficial impacts when consumed in a controlled manner, and it can benefit those who want an instant energy boost.
According to research published in the Adv Nutr journal, iced tea (especially green tea) boosts metabolism and fat oxidation. But some people can be allergic to green tea, as they need other types of tea leaves and need to be able to alternate or assess their needs accordingly.
Iced coffee may suppress appetite but can lead to jitters or dehydration, as coffee metabolisation absorbs a lot of water when consumed. The sudden sugar and caffeine spike can lead to jitters and needs to be controlled, or you need to switch if iced coffee consumption is not for you.
Weight Loss Benefits Of Iced Coffee And Iced Tea
When it comes to weight loss, iced tea and iced coffee both have varying effects depending on their individual ingredients that are used in each of their preparation methods. The specific weight loss benefits of each drink are as follows:
- Iced tea is rich in antioxidants like EGCG (green tea) that promote fat burning, and other variants of iced tea tend to utilise early grey or basic black tea leaves.
- It releases a smaller amount of caffeine, which causes a slow cortisol spike, which is better for stress-related weight gain, as mentioned in the research published in the Food Bioscience journal.
- The high added sugars in it can lead to blood sugar spikes; hence, it is easier to drink unsweetened in India’s heat.
- Iced coffee has stronger appetite suppression due to caffeine, as it suppresses hunger.
- Furthermore, it may increase metabolism short-term, but the form of its consumption matters; if you are consuming an iced coffee with syrups, whipped cream, and added sugars, then weight loss benefits are minimal.
- The addictive nature of iced coffee poses a risk of overconsumption, and sugar addition poses health risks as it can lead to blood sugar spikes.
Note: Lemon or peach iced tea is better for weight loss, and when it’s iced coffee, consuming it black in moderation can have weight-regulating benefits. You need to avoid sweetened versions of both drinks to maintain a calorie deficit.
Special Considerations To Take With Iced Coffee And Iced Tea
Iced tea is more culturally accepted and easier to prepare unsweetened, while coffee is often consumed with milk or sugar, increasing the calorie load.
This is harmful when weight loss is considered, as when the whole dietary habits are taken into account, your choice of drink, especially on a daily basis, can impact your weight.
While hydration is necessary in Indian summers, iced tea is definitely better when it comes to weight loss.
For weight loss, unsweetened iced tea is the better choice, especially green or herbal variants, as they are healthier. Iced coffee can help too, but watch for added sugar and caffeine overload. You need to choose based on your lifestyle, caffeine tolerance, and hydration needs.
