3 Healthy and Refreshing Iced Tea Recipes

With scorching temperatures rising across the country, here are some refreshing and healthy recipes for iced tea beverages.

These recipes use fresh ingredients and no sugar - I've substituted agave nectar, which is a syrup-like natural sweetener made from the agave plant. It is thinner than honey and is low on the glycemic index. Since it's sweeter than sugar, just a little goes far in adding a naturally sweet taste (and you can always add a little more to the cold beverage since, unlike sugar and honey, it dissolves in cold liquids easily). Agave syrup can be found at your local health store or online.

These recipes all use black tea because of its health properties, but feel free to experiment with green and white teas also if you want less caffeine. All teas increases blood flow and artery strength, which is considered to lower the risks of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Tea also has high levels of anti-oxidants, which help lower rates of cancer.

So, here are 3 recipes for iced tea beverages that will not only help you cool off but also add to your health!

Ginger Lime Iced Tea

For an iced tea with a kick, ginger really spices up your tea and is great at relieving digestive distress and any lingering cold and sinus symptoms. Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its positive effects on cholesterol and joint pains. Packed with antioxidants, potassium, and Vitamin C, limes also enhance the ginger's positive effects on digestion and good circulation.

1 quart water, boiled
3-5 tea bags, depending on desired strength
1 inch cube of fresh ginger, grated and crushed
1/2 to 1 lime, juiced with pulp
1/3 cup agave syrup or to taste

Once water has come to a boil, turn down to low heat and add tea bags, ginger, lime juice and pulp, and agave syrup. Stir and let cook for 1-2 minutes, then turn off heat and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Strain into heat-safe container with ice and stir.

Quick Orange Iced Tea