Is Brisk Tea Healthy? Benefits and Downsides of Drinking Brisk Tea

The Potential Health Benefits of Brisk Tea

Brisk tea is a popular caffeinated tea product that is known for its strong, robust flavor. With growing interest in the possible health benefits of tea, many people wonder: is brisk tea healthy?

Tea contains various compounds that may promote health, especially antioxidants called polyphenols. Brisk tea likely contains high levels of these protective compounds. However, the added sugar in presweetened brisk tea products could counter some of tea's health perks. Read on to learn more about brisk tea's ingredients and potential wellness advantages.

True Tea Contains Antioxidants and Other Bioactive Compounds

True tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike herbal teas, true tea like brisk tea contains caffeine and unique antioxidants called flavonoids, specifically catechins. The four main catechins in tea are:

• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
• Epicatechin gallate (ECG)
• Epigallocatechin (EGC)
• Epicatechin (EC)

In addition to antioxidants, tea provides compounds like the amino acid L-theanine. All of these components may help prevent cell damage in the body and provide health benefits.

Studies on Tea and Potential Health Effects

A substantial body of research shows that tea consumption, including black tea like brisk tea, may offer wellness perks. For example, studies link higher tea intake to:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Improved arterial health
• Decreased inflammation
• Enhanced mood and cognition
• Increased fat burning during exercise
• Lower risk of developing diabetes

The polyphenols and nutrients in tea appear responsible for many of these benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Potential Role of Caffeine in Tea's Effects

In addition to beneficial plant compounds, brisk tea provides a significant dose of caffeine. An 8-ounce cup contains about 47 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 95 milligrams in a typical cup of coffee.

Caffeine is a stimulant compound that may enhance alertness and physical performance when consumed in moderation. Some research also indicates that caffeine could help prevent certain chronic diseases like diabetes and liver disease.

Downsides of Brisk's Added Ingredients

Pure tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves boasts an impressive nutrition profile. However, many premade bottled tea products like Brisk contain added ingredients that may counter some of tea's advantages. For example, a bottle of Brisk lemon tea provides:

• 140 calories
• 38 grams of sugar

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to about 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for men. The high sugar content provides empty calories and negates the benefits of tea's antioxidants and nutrients.

artificially Sweetened Brisk Tea

Brisk also offers an artificially sweetened line of iced tea marketed as "zero sugar." While removing sugar increases the drink's health factor, the artificial sweeteners come with their own set of health concerns.

For example, the popular sweetener aspartame may alter gut bacteria and trigger weight gain over time. Sucralose and acesulfame potassium also undergo limited absorption in the body but could have negative effects.

Other Additives to Consider

In addition to sweeteners, many bottled tea drinks contain preservatives, acid regulators, and natural or artificial flavors. The preservative potassium sorbate, citric acid, and "natural flavors" appear in Brisk products.

While these compounds allow for longer shelf life and consistent taste, they aren't essential and could cause issues like allergic reactions in sensitive people. Steeping your own tea leaves in water is the best way to avoid unnecessary additives.

The Takeaway: Moderation Is Key

True tea made solely from Camellia sinensis leaves likely offers many health benefits. However, drinking presweetened brisk tea products could undermine these perks.

Enjoying brisk tea in moderation along with an overall healthy diet and active lifestyle should pose little concern. But limiting sweetened drinks and choosing unsweetened varieties without artificial additives is likely the wisest choice.

Brewing tea from whole leaves also enables you to control ingredients. So while brisk tea could fit into a balanced way of eating, drinking your own homemade tea is generally the healthiest option.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.