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As a health enthusiast, I have always been captivated by the medicinal properties of everyday foods. With the arrival of spring and summer, we can't help but get excited about the abundance of seasonal produce. And what better way to kick off the season than with one of the healthiest, most vibrant fruits out there - the strawberry!Â
Today, I want to share with you a refreshing Springtime Strawberry Cooler recipe that not only provides all the benefits of the berry, but also includes one of the healthiest beverages on the planet - green tea! This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a great substitute for Kool-Aid. Plus, the whole family will love it.
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Why You Shouldn't Overlook the Nutritional Power of Strawberries
These little heart-shaped gems pack a serious nutritional punch, providing our bodies with essential vitamins and minerals that are critical for our overall wellbeing. Here are just a few reasons why you should add more strawberries to your diet:
- Boost your immunity: Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and keeps our connective tissue strong and healthy
- Great pregnancy snack: They're rich in folic acid, making them an excellent food during pregnancy
- Keep your gums healthy: They're great for gum health due to their high vitamin C content
- Reduce your risk: Strawberries contain a powerful antioxidant that can protect our bodies from diseases, like cancer
- Keep cool: Strawberries are classified as a "refrigerant" in herbalist lingo, meaning they help keep our bodies cool on hot summer days
- Nourish the skin from the inside out:Â They are packed with vitamin C, which helps to nourish and brighten the complexion, and ellagic acid, which protects the skin from damage caused by UV radiation.
- Protect your heart: One of the most beneficial foods for the heart and blood pressure, due to their high antioxidant compounds and anti-inflammatory properties.
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The Incredible Benefits of Green Tea: Why It's a Must-Drink Beverage for Your Health
Green tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is renowned for its many health benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you should add green tea to your daily routine:
- Say goodbye to free radicals: The antioxidants in green tea help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals, which can cause cell damage and contribute to aging.
- Give your brain a boost: Green tea contains natural compounds like L-theanine that can increase alertness and focus, improve brain function and even promote relaxation.
- Shed those extra pounds: If you're looking to lose weight, green tea can be your new best friend! The natural compounds in green tea can increase metabolism and reduce appetite, helping you achieve your weight loss goals.
- Keep your heart healthy: Regularly drinking green tea can help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving blood flow and lowering cholesterol levels.
- Reduce cancer risk: The high levels of antioxidants in green tea can also help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Control blood sugar levels: Green tea can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great choice for people with diabetes.
- Get a caffeine boost: Green tea contains caffeine, which can boost physical performance and reduce fatigue – perfect for those long work days or a pre-workout boost.
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Beat the Heat with This Easy and Refreshing Strawberry Green Tea Cooler Recipe
What You'll Need For This Scrumptious Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of Strawberry Lemonade tea*
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced in half
- 1 sprig of fresh basil, washed
- 4 cups of hot water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice
- Large pitcher
- Tall glasses for serving
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*You can substitute a green tea blend like Ginseng Green Dragon, or a plain green tea like Sencha or Gunpowder, but the steeping time will be much shorter
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How To Make The Strawberry Green Tea Cooler:
- Brew the Strawberry Lemonade tea in the hot water for 8-10 minutes. Add the sweetener here, if using. (If you're using plain green tea, reduce the steeping time to 2 minutes.)
- Strain the tea and chill it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- In a large pitcher, muddle the strawberries to release their sweet juices.
- Take the fresh sprig of basil leaves and spank it a few times to release its natural flavor and aroma. Add it to the pitcher with the strawberries.
- Pour in the chilled tea and stir everything together.
- Serve over ice and enjoy! For an extra special touch, try serving the tea in sugar-rimmed tall tea glasses. Simply rub a cut strawberry along the rim of the glass and dip it in sugar.
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There you have it! A delicious and nutritious way to start your spring and summer season. I hope you enjoy this Strawberry Cooler Recipe as much as I do. Don't forget to let me know what you think in the comments!
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out this other awesome strawberry green tea recipe:Â Strawberry Matcha Lemonade For More Energy and Clearer Skin.
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