Can Tea Be Zero Calories?

Tea, one of history's most beloved drinks, is so widely consumed in India that it has become a part of our everyday lives. The Indian way of making tea is similar to the British - we drink tea with milk and sugar. But, the question is: Can tea be zero calories?

The calorie value of a cup of tea depends on the amount of sugar and milk that you add. For example, 1 cup (150 ml) of tea which contains 30 ml of milk and 2 tsps sugar would give you 62 calories. In case of iced tea, sugar provides the calories and the sweetness.

Can we drink a zero-calorie tea?  

Certainly, just don't add milk and sugar to your tea. Tea decoction all by itself, does not contain any calories.  It's the milk and sugar that add calories to every cup that you drink.  Black, green tea, white tea or oolong tea - whatever the variety maybe, they contain zero calories.  

Black Tea

For most of us, a strong cup of black tea has proven to be the ideal energizer.

1. In a pan/pot, heat some water over medium heat for about two minutes, stirring regularly.
2. As the water begins to boil, add the tea leaves and stir for about two minutes on medium heat.
3. Allow the water to infuse all of the benefits from the tea leaves for around two minutes on low heat before covering the lid.
4. Strain the black tea and serve.

Tip: Do not heat the tea for a longer period of time else it would turn bitter. Rather add more tea leaves for a stronger cup of tea.

Must Check: Know Some Great Throat-Soothing Teas To Sip During Allergy Season

Green Tea

Green tea has a wonderfully light flavor.

1. To begin, heat 2 cups of water in a medium pot/pan.
2. Bring the water to a slow simmer, stirring regularly.
3. Stir in 2 teaspoons loose-leaf green tea leaves.
4. Cover the tea and steep it for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Strain the leaves through a sieve and serve warm.

If using tea bags:

1. Boil one cup of water
2. When the water begins to boil, turn off the heat.
3. Remove the pot/pan from the fire. Place it on the kitchen counter.
4. Dip the tea bags gently into the boiling water and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.

Tip: Do not boil the water with tea bag in it. Make sure to dip the bag only after you turn off the heat.

White tea

White tea is a bit expensive and said to have three times antioxidants as green tea.

1. Boil 1 cup of water in a pan or teapot.
2. Pour the water in a cup and put 2 teaspoons of white tea in it.
3. The tea should be steeped for 7 to 10 minutes.
4. Strain and serve warm.

Tip: Do not overheat the water, the tea will burn if the water is excessively hot, turning it bitter and unpleasant.

Oolong tea

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil, then set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
2. Pour a bit water in a bowl and add 2 teaspoons of tea in it. After 5 seconds, discard the water.
3. Add the tea in the cup of warm water and cover it.
4. Let it steep for 45 seconds.  
5. Serve warm thereafter.

Tip: You can reuse the same leaves for a second cup (immediately after the first steep). However, the flavor can be a bit different in the 2nd steep, maybe better.

Can we drink several cups a day?

Yes, you can. Since the above stated teas are zero calories, it might be one of the reasons why Chinese and Japanese drink several cups of green tea a day without having to worry about calorie intake through tea. Moreover, green tea also contains lots of antioxidant goodness.

Did you know?

In Japan and China, tea ceremony is an elaborate process where tea is brewed slowly and gently.  It's served to family members and guests, and believed to be a way to connect with everyone and express gratitude to the elders.