Can I drink cold tea water?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, it is safe to drink cooled tea, but it is not recommended to consume it in large quantities. Cooled tea is obtained by naturally cooling or artificially chilling tea that has been brewed. During this process, beneficial components in the tea, such as polyphenols and catechins, do not significantly diminish due to cooling. On the contrary, these components still retain a certain level of activity in cooled tea and are beneficial to health.

Generally speaking, it is safe to drink cooled tea, but excessive consumption is not recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Cooled tea is obtained by naturally cooling or artificially chilling tea that has been brewed and steeped. During this process, beneficial components in the tea, such as polyphenols and catechins, do not significantly diminish due to cooling. On the contrary, these components maintain a certain level of activity in cooled tea and are beneficial to health. Additionally, the moderate temperature of cooled tea does not cause thermal irritation to the mouth or esophagus, making it more suitable for consumption during hot weather. It not only replenishes the body's water needs but also provides a refreshing effect, helping to alleviate discomfort caused by high temperatures.

To ensure the quality and safety of cooled tea, attention should be paid to the water quality used for brewing, the freshness of the tea leaves, and storage conditions. Moreover, cooled tea should not be stored for too long to avoid bacterial growth or other harmful chemical changes.