Is Sweet Tea Better Than Soda?

While most people are aware of the fact that soft drinks are bad for health, they still find it difficult to kick soda out of their lives. Sodas can be quite addictive; in fact, there are people who drink it with every meal and even in between meals. Those who understand that sodas can be very high in sugar and contain caffeine look for an alternative and often switch to sweet tea. Is sweet tea a better choice? Would it be better to try a fruit juice or naturally flavored water instead of sodas and sweet teas to quench your thirst? Let's find out now!

Is Sweet Tea Better Than Soda?

To some extent, yes. Both pop soda and sweet tea are full of calories and that is mainly due to their sugar content. Added sugar in both beverages make them bad for your health, and it is better to avoid giving either of them a regular place in your diet. Still, if you are looking for a relatively better option, try sweet tea because it provides you with some vitamins and minerals that are not there in pop soda.

Comparison of Sugar and Calorie Content

Is sweet tea better than soda? You ask. To get a clear answer, you need to delve more into the nutritional value of both these beverages. Here is more about sugar and calorie content of soda and sweet tea.

  • You get about 152 calories from a 12oz cola-type soda. It also provides you with 40g of added sugar, equivalent to about 10 teaspoons of sugar. Studies show that getting more than 6 teaspoons of sugar can cause all sorts of problems for women. It is also greater than the recommended daily intake for men, which is only 9 teaspoons a day.
  • You get about 150 calories from a small fast-food sweet tea along with 36g of sugar. However, you get about 90 calories along with 23g of sugar when you opt for an 8oz serving of the bottled sweet tea. The amount of sugar is still on the higher side, but at least it is less than what you get from soda.

Effects of Sweet Tea and Soda on the Body

Is sweet tea better than soda? In a sense, yes. The reason is that it contains fewer calories with a lower amount of added sugar. Due to that added sugar, pop soda can lead to all sorts of health problems.

  • Drawbacks of Soda

Soda does not have any nutritional benefits, and that added sugar can contribute to obesity. You may end up gaining weight when you drink sugar sodas on a regular basis. It also increases your risk for Type-2 diabetes. Moreover, when you drink large amounts of soda, you do not have enough room in your stomach to eat more nutritious foods.

  • Benefits of Tea

Although sweet tea contains added sugar, it also has some nutrients and is low in calories. However, you can get more benefits by opting for green tea, which is a nice choice mainly due to the presence of compound called catechins. These compounds prevent oxidative damage to cells and lower your risk of prostate, breast, lung, skin, and colon cancer. Even black tea is a better option than soda because it lowers your risk of developing hardened arteries, which eventually contribute to heart disease.

Other Healthier Drinks to Try

Is sweet tea better than soda? Probably, but either of them should be your regular drink as both sweet tea and soda have their side effects. Therefore, it is better to try healthier drinks to quench your thirst. Here are some good options to consider.

1. Iced Tea

Just by making a right choice, you can enjoy a number of health benefits by drinking tea. There is a great deal of diversity in terms of strength, type, taste, and quality of tea. You can buy a few tea bags to use whenever you want to make a cup. Simply boil the water, put a few teabags in it, and then put it in the fridge. The next time you go to the fridge to get a can of soda, simply enjoy a cup of the iced tea you have made for yourself. Avoid sugar as much as possible but you can add a little if you really want to have some.

Wanna know more homemade ice tea ideas? Check them out here!

2. Sparkling Water

Most people find it difficult to leave soda because they love that fizzy burst they get with each sip. If you have the same issue, simply switch to sparkling or carbonated water. Sparkling water contains carbon dioxide and water, and feels like your regular soda in many ways. You can now also find sparkling water with lemon mixed to it, or you can simply squeeze one to make it taste better.

3. Go for Juices

Instead of soda or sweet tea, try fresh fruit juices. Just get yourself a juicer and you will be able to make fruit juices with utmost ease. Simply juice some whole fruit – the options are huge. You can go for oranges, strawberries, or any other fruit that you like. This will help break your soda habit and provide you with more nutrients and vitamins.

4. Soy Beverages

Soy beverages are becoming quite popular these days and are now available in a variety of flavors, including vanilla and almond. You can enjoy these beverages if you have lactose intolerance. Just be sure to opt for unsweetened, low fat varieties of soy beverages to get maximum benefits. 

 
 
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