The Effects of Drinking Cold Brew Tea Daily

Cold brew tea has recently emerged as a refreshing, low-acid alternative to traditional hot brews especially when steeped directly in milk or plant-based milk. Beyond its smooth flavor, this daily ritual may offer a range of health benefits that go far beyond hydration.

So what exactly happens to your body when you drink cold brew tea every day? Here's what science says.

1. Your Heart May Thank You

One of the most well-supported benefits of tea, whether brewed hot or cold, is its potential to promote heart health. Both green and black teas are rich in polyphenols, plant-based compounds that may:

• Improve blood vessel function

• Lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol

• Reduce inflammation in the arteries

Research suggests that drinking two to three cups of tea daily could modestly reduce the risk of heart disease and even heart attacks. Some studies also show a link between daily tea drinking and lower blood pressure a key marker for cardiovascular health.

2. Your Risk of Stroke Could Decrease

Tea, especially green tea, may help protect against stroke by supporting healthier blood flow. People who drink three or more cups of tea per day may have a 20–25% lower risk of stroke compared to non-tea drinkers.

This protection likely stems from the same flavonoids that benefit your heart they help keep blood vessels flexible, lower inflammation, and promote healthier cholesterol levels.

3. You Could Be Supporting Long-Term Brain Health

Drinking cold brew tea regularly might do more than energize you it may also support brain function over time. Studies suggest that moderate tea consumption (about 2 to 4 cups daily) is associated with a reduced risk of:

• Cognitive decline

• Dementia

• Alzheimer’s disease

Tea’s polyphenols are believed to help reduce inflammation in the brain and may slow the buildup of amyloid proteins, which are linked to neurodegenerative conditions.

While tea isn’t a substitute for a brain-healthy lifestyle, incorporating it daily can be one small, beneficial habit.

4. You May Get a Gentle Cancer-Fighting Boost

Some research hints that drinking tea regularly especially unsweetened green tea could offer limited cancer protection. Specifically, daily tea intake may:

• Slightly lower the risk of oral and bladder cancers

• Possibly support protection against upper digestive tract cancers

However, findings are mixed, and results vary based on lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use. Tea should never be relied on as a cancer prevention method, but it may complement an overall healthy diet.

5. You’re Getting Antioxidants With Every Sip

One of tea’s biggest benefits comes from its natural antioxidant content. Cold brewing tea especially in milk may actually extract more antioxidants than traditional hot brewing methods, while reducing acidity.

These antioxidants, such as catechins and flavonoids, help combat oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and chronic disease. When consumed daily, tea can play a small but meaningful role in helping your body defend itself against everyday wear and tear.

6. You’ll Absorb Additional Nutrients From Milk

Brewing your tea directly into milk or using plant-based alternatives adds another layer of nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of what your body gets depending on the type of milk:

• Cow’s milk: Rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12

• Fortified soy milk: Comparable to dairy milk in protein and often enriched with B12 and calcium

• Fortified oat milk: Offers beta-glucans, calcium, and antioxidants

• Fortified almond milk: Lower in protein but adds vitamin E and calcium if fortified

Blending the polyphenols from tea with the macronutrients from milk can make your cold brew tea a more well-rounded, nutrient-rich beverage.

Is Cold Brew Tea Better Than Hot Tea?

Not necessarily but it may be easier on the stomach, especially for those sensitive to acid. Cold brew methods reduce the release of tannins, which can make hot tea taste more bitter and potentially irritate the stomach lining.

Plus, steeping tea in cold milk adds a creamier texture and subtle flavor, making it a satisfying alternative to sugary lattes or iced coffee drinks.

The Bottom Line

Drinking cold brew tea with milk every day can support heart health, brain function, and overall wellness, thanks to a powerful combo of antioxidants and added nutrients. While it’s not a miracle drink, making it part of your daily routine especially without added sugars can be a smart, health-conscious choice.

Whether you enjoy it with dairy, oat, soy, or almond milk, this chilled trend is more than just a refreshing alternative it’s a wellness win.

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