When you are hot and thirsty, nothing seems to hit the spot like a tall, refreshing glass of iced tea. You have Richard Blechynden to thank for that. He introduced iced tea to Americans at the 1904 World’s Fair. Hot and thirsty visitors attending the fair kept passing by his tea house looking for something cold to drink. People did not want to drink a hot beverage on such a hot day. He experimented with his hot beverages until he had developed a delicious, cold version.

June is National Iced Tea Month. This is probably because iced tea is most enjoyed in the summer months. In fact, it has become a favorite of Americans in the summer. What a way to start off your summer.

Most tea loving countries still serve hot tea as their beverage of choice. America, however, has included iced tea on its list of favorites. Many people enjoy iced tea with sugar and lemon. There are several varieties of flavored teas. They include, but are not limited to, raspberry, blackberry and mango. Many casual dining restaurants have begun serving these flavored variations. Commercial iced tea, however, is not limited to restaurants. Bottles and cans of the flavorful beverage are offered in supermarkets and convenience stores. Although Lipton and Nestea are the most popular brands bottled tea, Snapple and Arizona are rapidly catching up to their more common competition. There are many variations of the tasty, liquid treat. It is offered with or without caffeine, sweetened or unsweetened, flavored with lemon or other fruit flavors.

Research and studies have found a connection between drinking tea and various health benefits. Some of these benefits include: reduced risk of heart disease, reduced risk of some cancers, strong bones, reduced bad breath and plaque, stronger tooth enamel (due to the fluoride in tea) and an all around healthier immune system. Green tea is thought to have even more health benefits. Brewed tea, whether it is served cold or hot, has more benefits than the instant version.

Iced tea is a favorite among Americans. The hot, summer months especially provide a great opportunity to enjoy iced tea as a healthier alternative to the carbonated soft drink. So when you have a case of “dry throatitis”, push aside that sugary, fizzy soda and reach for the better thirst quencher. It will do a better job at keeping you hydrated and will help you maintain your energy.