Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Review: Secret Cold... - Clark Howard.
We asked a nutritionist to weigh in on the benefits of this drink.
You know a secret off-the-menu item is popular when it transitions to the regular menu.That is what happened with the supposedly cold and flu-fighting medicine ball.The chain's enthusiasts swear by it as a remedy to ease cold and flu symptoms.Does it live up to the hype?Here is my take on nutrition.
I thought the ingredients of the medicine ball would be similar to the immunity shots popular at juiceries, Whole Foods, and other health food stores.These mini bottles, typically two ounces in size, are loaded with ingredients known to support immunity and reduce inflammation, like ginger, turmeric, pepper, or even garlic.
The Starbucks version is a 16 ounce hot tea that is mixed with steamed lemonade and two packets of honey.The tea is made from a mixture of organic green tea, spearmint, organic lemon verbena and lemongrass, as well as an infused with ingredients like apple and peach pieces, candied pineapple, chamomile, and rose hips.
It sounds good.It has pros and cons in my opinion.Natural compounds found in green tea reduce inflammation and support immunity.A sore throat can be soothed by drinking a hot liquid.The steam can help open up stuffed nasal passages and support drainage.
It supports sleep and protects immunity because of the increase in antibacterial activity in the body.Cold and flu-fighting benefits can be found in honey.It is anti-Inflammatory, has been shown to ease a sore throat and reduce coughing when consumed as is, in place of cough syrup.Good stuff in this drink can ease unpleasant symptoms and bolster immunity.
There is not so good news.There is a medicine ball.The lemonade and honey add up to a whopping 30 grams total.This one drink has one and a half times the amount of added sugar as the recommended maximum for women.
The honey isn't the raw, organic variety and it contains artificial flavoring.The exact type of honey or processing method that affects the quality and healthfulness is not specified.The packets of honey contain an artificial preservative.Always read through the ingredient list to scope these things out.I hope Starbucks will make a commitment to nix all artificial Additives in the near future.
The bottom line is that drinking one Honey Citrus Mint Tea a day won't prevent you from getting sick.It has a lot of sugar.It may help if you pop into a Starbucks to grab this drink.One honey packet is better than two.