Tea is a beverage that has been around for centuries, dating all the way back to ancient times. However, it hasn’t stood the test of time just because it is a delicious beverage! It has also been used for herbal and medicinal purposes, especially for seniors. Drinking tea can improve cholesterol levels, give heart health a boost, as well as even reduce your risk of diabetes. Plus, it’s even fun to enjoy while sitting around and socializing with your friends.
Whether you live in Alzheimer care in Oceanside, CA or reside at home, there are great teas that you should add to your diet right away. Keep reading to learn more!
Medicinal Benefits of Tea
1.) Stronger Bones
Drinking milk isn’t the only beverage that can help you get stronger bones – tea can actually work, too! Bone health and density are two very common concerns for seniors, especially women. As we age, our bones tend to weaken. This can worsen thanks to a condition known as osteoporosis. Regularly drinking mineral rich tea can be a good way to strengthen your bones. Add a splash of milk for an added boost of calcium!
2.) Decreased Risk of Diabetes
Did you know that people who regularly drink tea are less likely to get diabetes than people who don’t? While this is due in part to the fact that when you drink tea, you are probably not drinking overly sugary drinks such as soda. However, tea also contains a chemical called polyphenols. Research has shown that polyphenols actually help our bodies to metabolize sugar and keep blood sugar under control. In turn, this reduces our risk for diabetes.
Specific Teas to Try (and Their Benefits!)
While the above benefits are general to most teas, we are going to delve into five teas you need to check out thanks to some of the specific qualities they have. Whether you are a senior at Alzheimer care in Oceanside, CA or you still live at home, you will want to add these to your kettle right away.
1.) Chamomile Tea
This tea is a very common one. Odds are good you have probably even enjoyed it before! If you struggle with getting enough rest at night, try brewing a cup or two of this close to bedtime. It will work as a natural sleep aid for you to help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Sometimes, senior residents at our Alzheimer care in Oceanside, CA, struggle with anxiety. This can be quite common for those with dementia, especially if they experience a lapse in memory that leaves them disoriented and confused. A bit of chamomile tea should help soothe their nerves and get them back to a more relaxed and peaceful state.
2.) Green Tea
This is another popular option from the list, especially because it can be enjoyed hot or cold! Green tea is exactly how it sounds – green! – which makes it unlike most other teas. It comes with a whole host of health benefits which we have listed below.
- Brighter Skin and Hair: Because green tea keeps free radicals away, it will help to improve the appearance and overall health of your skin and hair.
- Blood Pressure Control: Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. High blood pressure can play a huge factor in heart and cardiovascular health. Green tea is abundant in minerals such as calcium and potassium, both of which can better help you regulate your blood pressure.
- Boosted Mood: Green tea can boost your mood, and not just because it is a tasty drink! (Though that certainly helps!) According to one study, senior Japanese men and women who drank four glasses of green tea a day were 44% less likely to feel depressed than those who didn’t consume any green tea. Green tea is rich in L-Theanine and aminos that are shown to improve one’s mood.
3.) Black Tea
Cortisol is the stress hormone that can actually have a negative effect on our bodies when we make too much of it. Its job is to actually help regulate different bodily processes while we are under physical or emotional stress, including our blood pressure and immune system. However, too much cortisol can lead to unwanted weight gain as well as other unwanted side effects. Black tea can actually help reduce the amount of cortisol present in our bodies. In one study, those given the fake black tea substitute didn’t have the same cortisol reduction as those with the real black tea.
4.) Eucalyptus Tea
No, you don’t have to be a koala to enjoy the benefits of eucalyptus! Eucalyptus tea is a great choice whenever you have a cold or flu, giving you something warm and soothing to drink. Plus, it also helps to lower your blood sugar levels and even reduce your blood pressure. If you are someone who needs caffeine to get through the day, this is also an excellent substitute for coffee or soda.
5.) Ginger Tea
Ginger root is famous for its medicinal properties. Not only does it amp up the flavor of any dish or beverage it’s added to, but it certainly has health benefits as well. Any spice lover is sure to have ginger in their cabinet! It can help those with digestive problems, as well alleviate nausea or stomach aches.
Much like the other teas on this list, it also has anti-inflammatory benefits. If your senior loved one residing in Alzheimer care in Oceanside, CA also struggles with joint pain, ginger tea could prove to be a great, all-natural remedy.
Wrap Up
Which one of these teas are looking forward to trying the most? No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong! Tea is an affordable, easy way to naturally bolster different aspects of your health. Mix and match for various health benefits and make sure you stock up! Pair them with your favorite mug and you’re sure to look forward to tea time each and every day.
