The Benefits of Tea in Daily Life at LakeHouse Chippewa Falls
The benefits of tea include better cardiovascular health, cognitive protection, relaxation, and a better social life. Seniors benefit best from unsweetened and low-caffeine options.
According to World Population Review, the annual total tea consumption is 166,000 tons, or 0.49 kg per person (just over a pound). While the US doesn't even come close to the top tea-drinking countries, Americans still sip their fair share.
Not only does tea taste good, but there are health benefits to gain too, especially for seniors in Chippewa Falls, WI. So if you don't already drink tea, you should start now!
If you need some motivation to add this beverage to your repertoire, then learn the benefits of tea.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Tea Every Day?
You may enjoy a cup of tea every now and then, but really, you should make it a daily thing to really reap its benefits. It's one of the best healthy rituals for seniors, and here's why.
Cardiovascular Health
A study by Xu et al., published in the National Library of Medicine, found that an additional cup of tea per day was associated with a 4% reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and a 2% reduction in CVD events. This is because tea can:
- Improve blood vessel function
- Reduce blood pressure
- Make favorable changes in cholesterol profiles
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Tea is rich in polyphenols, which are compounds that neutralize free radicals and lower chronic inflammatory signaling. What this means is that you'll get a boost in slowing cellular damage.
While tea won't replace medications, it can certainly be a supportive dietary measure to help with age-related conditions, such as arthritis and neurodegeneration. It may also help relieve pain from conditions that cause inflammation.
Cognitive Protection
As we get older, the chances of cognitive decline increase. But drinking tea regularly can give you a fighting chance.
Thanks to tea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, the brain's neurons are protected. The antioxidants also support brain blood flow, which can preserve memory and thinking skills.
If you want to support cognition, then it's best to stick to green tea.
Metabolic and Blood Sugar Support
Tea can help with insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control, which is beneficial for older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Just make sure that you drink unsweetened tea, as this can reduce your sugar intake.
A side benefit of this is that you'll have an increased metabolic rate, which can help with weight management! Again, stick to sugar-free tea to reduce your calorie intake.
Bone Health
Tea has flavonoids, which may have bone-protective effects. There still needs to be more studies done, but the science is promising.
Just make sure that you don't drink too much tea, as caffeine can be bad for osteoporosis. You should also keep up with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, as well as do regular weight-bearing exercises to keep your bones strong.
Hydration and Digestive Comfort
Keeping up with hydration can be difficult for some older adults, especially since plain water is boring to drink. But herbal or low-caffeine teas can help you stay hydrated, making them great for senior lifestyle support.
In addition, many herbal teas can help with digestion and reduce bloating, as well as help with mild nausea. So if you're ever having digestive discomfort, a cup of herbal tea can fix things right up!
Mood, Relaxation, and Sleep Support
Tea drinking is one of the top calming community routines, and for good reason. The process of making tea is a calming ritual in itself, and certain compounds can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. For example, chamomile is an herbal tea often used for relaxation and sleep.
If you combine tea drinking with other practices, such as grounding techniques, then you can really get a hold on your anxiety. As a result, you'll feel calmer and more tranquil.
Social Connection
Tea drinking can help with social wellness. Tea time activity brings people together, whether it's a morning tea club or an afternoon chat with a friend.
Older adults often are lonely and isolated, which can lead to declining overall health. But something as simple as getting together for a cup of tea can boost your quality of life!
Why Do Tea Drinkers Live Longer?
Tea drinkers often live longer since there's a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in tea. These components help your body fight against oxidative stress, which is the main culprit behind aging and many chronic diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Tea Is the Healthiest?
All teas have health-promoting properties, which is great news if you're picky! Also, the "healthiest" tea for you will depend on your individual health needs.
With that said, here are some of the top options:
- Black
- White
- Oolong
- Chamomile
- Rooibos
What Is the Unhealthiest Tea to Drink?
What would make a tea unhealthy to drink is how you prepare it. For example, highly sweetened teas (such as those found in bottled products) can:
- Raise blood sugar levels
- Increase inflammation
- Contribute to weight gain
- Cause diabetes complications
Detox or "slimming" teas aren't good either, as many contain laxatives or high caffeine content. Also, flavored or artificially enhanced teas have preservatives, chemical flavorings, or artificial colors, which can irritate the digestive system or interact with medications.
Who Should Not Take Tea?
In general, tea is considered safe to drink. However, you should avoid or limit consumption if any of the following apply to you:
- Iron deficiency or anemia
- Heart conditions or hypertension
- Blood thinners, beta blockers, and certain antidepressants
- Insomnia or anxiety
- Gastrointestinal issues
Enjoy the Benefits of Tea
As you can see, there are many benefits of tea that you can get simply by brewing a cup and drinking it daily. From improved cardiovascular health to a better social life, these small tea leaves can drastically improve your life.
So start browsing your options; there are so many that you can have a blast exploring what your favorites are. Throw the leaves into a teapot, invite your loved ones over, and have an amazing tea party too!
Contact us today to find out more about assisted living in Chippewa Falls, WI. LakeHouse Chippewa Falls is a pet-friendly community with a schedule bursting with activities, such as exercise classes, movie nights, and live entertainment.