At Bethesda Gardens in Fort Worth, we pride ourselves on providing an environment with all the comforts of home. From the on-site library to the community garden, every aspect of this assisted living community is designed to make residents' lives easy and familiar.
And when it comes to comfort, there's nothing quite as soothing as a good cup of tea. Tea can calm your nerves and warm your soul, whether you're cuddled up with orange pekoe and your favorite movie or sipping iced tea under the sun. But did you know tea also has several health benefits? So if you're looking for ways to boost your well-being, here are some of the best teas for older adults to enjoy.
Green tea contains caffeine and l-theanine — two chemicals that have several benefits for older adults. In addition to reducing anxiety, studies show that green tea is linked to improving cognition and brain function. This means drinking green tea regularly could lead to improved memory and a longer attention span.
If you're concerned about your cardiovascular health, consider adding a cup of black tea into your daily routine. Black tea contains chemicals called flavonoids which help decrease inflammation — a common finding in heart disease cases.
Peppermint tea is more than a tasty drink that leaves you with fresh breath. Studies show that peppermint tea can have a relaxing effect on gastrointestinal tissue. Many people also find peppermint tea helps ease the effects of gas, bloating, and IBS. Additionally, inhaling the steam from your cup of peppermint tea before you drink it can provide relief from clogged sinuses.
Chamomile tea is chalked full of medicinal benefits and has been consumed for centuries to treat ailments such as diarrhea and the common cold. For older adults who struggle to fall asleep at night, chamomile tea can be used as a mild sedative to help lull you into a calm, full-nights sleep. To feel the full effects, try drinking one cup of chamomile tea 30-40 minutes before your bedtime.
If you're looking to cut coffee out of your daily diet but still need that boost of energy in the mornings, try a cup of Earl Grey instead. Unlike coffee, Earl Grey contains small amounts of caffeine and doesn't leave you dehydrated. Earl Grey tea has a floral/citrus flavor that is often compared to the taste of Fruit Loops cereal.
Both tea and coffee share similar health benefits. Both beverages are rich in caffeine and antioxidants. Both beverages are responsible for providing energy boosts and have been linked to good heart health and weight loss, among other benefits.
So how do they differ? Aside from taste, the main difference between tea and coffee is the levels of caffeine. Coffee includes higher levels of caffeine — providing you with a near-instant boost of energy. Tea, on the other hand, has much lower levels — providing you with a slow and steady boost of energy. Ultimately, one drink is not necessarily better than the other; it's just a matter of preference.
Green tea is considered a "true tea," and like all true teas, it is derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal tea does not need the leaves of Camellia Sinensis and can be created from any combination of plants. Most herbal teas include a mix of dried fruit and flowers as well as spices and herbs. Green tea naturally contains caffeine, while most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.
If you've ever walked down the tea aisle at your local grocery store, you know there's a wide variety of teas available — and within those types of teas–hundreds of different flavor combinations and health benefits exist. Although there are technically thousands of teas, they practically all fall into one of the following categories:
Whether you're lounging on your private patio or relaxing at your favorite cafe in Fort Worth, TX, you can never go wrong with a delicious cup of tea. Aside from the various health benefits, drinking tea is an endless source of joy. Tea can be enjoyed socially, allowing older adults to relax and catch up with friends and family. Tea can also become part of a daily routine that keeps older adults feeling regular and full of purpose. Whatever your reason for drinking tea, we raise our mug to you.
