Boost Your Health with Tea: Six Best Teas for Older Adults

Cold and dark winter days call for nothing less than a cozy blanket, a seat near a warm fire, and a hot cup of tea to warm you up from the inside out. It's no wonder that January is National Hot Tea Month. It's the perfect month to sip cup after cup of hot tea while braving the bitter cold days of January.

Since ancient times, tea has been a popular beverage. Originating in ancient China, teas were initially used for medicinal purposes. Today, numerous studies have shown positive correlations between drinking tea and improving one's health. Older adults who drink tea regularly have stronger bones, are less likely to get diabetes, and have a lower risk for heart disease.

As you cozy up to winter, consider incorporating a hot cup of tea into your daily routine. Here are the six best teas for older adults that are sure to boost your health this winter.

Green Tea

Green tea has been praised for its healing properties for over centuries. Research confirms that green tea has many health benefits, from enhanced cognition to slowing tumor cells' growth of certain types of cancer. Although studies have been inconclusive regarding green tea and preventing cancer, there are still many other health benefits to drinking green tea. Green tea lowers cholesterol, helps treat high blood pressure, prevents heart disease, and can even prevent tooth decay.

Chamomile Tea

Many older adults have insomnia. Fortunately, there's a tea that can help older adults get a better night's sleep. Chamomile tea is a natural sleeping aid and helps ease anxiety. It also slows and prevents osteoporosis, reduces inflammation, helps people with diabetes lower their blood sugar, and supports skin health. It's important to note that chamomile tea does have sedative effects. It's important to consult your primary care physician before drinking chamomile tea if you take any medications.

Ginger Tea

Older adults who enjoy more flavorful beverages may find a greater appreciation for ginger tea. Ginger tea was once thought to help with motion sickness and morning sickness; however, current research has found little evidence for its effectiveness. However, there are other great benefits to drinking ginger tea. It can relieve heartburn, lower cholesterol, improve circulation, and help prevent blood clots and heart attacks. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate joint pain. Older adults on blood thinners need to consult their primary care physician before consuming extra ginger, as ginger can have a blood-thinning effect. Enjoying an occasional hot cup of ginger tea is best.

Black Tea

Older adults with a history of cardiovascular disease may benefit from sipping on a cup of black tea. Black tea happens to be the most common tea in the Western Hemisphere. It is abundant in antioxidants that help to lower the risk of heart disease. It boosts the immune system and can even help fight influenza. Drinking a cup of black tea after eating can help aid digestion and prevent bloating in the stomach.

Peppermint Tea

Generally consumed for its minty flavor, peppermint tea has several health benefits beyond freshening one's breath. It can help reduce headaches and migraines. Those suffering from clogged sinuses can find reprieve from inhaling the steam from peppermint tea before consuming it, as peppermint tea can help ease nasal congestion. It's a great alternative to chamomile tea, as it's caffeine-free and a muscle relaxant.

Earl Grey Tea

Although Earl Grey tea might seem like it falls into the black tea category, it actually falls into the category of flavored teas. It's a hybrid of tea made from lemon and bitter orange plants. It surprisingly is filled with health benefits. Not only does it aid digestion and helps prevent heart disease, but it also helps ease anxiety and fight depression. Although Earl Grey tea does not contain as much caffeine as a cup of black coffee, it has enough to give older adults looking to reduce their caffeine consumption a kick.

Don't let the winter days leave you cold and alone. Instead, consider the warm and friendly home care services provided by Visiting Angels South Elgin. Cozy up to winter with a hot cup of tea and the compassionate care provided by our warmhearted caregivers. Whether you need assistance at home to help you through the winter season or are looking for help throughout the year, we are here for you. Please contact us today by calling 847-429-0100 so that we can learn more about your situation.