Five Surprising Benefits of Drinking Tea for Seniors

The dark, cold winter days provide the perfect setting to warm up with a hot cup of tea. It's no surprise that January is National Hot Tea Month. Consumed initially for medicinal purposes, tea drinkers worldwide recognize the many benefits this aromatic beverage offers. Whether you're new to the tea arena or are amongst the two billion people worldwide who enjoy a cup each day, here are five surprising benefits of drinking tea for seniors.

Aids With Sleep

Many older adults have insomnia. Fortunately, tea can aid with sleep. Studies have shown that sipping calming teas, such as chamomile or lavender, 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime can help older adults get the sleep they need. The teas mentioned above can also help ease anxiety. They, in essence, are mild tranquilizers and deliver a calming effect once consumed.

Helps Lower Blood Pressure

If you're an older adult with high blood pressure, consider sipping on a cup of green tea to help lower your numbers. Hypertension generally increases with age. It is a serious condition that can complicate other chronic health problems. According to one study, though, consuming one cup of tea per day can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Green tea and hibiscus tea are both great teas to drink if you suffer from hypertension.

Reduces Risk for Heart Disease

Another surprising benefit of drinking tea is a reduced risk for heart disease or stroke. According to a study published by the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, older adults who drank tea at least three times a week saw an improvement in cardiovascular health. Participants in this study also experienced a greater life expectancy. Green tea, in particular, offers the most benefits to cardio health, as it reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels.

Increases Hydration

Dehydration is another serious concern for older adults. It is estimated that nearly 40% of seniors may be chronically under-hydrated. However, drinking tea can increase hydration in older adults. It has long been thought that tea leads to greater dehydration. Yet, research shows that drinking tea in moderate amounts can be as effective as drinking water. Plus, teas offer more flavor for older adults who struggle with consuming plain water. Increase your hydration this month by sipping on a hot cup of herbal tea.

Improves Cognition

Finally, as many older adults are concerned about their brains' health as they age, it's good to know that tea can help maintain and improve cognition. According to researchers from the National University of Singapore, drinking a cup of tea daily can improve brain health later in life and possibly reduce the risk of dementia. This study also claims that drinking tea can reduce the risk of someone genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease by nearly 90 percent. If you're looking to improve your cognition, sip on a cup of green tea or black tea for the most brain-boosting benefits.

As you prepare for the long, colder days of January, cozy up to winter with Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond. We offer various home care services that keep seniors safe and independent in the comfort of their own home. Our compassionate caregivers would love to sip a hot cup of tea with you while keeping you engaged throughout the winter season. If you're ready to learn more, please contact us today by calling 804-423-6500.