This week the temperatures around the country heated up considerably, and the climate in Florida is no exception. With the rising mercury, it is more important than ever that everyone stays appropriately hydrated to stay safe and healthy. While there are many ways that seniors can protect themselves against dehydration and heat stroke, drinking enough fluid is essential. Water is the best beverage for seniors and youngsters alike. Still, green tea is an often-overlooked beverage that should be more popular than it is – given its great taste, anti-aging properties, and health benefits, especially for senior citizens.
Green tea has been used as medicine for thousands of years, beginning in China and popular throughout Asia. This type of tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients – proponents say it can lower blood pressure, slow the aging process, and even help to prevent cancer. Did we mention improved brain function and weight loss? If this all seems too good to be true, read on.
It Improves Brain Function: Research has shown that green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which increases the activity of the GABA neurotransmitter that limits anxiety. Tea drinkers report more stable energy and focus as opposed to drinking coffee, the more common “go-to” for these purposes. Some studies indicate that green tea improves memory, concentration, and cognitive performance – all of critical importance for seniors.
It Protects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common – and the most dreaded – neurodegenerative disease in humans. It is the primary cause of dementia, but green tea offers positive benefits for those at risk. Not only can green tea help brain function in the short term, but it may also protect an individual’s brain as they age. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative disease, caused by the lack of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Several studies indicate that green tea protects these neurons, possibly reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
It Battles Diabetes: The proliferation of Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic levels in the last 30 years. The disease affects approximately 400 million people worldwide. Diabetes causes elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or may indicate an inability to produce insulin. Research shows that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. A Japanese study revealed that those who drank green tea had a 42% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In seven other studies, tea drinkers were 18% less likely to become diabetic.
It Helps to Control Weight: Weight is more difficult to control as we age, and this drink may help seniors maintain their weight and avoid obesity. Research points to the fact that drinking this type of tea minimizes body fat, especially belly fat. A 12-week randomized controlled trial in 240 men and women showed significant decreases in body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference, and belly fat.
It is Good for Your Heart: This news should make your heart happy – green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. It increases the antioxidant levels in the blood, protecting the LDL particles from oxidation – and avoiding heart disease in many cases.
It is effortless to make green tea a daily part of your routine. You can purchase tea bags in any grocery store, and your senior can easily make a cup of tea both morning and night. If your senior lives in an assisted living facility, ask the administrative staff about the availability of green tea at meals. Also, you can keep pitchers of tea in their refrigerator so they can stay cool and hydrated all summer long.
A Banyan Residence is a professional assisted living and memory care center located in The Villages.
