Sip a cup of tea with your mom on International Tea Day. Tea helps take the chill off on a cold winter’s day. It’s also a good way to boost your health. These are five popular teas and their health benefits.
Black Tea
Black tea, white tea, and green tea all come from camellia sinensis. Their differences come down to processing. White tea is harvested young and barely processed. Green tea isn’t oxidized like black tea is.
Black tea has been linked to a lowered risk of certain skin cancers. It’s also been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. A British study found tea drinkers had higher bone mineral density. Tea drinkers were also found to have lower rates of rheumatoid arthritis.
Ginger Tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been found to help ease arthritis pain and inflammation. A 2012 study found that ginger extract helped with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis as well as steroids do. It’s also been found to help lower the risk of stomach ulcers. It can also help ease nausea.
Purchase ginger tea in powder form or make your own using dried ginger root. Many retailers sell a tea mix that blends powdered ginger root and crystallized honey. This slightly sweet, spicy beverage can be made with hot water or over ice for a refreshing iced tea.
Green Tea
Green tea leaves haven’t been oxidized like black tea. Grind green tea into a fine powder and you get Matcha. Studies have found that green tea helps lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.
Matcha has become popular in the past few years. It makes great lattes, but it’s also versatile and can be added to batters for cakes, cookies, and muffins.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea comes from the South African red bush plant. Several studies are ongoing to see just how beneficial this caffeine-free tea is. One that has been confirmed is that rooibos lowered the cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease.
Rooibos powder is commonly used as a substitute for espresso powder. Red Espresso is a caffeine-free option for lattes, cappuccinos, and other beverages coffee drinkers love.
White Tea
White tea comes from the same plant as black tea. The difference is the leaves are harvested while they’re young and still in the bud stage. There’s less processing, so the polyphenol levels are higher.
Three hospitals in New Mexico and California teamed up to take a closer look at white tea. The study found that certain cancer cells did die off when exposed to white tea extract. Studies are ongoing to prove that the tea does have anti-cancer properties.
Another way to help your parents stay healthy is by arranging home care. Sure, they have help with household chores. They also benefit in multiple ways from companionship services. Learn more by calling a home care agency and asking about senior care services.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055352/
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/ginger.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967803/
https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/092110.htm
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
