Tea happens to be one of the most popular beverages in the world. Apart from the refreshing feeling that it provides, it also has many health benefits. However, most people are unaware of the same. The best part is that tea has also changed its identity over time, in many different flavors. So, while we have the black tea and the milk tea, we also have green tea, masala tea, ginger tea, chamomile tea, rosemary tea and the most recent fad of them all, the green tea as well as the white tea.
Most things that end up as fads are due to the health benefits that it provides, and that is really important in today’s fast-paced world. Most tea varieties are rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. And these can benefit the seniors much more, as they may be battling many health issues that come with the increasing age.
Green tea
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Green tea is very rich in anti-oxidants and impacts the red blood cells in a positive way. This means that green tea automatically helps with many diseases like diabetes, cancer, and even heart disease. Green tea is also said to improve your metabolism, which naturally decreases with increasing age. Hence, it can also help seniors with digestion and weight issues. In fact, many people use green tea for weight management.
Interestingly, green tea also contains caffeine and thus helps in improving mood and a refreshed feeling. It also helps in boosting memory, and thus these factors are a big plus, where senior citizens are concerned. Though much more concrete evidence is needed in this direction, a lot of research is still going on to understand if consumption of green tea can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, linked to memory loss.
Hence, it is safe to say that it is good to have a few cups of green tea across the day to keep oneself healthy and fit. However, point to be noted is that too much of it is not good for you as well. Hence, drink only the same amount of tea as you normally drink and replace it with green tea for better health. You may not like the taste and may have to get used to it, and it may take a while.
White tea
Perhaps, you have not heard as much white tea as you have about green tea. Green tea, black tea, and white tea are all made from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, however, the processing methods for each is different. White tea happens to be the least processed among the three varieties, and hence, it has the maximum levels of antioxidants that protect us from many diseases, including cancer.
The high amount of antioxidants helps in many ways to maintain good health and even keep oneself youthful. It also helps with its anti-inflammatory properties. There have been studies that show that people consuming white tea reduce the risk of heart diseases by as much as 21%. This is significant, mainly as one ages, or has risk factors leading to the same. They boost immunity as well as help in reducing cholesterol, and this helps with the heart health.
Just like green tea, white tea too can help boost your metabolism, and this helps in the weight management, by burning fat. White tea also helps in maintaining healthy teeth. This is because it contains fluoride, catechins, and tannins that help by preventing disease-causing bacteria and plaque. White tea is also said to aid in preventing cancer as well as stopping them from spreading.
White tea helps in another disease, diabetes, as it reduces your risk of insulin resistance, thus preventing diabetes and improving sugar control in the body. Another significant use of white tea, especially for seniors is that it prevents osteoporosis. Compounds found in white tea called catechins, promote the bone growth and suppress its breakdown, thus preventing osteoporosis. Few other compounds in white tea are also said to help with aging, and also help protect your skin from the UV effect of the sun rays. Studies are on, to conclude on the effects of white tea in preventing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease as well.
