Celebrate iced tea during National Iced Tea Month this June. In warm weather, iced tea is a favorite of all ages. When it comes to hydration, does iced tea measure up? Does iced tea offer any health benefits that make it an ideal choice for summer hydration?

Results of Studies Involving Tea

Several studies have found that black tea is rich in antioxidants that can help lower the risk of certain types of cancer. White tea is believed to help strengthen your teeth and reduce the build-up of plaque that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Green tea is popular and is found to help battle inflammation. It’s believed to be able to lower bad cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower the risk of certain cancers. Matcha is a powdered green tea that is one of the highest in antioxidants.

Oolong falls in between black and green teas. It’s high in amino acids that help with cognitive health. It’s also a good choice for reducing inflammation. One study found that oolong helps with blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes.

There are also herbal teas. Ginger can help with digestion and stomach upset. Peppermint also helps soothe the stomach. Chamomile is known for helping ease stress and aid with sleep. Hibiscus helps with blood pressure and cholesterol. Rooibos also helps with blood pressure and cholesterol.

Things to Consider When Making Iced Tea

When you’re making your dad iced tea, what should you look for? Avoid the powdered mixes with sweeteners. Fresh brewed iced tea is the better option.

There are cups you can buy that have you brew a strong portion of tea and fill the central portion with ice. When the tea leaves have steeped, push down the central portion and the ice melts creating a cup of iced tea. This is one way to make iced tea with ease.

Consider making black, green, or oolong tea in pitchers and adding fresh fruit to flavor it. Green tea with frozen mango can be a refreshing summer drink. Black tea with slices of lemon is traditional, but you could switch the lemon for mandarin oranges instead.

Is your dad staying hydrated? Does he have people stopping by to check on him when it’s hot? Senior care is one way to ensure he stays hydrated. With senior care, he has a caregiver to get him drinks, track how often he’s having a glass of water or iced tea, and prepare meals and snacks. Talk to a senior care agency to learn more about the services that are available.

Sources:
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea
https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/6/1714

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Sterling, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 782-3655.