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The Tradition of Tea and Dementia
During a particularly windy evening in southern Louisiana, my husband and I visited with our adult children. My stepdaughter asked if we’d like some tea. She moved toward the cabinet and called out an overwhelming selection of tea: fennel, caramel, green, etc. My stepdaughter is in her mid-thirties. When I was her age, I recall sipping on wine more than tea.
Drinking tea has come into popularity again with the younger generation. All three of my stepdaughters enjoy holding a warm cup of tea in cold hands. Whereas coffee signifies a speeding up in our lives, tea signals a pause, helping us slow down while keeping our cognitive functioning intact.
Studies on Tea Consumption
Headlines regularly report the health benefits of drinking tea. When India’s Edith Cowan University (ECU) conducted their research, studies showed tea may be even better for us than previously thought.
Within a group of 881 elderly women, researchers found the women were less likely to have a buildup of calcification in their arteries (AAC), which leads to cognitive decline, if they consumed more flavonoids in their diet. Why are flavonoids important? Foods high in flavonoids, such as black tea and blueberries, are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and protect cells from damage which often leads to disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
In using black tea as one of the main components of flavonoids in the study, they found, “compared with respondents who didn’t drink tea, participants who consumed two-to-six cups per day had 16-42% less chance of having extensive AAC,” drawing the conclusion that more tea drinking leads to less cognitive challenges.
Another study, published in Nature.com in 2022, reported similar results in a country well-known for their tea habits. Among a cohort of 337 participants, over the course of nine years, the UK Biobank found “tea drinkers were 16% less likely to develop dementia compared with non-drinkers. Moderate consumption (1–6 cups/day) of tea exerted significant protective effects.” Other indicators showed “mid-aged participants or males benefited more from tea consumption.” In conclusion, “Within 3 cups/day, drinking one extra cup of tea per day brought a 6% reduction of incidence. In conclusion, moderate consumption of tea was significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia.” This implies that modifying our tea consumption can help modify our dementia risks.
Tea as a Ritual
If you’ve watched The Crown, you know there’s a certain way Brits like to make their tea. The custom of making and serving tea is ritual in many cultures, including those with British roots, such as India. It’s also plentiful in Asian cultures. For instance, in Japan, ritual tea drinking originated from Zen monks who drank tea to keep awake during long sessions of meditation. It later became an active part of the Zen ritual to honor their patriarch, Bodhidharma. While Americans are not all practitioners of meditation, the need to slow down is an imperative, and tea fits the bill for setting the pace for self-care.
What does this pause allow us to do? To create a sense of mindfulness. To clear our heads of the detritus of our lives and focus on the present moment, whether it be a visit from the Royal Family or the latest bestseller.
Sometimes, it is the flavors, scents of lavender, rosehips, orange zest, or almond, which settle into our consciousness and creates this state of calm. Sometimes, it is the process of boiling, brewing, steeping, and stirring, causing us to break away from our fast-paced rhythms.
Most of us in the United States experience some kind of winter, whether it’s snow, rain, wind, or simply lower temperatures. While my husband and I often say there’s nowhere safe to travel in the U.S. during wintertime because there’s always a risk of unseasonably cold temperatures, we do know wherever we are, a steaming mug of tea can overcome the chill.
Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of I’ll Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, and Italian Americana (forthcoming). Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.
Switching to a healthier lifestyle often involves making significant changes to your diet, and one of the most challenging aspects can be finding nutritious and satisfying snacks. Traditional snack options, like chips, candy, and cookies, are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives. Fortunately, there's a convenient and delicious solution: SnackEver.SnackEver is a subscription service that delivers a curated selection of healthy snacks directly to your doorstep each month. With a variety of boxes to choose from, there's something to suit every taste and dietary preference. Whether you're looking for gluten-free, vegan, keto friendly, organic, kosher, dairy free, or low-calorie options, SnackEver has you covered.Why Choose SnackEver?Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for healthy snacks at the grocery store. SnackEver takes the guesswork out of snacking by delivering a carefully curated box of delicious and nutritious treats right to your door.Variety: With SnackEver, you'll never get bored of your snacks. Each month, you'll receive a new assortment of healthy goodies, including everything from protein bars and nuts to fruit chews and trail mix.Customization: SnackEver offers a variety of subscription options to cater to your individual needs and preferences. You can choose from monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly plans, and you can even customize your box by selecting specific snacks or dietary restrictions.Cost-Effective: While healthy snacks can often be expensive, SnackEver offers a convenient and affordable way to enjoy nutritious treats. By subscribing, you'll often get a discount on the individual price of each snack.Discover New Favorites: SnackEver is a great way to discover new and exciting healthy snacks. With each box, you'll have the opportunity to try products from different brands and categories, helping you to find your new favorite go-to snack.The Benefits of Healthy SnackingIncorporating healthy snacks into your diet can have numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being. Here are just a few:Increased Energy: Eating healthy snacks throughout the day can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.Weight Management: By choosing nutritious snacks over unhealthy options, you can help to control your calorie intake and support weight loss or maintenance.Improved Nutrient Intake: Healthy snacks can be a great way to increase your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.Enhanced Focus: Eating a balanced diet, including healthy snacks, can help to improve your cognitive function and concentration.If you're looking for a convenient and delicious way to incorporate more healthy snacks into your diet, SnackEver is the perfect solution. With its wide variety of options, customizable plans, and commitment to quality, SnackEver can help you achieve your health goals while enjoying delicious and satisfying treats.
Being mindful of our dietary choices can result in improved cognitive health and emotional stability. The food we consume significantly contributes to these aspects, helping us to feel better, think clearer, and reduce stress levels. Senior Helpers Overland Park will explore the wonderful world of nutrition and its impact on our brain and emotional health. We've compiled a list of brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods that are beneficial for everyonefrom seniors looking to boost their cognitive abilities to caregivers needing a little help managing stress.Nutrition and Brain HealthCertain nutrients help to enhance memory and cognition and delay brain aging. This is particularly beneficial for seniors, who are often at risk of cognitive decline. Seniors can stimulate brain function and maintain their mental health by incorporating brain-friendly foods in their diet.Nutrition and Stress ManagementJust as foods can boost your brain health, they can also aid in managing stress levels. The body's response to stress can be intensified by inadequate nutrition. A well-balanced diet can promote resilience towards stress and foster feelings of well-being. Caregivers, who often face high stress levels due to their demanding roles, can greatly benefit from this aspect of nutrition.In the same vein, good nutrition can be pivotal in mood regulation. What we eat can impact our brain structure, brain chemistry, and, subsequently, our emotions. Foods rich in certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can help regulate our emotions and reduce the risk of mood disorders. This is significant for everyone, seniors and caregivers alike.Fuel Your Mind and Mood With These FoodsHere are 6 brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods to add to your grocery list:BlueberriesDon't underestimate the power of these tiny fruits! Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. These nutrients work together to delay brain aging, improve memory, and protect your brain cells from damage.Dark ChocolateCraving a sweet treat? Look no further than dark chocolate! This delicious indulgence contains flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. These components not only benefit your brain health but also possess mood-boosting properties, making it a great stress reliever in moderation.BroccoliThis versatile vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients for your brain. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin K, broccoli is believed to support cognitive function and promote brain health.Pumpkin SeedsThese tiny nutritional powerhouses are a fantastic source of brain-friendly nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals are essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.TurmericThis vibrant spice has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, boasts impressive brain-protective properties. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance the brain's oxygen intake, keeping you alert and focused.OrangesAs a rich source of vitamin C, oranges are a champion for brain health. Vitamin C plays a vital role in protecting against mental decline and improving overall cognitive function.Adding these brain-boosting and stress-relieving foods to your diet is simple and enjoyable! Explore different ways to incorporate them into your meals and snacks. For instance, sprinkle blueberries and oranges over your morning cereal or yogurt. Enjoy dark chocolate squares in moderation as a delightful treat. Turmeric can be added to soups, stews, or even teas for a subtle flavor boost. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack, and broccoli can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Remember, a balanced diet rich in these power foods nourishes your body, mind, and emotional well-being.Senior Helpers Offers Nutrition Assistance and SupportNutrition is crucial in maintaining our overall health, particularly brain health and emotional stability. By making conscious dietary choices, we can manage our stress levels, enhance cognitive health, and regulate our emotions. Whether you are a senior aiming to boost brain function or a caregiver looking for stress management strategies, incorporating these brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods into your diet can be a game-changer.For those in Overland Park, Olathe, Johnson County, and Prairie Village needing assistance with senior care, a healthy diet, or stress management, contact us at Senior Helpers Overland Park. We proudly provide premium senior care services!
Everyone craves a little something sweet sometimes, but it may be a challenge to find a pleasurable snack thats also nourishing. Luckily, there are a variety of simple healthy foods that can offer a taste both you and your elderly loved one can enjoy. Try some of these sweet suggestions. 1. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Fruit can be a refreshing and sweet snack on its own, but pairing it with chocolate can add to the sweetness. You can buy chocolate dips that come in a ready-to-use liquid form that hardens when it dries or in a flaky, dry form that needs to be microwaved before dipping. Your loved one can dip whole strawberries or chunks of banana or pineapple into the chocolate and then let the shell harden before serving. Some seniors find it difficult to eat healthy because of health conditions or mobility issues. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Naples seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctors office, medication reminders, and much more. 2. Smoothies Smoothies can be a great choice for seniors who have difficulty chewing harder foods. Simply mix plain yogurt, milk, and your loved ones favorite fruits in a blender, then puree and serve cold. You may also want to check with your loved ones doctor to see if its okay to add a bit of protein powder for an extra nutritional kick. A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who needs a hand with preparing healthy treats and nutritious meals. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. 3. Peanut Butter & Jelly With the perfect balance of good taste, comfort, and nutritional value, this traditional sandwich is a classic for a reason. Grab some whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, and your loved ones favorite flavor of jelly, and this simple and sweet treat is ready. A thinly sliced banana in the sandwich can also be a healthy addition. 4. All-Natural Freezer Pops Your loved one can make homemade fruit pops with fresh juice and a mold or buy them already prepared in the freezer section of the local grocery store. For the best health benefits from store-bought pops, suggest those made of 100 percent fruit. To offer variety in your loved ones snack choices, puree watermelon chunks with lime juice or peach slices with apple juice. Limiting consumption of sweets is part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and some seniors need help when it comes to managing nutrition. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they dont all need the same type of in-home care. Naples families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.
Lely Palms Independent Living offers a variety of apartments (studio, 1 & 2 bedrooms) and 2 bedroom villas. Full Service rental plans are designed to simplify your lifestyle with many services included. General Rental plans allow you to customize the services you desire while not having to pay for those you don't need. No matter what plan you choose, you will be glad to call Lely Palms Retirement Community home.
Located on 28 acres of beautifully tropical landscaped property in Naples, Florida, Lely Palms Retirement Community offers independent living for persons ages 55 and over. Lely Palms also offers the only retirement villa rentals in Naples. Choose from an all-inclusive rental package, general rental, or trial stay with an array of floor plans including studios, alcoves, one and two bedroom apartments. Our rental community is designed for your active and healthy lifestyle.Independent Living Apartments and VillasFull-service rental plans for those looking to simplify their lifestyleGeneral rental plans to customize and add the services you desireOne of the few Naples area Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) with rental units
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