National Hot Tea Month: why do we like tea so much?
January is National Hot Tea Month, and there is nothing better than a good cup of tea. It’s one of life’s small pleasures, and it’s a daily routine for many, including for us at Birchwood House!
Tea is also rooted in long-standing tradition and cultural significance. Legend says that tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung all the way back in 2732 BC, when leaves from a wild tree accidentally blew into his pot of boiling water. Tea came to Europe in the early 1600s, and we’ve been drinking it ever since.
Tea is also the world’s second most popular drink, after water. And why do we drink it so much? The obvious answer is because we love it, but there’s many benefits to our teatime.
To celebrate National Hot Tea Month, here are some of our favourite reasons why we drink it!
Hydration for older adults
Yes, tea tastes great, but it’s also important for hydration. This is particularly true for older adults, as our sense of thirst gradually decreases as we age. By the time an older person starts to feel thirsty, they can already be dehydrated. Encouraging a cup of tea is a great way to boost fluid intake in a calm, gentle setting.
There are also a range of health benefits, depending on the tea. English breakfast tea is a firm favourite at Birchwood House, and research suggest the antioxidants can reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Tea contains lower levels of caffeine compared to coffee, which can help improve alertness without the feeling of restlessness. The high levels of antioxidants slow the absorption of the caffeine, meaning there’s a calmer, slower burn of energy.
Caffeine-free options include herbal teas, like hibiscus, chamomile and peppermint. Chamomile is known to be anti-inflammatory and good for immune system support, whilst hibiscus offers antiviral and cardiovascular benefits.
A time for comfort
In these cold wintry days, a hot cup of tea can be an excellent mood booster. It’s something to be sipped slowly, offering a moment to relax and take a break in a busy day. The warmth raises body temperature, which can relax our muscles, signalling to our brain this feeling of comfort and cosiness. Because of this, tea’s often been linked to a feeling of safety, and people use it as an opportunity to unwind and de-stress.
Regular teatime can be comforting by combining routine with predictability, which is particularly helpful for older adults and their emotional wellbeing. It gives the day an easy structure, and a set time for relaxation can reduce anxiety and give a sense of stability.
Moments for connection
Sometimes, the best cups of tea are the ones we share with other people. Teatime has long been viewed as a chance for social interaction, whether that’s a catch up with a friend, or a cosy afternoon with a loved one. Our coffee clubs and teatimes allow our residents to chat and reflect with one another. Some teas can be linked to certain experiences and feelings of nostalgia, so we use this time to encourage conversations and a trip down memory lane.
Another way for connecting with tea can be in cooking and baking. There are all sorts of options available, and you can even use tea in soups, scones and desserts. Trying a new recipe is a great way to learn more about the different flavours and add some variety to your teatime. We love making drinks and baking tea-infused treats, and we love exploring the tea culture from different countries around the world.
Whatever your drink of choice, we’ve got you covered. At Birchwood House, our Teatime and coffee mornings go beyond the basics. We’ll always encourage our residents to try new drinks, experience new flavours, and make new memories over a good cuppa. Get in touch to find out more.
