Tea helps in fight against aging

The USA Tea Council estimates the value of the American tea industry is $13 billion. That’s way, way up from 1990, when it was closer to $2 billion.

Research both domestic and international links teas to boosting brain and heart health, as well as myriad other benefits and overall well-being. Pure teas such as black, red, green, white, dark and oolong come packed with healthful flavonoids, antioxidants and more.

But that’s not why tea-lovers drink it. It’s more enigmatic than practical.

January is National Hot Tea Month.

All over Asia for millennia, tea has been endemic to culture. Beyond the morning brew it’s what families share together for a break in the day, or leaning back against lush cushions after the evening meal (one cup of red didn’t interfere with sleep). When I lived there, it was something briefly timeless to look forward to each day, when everything else stopped.

Tea is togetherness.

It’s the first thing served when a guest arrives, with a concomitant ritual of service and honor. Pretty little tea glasses with intricately carved metal holders. A lovely pot, a delicate sugar cube bowl, with a small plate of treats displayed on a special tray.

Tea welcomes.

In Britain, “I’ll put the kettle on” immediately follows bad news. See tears? Make tea. Tough day? More tea. Even if little is drunk, to the British a cuppa is soothingly symbolic.

Tea is comfort.

Wherever the tea drinker and whatever the habits, we all share this: Tea is an experience. A soothing, calming, renewing experience. Tea is uncomplicated; there are no digestive issues such as with syrups and additives in dolled-up, mega-buzzed coffee. There may be caffeine, but somehow, it’s gentler.

A 2017 study of 5,500 adults over 60 reported in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging found frequent oolong and black tea consumption improved anxiety, depression, pain and mobility.

A 2019 study in the Journal Aging suggested those with tea habits had better-functioning brains, compared to non-habitual tea drinkers. Tea may be linked to reducing age-related brain decline.

A 2019 review reported in Advances in Nutrition determined tea’s phytonutrients — linked to lower rates of heart disease — should be considered part of a healthy diet.

Just remember, to get these benefits, you need high-quality, pure teas. The typical grocery store stuff doesn’t cover it. (Try Calypsos Coffee Roasters or The Spice & Tea Exchange and don’t balk at the price; it’s still economical because a little loose-leaf goes a longer way and tastes infinitely better).

But again, while health benefits are great, that’s not why tea’s popularity has been surging.

Tea is contentment.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who became a morning coffee drinker out of marital love but keeps a cabinet full of teas. Ask about her teapots at Sholeh@cdapress.com.