An afternoon tea party was held in the lower lounge of the Methuen Senior Activity Center hosted by Activities Coordinator Johanna Cordon and Robin Putnam from the Giving Tree in Dracut.
The tables were set for the 40 attendees with elegant fine-china teacups and saucers. A china teapot with flowers served as table centerpieces.
Several types of tea were available for seniors to try including green tea with lemon, black tea, chai tea and many more. Also available were different types of cookies and treats.
Putnam gave a brief presentation on the benefits of drinking tea.
“Tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which offers significant health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced cholesterol, enhanced metabolism and better blood sugar regulation. Drinking two to three cups daily is associated with a lower risk of stroke, heart disease and chronic diseases like diabetes.”
Polyphenols, primarily found in green and black tea, are potent antioxidant compounds accounting for 18%-38% of the dry weight of tea leaves. These compounds, especially Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), protect cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular issues.
Here are the key health benefits of tea. • Heart health: Regular tea consumption (especially green tea) can lower LDL cholesterol and improve cardiovascular function. • Mental alertness: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea enhances focus, cognitive function and mental alertness without the sharp jittery side effects of coffee. • Weight management: Green tea catechins and caffeine may support metabolism and fat oxidation. • Reduced disease risk: High polyphenol content supports immune health and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers including oral, lung and prostate cancers. • Blood-sugar management: Black tea can reduce blood sugar levels, assisting in diabetes management. • Hydration: Tea provides a calorie-free, hydrating beverage option.
The first Afternoon Tea was a huge success for the 40 seniors who attended. It was an informative event as many did not know the wonderful benefits of drinking tea.
With teacups in hand, these ladies are ready to choose a tea to try along with a cookie treat.
