Cecily O'Connor
RedwoodAge.com

Boomers resolved to lose weight or improve their health in 2008 may want to consider a liquid diet. 

Tea, combined with proper diet and exercise, can be an effective way to improve health while staving off some effects of aging, nutritionists said. Tea helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers, according to the Tea Council of the U.S.A., citing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Tea may also support healthy brain functioning, a key concern among boomers fighting memory loss and hoping to avoid dementia as they age. 

"This is a time of year when a lot of people are making resolutions, and switching from coffee to tea is a great way to go," said Susan Machtinger, a nutrition consultant in Corte Madera, Calif., who says tea is a "wonderful alternative to coffee."

What's in Tea?
Machtinger noted that teas can be broken down into two categories. The first includes green, white and black teas, which come from the camellia sinensis plant. The other includes herbal teas, such as chamomile, mint or rooibos (a red tea). 

No matter the variety, the Tea Council is highlighting several health benefits of tea during January as part of National Hot Tea Month.

One big benefit relates to brain health, thanks to a substance in green, black, white and oolong tea varieties called theanine that actively alters the attention networks of the brain. Theanine, an amino acid, is known to affect the brain's neurotransmitters, and increases alpha brain-wave activity that results in a calm, yet alert, state of mind, said the council, citing data from City College of New York. Theanine may work together with caffeine to help induce a relaxed state that also allows the mind to focus and concentrate better at tasks.

Tea also carries benefits related to weight management. Some studies suggest that catechin-rich green tea may reduce body fat, and in particular visceral fat, possibly through increased resting energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease, chief health concerns among adults as they age, may be minimized by drinking tea, too. 

Meanwhile, tea flavonoids are thought to support cardiovascular health by providing antioxidants to help the body fight inflammation; supporting healthy blood cholesterol levels; and promoting healthy blood vessel function, thereby promoting healthy blood pressure, according to the council. 

Caffeine Concerns
While tea comes with a lot of nutritional positives, some individuals might want to exercise caution before bringing the teapot to boil. In general, most herbal teas are caffeine free, but the camellia varieties have different quantities. Black tea has approximately 40 milligrams of caffeine per cup, green tea has 20 and white tea, 10 to 15 mg, Machtinger said. There are about 100-175 milligrams in a cup of coffee, depending on the beans and how the drink was prepared.

That said, boomers with conditions that make them sensitive to caffeine, such as kidney, heart or digestive problems, might want to talk to their doctor. Tea drinkers with a sweet tooth should also be careful about sweeteners. 

"Pouring white sugar into tea is kind of counterproductive because white sugar is so bad for you," said Machtinger, who suggested alternatives such as Stevia extract or agave nectar that can be purchased at health food stores.