Are you a coffee or tea drinker? The refreshing aroma of coffee is one of my favorite childhood memories – and one I still enjoy to this day. My Mama was raised in a community of Finnish friends and relatives. Among the various aspects of Finnish culture that Mama enjoyed was the love of drinking coffee. I take after her in that way. I also love tea. Over the years, I have heard that coffee and tea are both very good for you, often followed by a contradictory article declaring they are very bad for you. I have followed the back-and-forth declarations. While some may say that the jury is still out, I continue to enjoy coffee in the morning (it used to be all day until I began to experience ‘wakefulness’ at night), and tea in the evening. My favorite blend is decaf Earl Grey and Chamomile.
by Kenny Eliason
Always the question is: who should we believe? Perhaps we need to wait for a more definitive study. Thankfully, there has of late, been more focus on the coffee question, bringing about more studies. As it turns out, the results are in: My coffee-drinking habits have finally been vindicated! Both beverages have many health benefits. They may help diminish the risk of dementia. Some of the leading medical facilities agree and have published articles that come out in favor of these drinks: Forbes Health, Johns Hopkins, The Mayo Clinic, and The Harvard School of Public Health.
Since I enjoy chamomile tea in the evening, I rejoiced to read a positive article about the benefits of chamomile posted by Medical News Today. I was also quite cheered to read the many articles that mention the protection factor coffee seems to add in decreasing the risk of dementia. The older I get; I find that reducing my own risk for dementia has become increasingly more important to me.
There are, (of course) a few downsides as well – primarily caffeine. Another thing to be aware of is filterless coffee – such as made in a French Press or an espresso. Coffee made without the paper filter filtering out the oils creates the potential for increased cholesterol levels. This is according to an article by Johns Hopkins:
“Unfiltered coffee contains diterpenes, compounds that can raise cholesterol, and researchers say a cup of unfiltered coffee contains 30 times more diterpenes than a cup of filtered coffee.”
Johns Hopkins
We have a French Press, and I love the taste of coffee made in it, but we typically use our drip machine for our morning coffee. Since we live in the south and experience frequent storms and occasional hurricanes, we are subject to losing power. When that happens, Wayne fires up the Colman Stove and heats water to use in our French Press to make coffee for us along with some of our neighbors. Now that I know about the need for a filter, I will pour my French Press-made coffee through a filter.
by Crystal Tubens
I truly enjoy my morning coffee while Wayne and I discuss the day’s plans and projects. In the evening, it is quite pleasant to put the kettle on and enjoy a delicious cup of my Earl Grey and Chamomile blend while we wind down from the day’s activities.
Another feature of coffee and tea is that they are woven into our society as a part of being hospitable. I almost always offer any guests either coffee or tea. My sister prefers her tea cold, so we have an iced tea maker that can easily and quickly produce a pitcher of iced tea. I also keep cold Berkey-filtered water in the fridge for those who don’t prefer either.
So, the bottom line is: If you, or those you care for want to enjoy a nice cup or two of coffee or tea, it’s fine and may even be beneficial to include it as part of your daily habit. I believe there are enough studies that conclude either of these delicious beverages will benefit our brains and satisfy our souls.
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “Finishing Well: Finding the Joy in Dementia“, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.