The Birches celebrates the brain-boosting benefits of tea
On March 26, The Birches Assisted Living's Encore neighborhood hosted a tea party for residents and associates to celebrate the brain-boosting benefits of tea.
Attendees were invited to try unique tea varieties like green tea wild blueberry, white tea, pomegranate tea and acai tea, all of which are known for their healthful properties.
"Blueberries, pomegranate, white tea and green teas are good for the brain, and they were super tasty," said Birches' Director of Encore and Memory Care Services Jackie Raschke. "This tea party has rejuvenated my taste for tea. It's a healthy drink choice, especially in the cool early spring weather."
Tea contains antioxidants known as flavonoids which help fight free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer and other health problems. Green tea is especially renowned for its high antioxidant content and its ability to ward off cancer, stroke and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It is also known to counteract oxidative stress on the brain.
According to Raschke, the Encore Tea Party was a great way to bring The Birches community together for conversation and some healthy, tasty tea. In addition to a wide selection of tea, each table was provided with appetizers, desserts and conversation cards to encourage lively interaction among attendees.
"We had conversation cards on the tables to help with socializing and getting to know each other better," said Raschke. "Everyone enjoyed it, and there was some nice conversation that took place."
The Encore Tea Party is just one in a series of brain-boosting food and drink programs Raschke will host in Encore this year. Other programs will include a red wine tasting, a dark chocolate fondue party and a brain-boosting summer smoothie party in Encore's backyard.
The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents' physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.