For cold and flu, think green
Added 23.09.2009
Green tea is rich in antioxidants
Used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, green tea is becoming a popular item in the Western hemisphere. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between green tea and cardiovascular health, oral health, weight loss, blood pressure control and mental decline. Now a study adds protection against cold and flu to the list.What makes green tea so healthy
Green tea is loaded with compounds called catechins, which act as antioxidants. All types of tea have catechins, but none come close to the amount found in green tea. What makes green tea special lies in the way it is processed; green tea leaves are steamed and not fermented so they conserve much of their catechin content. Black tea and oolong tea, on the other hand, consist of green tea leaves that have been oxidised by fermentation. As a result, the catechins are converted into other compounds during the process and lose much of their antioxidant properties.Green tea, in fact, contains four types of catechins: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC).
Green tea for cold and flu protection
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found green tea to be beneficial for cold and flu.The Scientific Study
Background information
118 healthy adults were followed for three months during the flu season. Participants were given either green tea extract capsules or placebo.
Results
The group receiving the green tea supplements had 32.1% fewer cold and flu symptoms compared to the placebo group. They also had 22.9% fewer overall illnesses of at least two days duration and 35.6% fewer symptom days than the placebo group. Participants taking green tea supplements also had a 28% increase in T cell function (a key indicator of immune system function).
References:
Rowe, C.A. & all. "Specific formulation of Camellia sinensis prevents cold and flu symptoms and enhances T cell function: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Vol. 26, 5. 2007.
Cabrera, C. & all. "Beneficial effects of green tea - a review." Journal of the American College of nutrition. Vol. 25, 2. 2006.
Cabrera, C. & all. "Beneficial effects of green tea - a review." Journal of the American College of nutrition. Vol. 25, 2. 2006.
