2 minute read
healthy family
teas for immunity
As the days start to get colder, we naturally seek out the warmth and comfort of hot beverages. Did you know that in addition to reducing stress, taking time for tea breaks could help boost your immunity?
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Here are some brews to consider this cold and flu season.
Green tea
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is a naturally healthy substance, thanks to its high level of polyphenols. These antioxidants possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities and stimulate immune function.
Catechins make up one type of polyphenol antioxidants found in green tea, the most powerful being EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3-gallate. This extract inhibits certain viruses, including influenza A virus H1N1. Matcha is a more potent type of green tea. One serving has 10 times the nutritional value of regular green tea.
Healing herbs
Herbal teas, known for their medicinal properties, are not true teas, but rather infusions of herbs or plants other than Camellia sinensis. Some varieties have been shown to support immune function, including echinacea and elderberry teas.
Research has found that echinacea increases interferon production, which is one way the body fights viral infections. Interferons are proteins that “interfere” with viruses; they basically alert the immune system to notice cancer cells or germs in the body and trigger killer immune cells to fight them.
Echinacea is often found paired with elderberry. Both herbs have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, making them popular for strengthening the immune system and treating the symptoms of colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. ●
SELECTED SOURCES “AICR’s foods that fight cancer,” American Institute for Cancer Research, www.AICR.org • “Biological activities of selected polyphenol-rich fruits related to immunity . . .” by P. Denev et al., Food Chemistry • “Consumption of polyphenol plants may slow aging and associated diseases” by U. Uysal et al., Current Pharmaceutical Designs • “EGCG . . . against influenza A virus H1N1 . . .” by Q. Mou et al., Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 10/20 • “Green tea catechins: Defensive role in cardiovascular disorders” by P. Bhardwaj and D. Khanna, Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines • “A review of the antiviral role of green tea catechins” by J. Xu et al., Molecules, 8/17
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