The Science Behind Drinking Tea To Boost Your Immune System

We have all heard drinking tea will help our immune system during the cold months of the year…but what do we need to know?

Both herbal tea and caffeinated alternatives have the amino acid responsible for our boosting our body’s immune system, specifically L-theanine. Drinking tea primes our immune system by teaching disease-fighter immune cells to recognize and remember alkylamines, which strengthen your immune system.

How does herbal tea support health and well-being?

The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in herbal teas have shown to provide both short and long term health benefits.  These teas can be a great alternative to sugary drinks and provide great taste and a natural boost throughout your day.  Five specific benefits of herbal teas include:

1. Improves Digestion
2. Boosts Immune System
3. Treats Cold and Flu Symptoms
4. Reduces Inflammation
5. Relieve Stress and Anxiety

How do black teas help me stay healthy during cold months?

According to the Journal of Nutrition published in the May 13, 2003 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that participants who drank 20 ounces (the equivalent of approximately three cups) of black tea per day produced five times the amount of certain germ-fighting immune cells as those who drank the same amount of coffee. Researchers predict that these findings suggest that tea drinkers may have a better chance of fighting off an infection than non-tea drinkers because of this increased immune response, though further research will be needed to confirm their predictions.

In addition to this research, volumes have been published about the potential health benefits of tea, which contains flavonoids, substances that may act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage in the body and help maintain healthy cells and tissues. A multitude of research studies point to drinking tea as a way to promote health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Keep our immune system healthy and grab a yourself a cup of tea or two or three…

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