With the change in weather and the pandemic, we have all been extremely cautious and concerned about our immunity. The winter arriving soon bringing the flu season doesn’t seem to be doing good to those of us who dread it. But there is no need for us to live off the cold medicine for the next few months as there are many remedies that you can easily find that will help you boost your immunity and keep you healthy.
Immunity is considered to be the ability of our bodies to fight off toxins and pathogens. For this to occur our diet needs to consist of immunity boosting foods and healing drinks. And one of these is tea.
Tea has been around for a really long time across Asia owing to their natural health benefits. It was given to India by the British when they were transporting it from China to England through the Silk Route. The chinese initially consumed it religiously for health and medicinal purposes.
Numerous studies have shown that a variety of teas can have positive benefits without any side effects. Some brews may have better results but regular consumption of tea is considered to have many positive benefits. For some, tea is a quintessential part of their lives and for the right reasons!
Many researches have shown that drinking tea for 2 months can increase the body’s natural killer cell activity, and regular consumption can enhance immunity, especially in those who suffer from recurring colds and flu. Furthermore, a substance called L-theanine is found in tea that is broken down in the liver to ethylamine, a molecule that instigates the response of an immune system element called the gamma-delta T cell. These T cells are the first line of defense against many types of bacteria, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. It has also been linked to lower heart disease and cancer risk. Other studies have linked tea to helping combat osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, and to relieving some allergy symptoms.
Some teas and their benefits are:
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Green Tea
Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. It also helps in strengthening brain function and increases metabolism. The human body does produce its own antioxidants but they are often not enough to ward off ailments like cold and cough. That’s when external substances like the readily available green tea proves great. Studies have shown that it has great antimicrobial properties that stop the growth of bacteria and viruses. It has become quite popular among the fitness community but in Asian countries, it has been a traditional beverage for thousands of years.
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Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile is a rich source of phenolics and antioxidants. It helps in strengthening your immune system and protecting your body from harmful pathogens and infections associated with cold. Further chamomile is known for its calming, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apigenin, a flavonoid found in the tea, provides relaxation and promotes healthy sleep patterns. Sufficient sleep is necessary for building an effective immune system. A cup of this tea is best had an hour before bedtime.
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Turmeric Tea:
Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It’s superabundance of antioxidants also boosts immunity. Its main component circumin also demonstrates strong disease-preventing potential and effectiveness for colds and flu. By adding lemon juice and honey to turmeric tea not only enhances the flavour but also adds essential vitamin c to the tea.
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Masala Chai:
The mighty Indian masala chai with black cardamom, ajwain, clove, black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon will keep your immune system strong and ready to fight the pathogens. All these spices are known for various health benefits. Apart from having antimicrobial effects, these spices are also known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The takeaway is that tea is a great fit in creating a healthy lifestyle and to conclude tea might have become a necessity now, but it is still not any less of medicine for our body. It is full of antioxidants, and only has good effects on the body for those who are tea people.
