Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is
one of the most popular health beverages worldwide.
Green tea, which originated in China, is praised for its potential
antioxidant, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties.
More recently, it's been looked at for a possible role in managing
the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 illness. You may have heard that
drinking green tea prevents or cures the disease.
This article explains whether green tea affects COVID-19 and offers
some immune-boosting tips.
Does green tea prevent or cure COVID-19?
Green tea is rich in health-promoting polyphenols, such as
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has antiviral effects against
single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses like Zika, hepatitis C, influenza (flu),
dengue, and others.
Like these, the SARS-CoV-2 is an ssRNA virus. Thus, green tea
extracts continue to be investigated for their potential role in treating the
virus and managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Test-tube research shows that green tea extracts may combat the
SARS-CoV-2 virus by damaging the spike protein, preventing its entry into human
cells, and reducing the overall volume of the virus.
The use of EGCG to treat test tube cells was most effective during
the early stages of infection.
However, it's important to note that drinking green tea won't
prevent or cure COVID-19. Most studies show an effect using single green tea
extracts like EGCG in concentrated amounts much higher than what's found in
natural tea.
Furthermore, EGCG is poorly absorbed when consumed orally from
teas.
Nonetheless, after more human research and testing, green tea
extracts may have the potential to be used as a natural treatment for COVID-19.
Remember that getting vaccinated, maintaining physical distance,
and washing your hands frequently are the best ways to avoid severe illnesses
from COVID-19.
Are there benefits to drinking green tea if you have COVID-19?
Inflammation caused by a COVID-19 infection has been linked to
symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and achy joints.
Green tea may have anti-inflammatory properties. It's been shown
to reduce the COVID-19 virus's damaging inflammation, potentially relieving
these symptoms.
Although this effect has only been observed in test-tube studies,
the EGCG found in green tea may also shorten infection periods by suppressing
viral activity. Before we can draw any conclusions, we need to conduct human
research.
Green tea is also a source of other immune-supportive nutrients
like zinc, iron, and selenium — albeit in small amounts.
Regardless, you could find that having a warm cup of green tea
while suffering from COVID-19 is simply soothing.
Green tea and immune health
The following immune-boosting micronutrients are found in tiny
concentrations in green tea:
- Zinc: may reduce harmful reactive oxygen species caused by infections
- Selenium: stimulates the immune system to combat infections
- Copper: enhances the activity of the body's natural killer cells
- Vitamin B2: enhances antibody function against viral infections
- Vitamin B12: increases the production of immune cells
Nutrient deficiencies impair immune health. For instance, research
suggests that selenium deficiency may contribute to more severe illness from
COVID-19.
Green tea infusions — made by steeping dried green tea leaves or a
teabag in hot water — contain varying levels of these micronutrients, depending
on the soil's quality.
Overall, concentrations of micronutrients in green tea appear low.
Immune-boosting tips
Green tea contains only tiny amounts of immune-boosting
micronutrients. To improve your overall immune health, drink infused green tea
and follow these tips:
- Increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods, especially fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly (unless you're currently sick)
- Avoid smoking since it weakens the immune system.
- To prevent viral spread, practice handwashing and hand hygiene with sanitizers.
- Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night, as poor sleep may impair immune health
The bottom line
Green tea is a popular beverage often marketed as a health
beverage. Some claims may hold: it has proven antiviral effects against
single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses like Zika, hepatitis C, influenza, and
dengue.
Green tea's possible role in combating SARS-CoV-2 is still being
researched, but it hasn't been proven to prevent or cure COVID-19.
To improve your immune health, eat more fruits and vegetables,
often exercise, avoid smoking, wash your hands regularly, and obtain 7-9 hours
of sleep per night.
Vaccination against COVID-19, in conjunction with physical distancing and masking when appropriate, remains the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness.