Green Tea Fights Influenza ( Flu ) Virus - Catechins EGCG and ECG - Flu Season

Green tea appears to have a myriad of health benefits according to many green tea studies.

Per a recent article on green tea, it seems that green tea can help fight off Influenza ( Flu ) virus:

“Green tea is produced from the leaves of the evergreen plant Camellia sinensis . The major active ingredients of green tea are polyphenolic compounds, known as catechins. Catechins of green tea leaves account for about 10% of dry ht, including (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (-)-epicatechin (EC), where EGCG accounts for approximately 50% of the total amounts of catechins in green tea.”

“Among the test compounds, the EGCG and ECG were found to be potent inhibitors of influenza virus replication...”

As always, I would consult your physician about your risk of the flu and how you should prepare yourself for the flu season.  Although I am convinced green tea has wonderful health benefits, I believe green tea is just one part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Green Tea Health Articles

 

posted on Saturday, October 29, 2005 6:45 PM

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