Photo: Iuliia Bondar/Getty Images After a long day, a cup of tea might be all you need to feel at peace with the world. And it’s not just the calm and relaxation most teas bring that can make you feel immediately better—many teas are also packed with immunity-boosting properties. “Herbal teas are known for being packed with rich vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols, and several other compounds which can help support immune cell function,” explains Christen Kaplan, certified holistic nutritionist. “Not only that, but tea can also promote overall hydration and gut health, which are essential for maintaining a strong immune system .”
Read on for a nutritionist-approved list of immunity-boosting teas that can help protect you against illness and improve your overall well-being. Christen Kaplan is a certified holistic nutritionist and the CEO of Love a Wholistic Life
Rachael Miller is a nutritionist, herbalist, and the founder of Zhi Herbals
What Immunity-Boosting Properties Are Found in Tea?
“The first line of defense for your immune system is the presence of physical barriers, such as your skin and the mucosal lining in your nose, throat, and digestive tract,” says Rachael Miller, nutritionist and herbalist. “When you are adequately hydrated , your body can produce a strong physical barrier to prevent foreign bacteria and viruses from entering your body.” Tea can help with that hydration. Furthermore, teas are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that can offer some extra immunity-boosting benefits.
Teas also carry compounds like antioxidants, polyphenols, catechins, flavonoids, and tannins that can help reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, Kaplan explains. “EGCG [epigallocatechin gallate] found in green tea has been shown to enhance immune response and help combat pathogens,” she says. “Caffeine found in green tea and black tea can enhance alertness and theanine, an amino acid, may enhance the production of immune cells.” With that, let’s dive into some fan-favorite immunity-boosting teas that you’ll want to sip all day long. Moringa
Native to India, moringa tea blends earthy flavors to create a similar profile as green tea. "Being able to […]
5 Immunity-Boosting Teas You’ll Want to Sip All Day Long, According to Nutritionists
