COVID-19 has made us more aware of the importance of hygiene and finding ways to reduce the spread of the virus. Since the pandemic began in 2020, followed by multiple strains and waves of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the medical community has proposed many ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus. I've been doing it.
Similarly, new research suggests another treatment for COVID-19 as a new FLiRT variant of the disease spreads in the United States. It was revealed. A study published in Food and Environmental Virology investigated tea's potential to inactivate infectious SARS-CoV-2 in saliva. Here's a breakdown of the findings of this study explaining how tea can help in the fight against COVID-19.
research result
This study focused on how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, infects the oral mucosa (inner wall of the mouth) and is present in saliva. I guessed it. Traditionally, tea has been used in various cultures to treat respiratory illnesses. Researchers wanted to see if certain teas could quickly inactivate viruses in saliva.
Researchers tested 24 different types of tea. They prepared these teas as a decoction and mixed them with SARS-CoV-2 dissolved in water. The mixture was then briefly incubated at body temperature (37°C) to simulate conditions in the mouth.
Black tea is the most effective against coronavirus infection
They found that black tea, when prepared at a certain concentration (10 mg/mL infusion), showed the greatest reduction of infectious SARS-CoV-2 within just 10 seconds. Other teas also showed significant reductions in viral infectivity within the same period. These are:
- Green Tea
- mint medley
- eucalyptus mint
- raspberry ginger
Additionally, the researchers conducted tests to determine when tea is most effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Researchers found that adding tea to the virus during infection had the highest suppressive effect.
Also read: Reports say new coronavirus variant 'FLiRT' may evade immune defenses: Can vaccines stop this variant?
Tea polyphenols reduce the viral load of novel coronavirus infection
A study found that black tea's polyphenol content is what makes it effective against coronavirus infections. They found that the level of polyphenols in tea was associated with the amount of virus reduction. This suggests that certain compounds in tea may play a role in inactivating SARS-CoV-2. Other health benefits of polyphenols mentioned in the Journal of Food Biochemistry include:
- Antioxidant properties: Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that are associated with aging, inflammation, and diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Heart health: Polyphenols improve vascular function, reduce inflammation in the arteries, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Anti-inflammatory effect: Many polyphenols reduce inflammation throughout the body associated with a variety of health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cancer prevention: Some polyphenols may inhibit cancer cell proliferation, promote programmed cell death in cancer cells, and prevent tumor formation.
- Brain health: Certain polyphenols support brain function, improve cognitive performance, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
- Regulation of blood sugar levels: Polyphenols help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Skin health: Polyphenols protect against UV damage, promote collagen production, reduce skin inflammation, and help prevent premature aging and skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
- Digestive health: Some polyphenols have prebiotic effects that improve digestion, boost immune function, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
These findings suggest that certain teas, particularly black tea, may reduce the infectious load of SARS-CoV-2 in the oral cavity. This may also help protect the oral mucosa from infection. Although more research is needed to fully understand tea's effectiveness in fighting COVID-19, this study provides promising insights. Drinking tea or gargling with certain teas may reduce the presence of viruses in the mouth, making for a simple and accessible home intervention. However, it is important that you continue to follow official guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and practicing good hygiene.
