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(The News & Views articles are free for the public to browse.)
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Febuary 11, 2008 |
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TEA THEANINE HELPS BODY WARD OFF COLD
AND FLU VIRUSES IN STUDY
Have you ever thought you might come down with the flu or a cold but didn't? Probably
you encountered the virus but your immune system fought it off before you got sick.
An important first alert cell of the immune system is the gamma delta T cell. It
has also been called the Paul Revere cell because it spreads the message of imminent viral attack. But
these first alert cells often need to be primed in order to spread the message quickly to all parts of the
immune system. If the message is not distributed by these cells adequately, we are more likely to get sick.
According to a recent study published in Nutrition Reviews, theanine (also L-theanine)
of Camellia sinensis teas has the ability to prime these first alert cells. When theanine was given in
capsules along with other natural elements of tea, study participants were less likely to succumb to
cold or viral symptoms than individuals who did not receive theanine. Theanine apparently makes these
Paul Revere cells ride a little faster spreading the message throughout the immune system.
Will drinking tea keep us from getting a cold or the flu? We still don't know for sure but
the results of this study forward that possibility.
Copyright © 2008 Dr. Paul's School of Tea and Health, LLC. See Update #59N for more information.
Send requests for copying and distribution to drpaulstea@npgcable.com.
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