Green Tea Studied for Respiratory Tract Health

Green tea supports respiratory tract health in children, especially during the winter when immune function is challenged, according to a recently published study. Previous research indicates that green tea has potent antioxidant activity and supports immune function, cardiovascular health and blood sugar metabolism.

In this study, questionnaires were completed twice for 2,050 students between 6 and 13 years of age during the winter months from November 2008 to February 2009. The questionnaire evaluated upper respiratory symptoms in the children and intake of green tea.

The study showed that consumption of green tea for 6 days per week or more reduced the incidence of suboptimal upper respiratory health by 40 percent compared to the children that drank green tea less than 3 days per week. Furthermore, intake of 1-3 cups of green tea per day reduced the incidence of suboptimal upper respiratory health by 38 percent compared to drinking less than one cup of green tea per day. Additionally, drinking 3-5 cups of green tea per day reduced the incidence of suboptimal upper respiratory health by 46 percent compared to drinking less than one cup of green tea daily.

The researchers stated that this study suggests that the consumption of 1-5 cups per day of green tea may enhance upper respiratory health in children.

Reference:

Park M, Yamada H, Matsushita K, Kaji S, Goto T, Okada Y, Kosuge K, Kitagawa T. Green tea consumption is inversely associated with the incidence of influenza infection among schoolchildren in a tea plantation area of Japan. J Nutr. 2011 Oct;141(10):1862-70.