Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Green tea has a long history of traditional use in East Asian cultures for general health and longevity, and it has often been consumed during times of illness, including colds. The primary constituents believed to be beneficial are polyphenolic compounds known as catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have demonstrated antioxidant and mild antiviral activity in laboratory settings. However, when it comes to the prevention of common colds in humans, scientific evidence remains limited. Some small clinical studies and observational data suggest that regular green tea consumption may slightly reduce the incidence or duration of upper respiratory tract infections, possibly due to its immune-modulating effects or direct antiviral properties. Nonetheless, these effects are generally modest, with inconsistent findings across studies, and most health organizations do not specifically recommend green tea or its antioxidants as a primary preventive measure against colds. Therefore, while green tea is traditionally used and there is some emerging but not robust scientific support, the practice is mainly rooted in historical use rather than strong scientific validation.

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