Is green tea good for a cold? 🤧
This is a question we are frequently asked on this blog, so we thought we would make a whole article about it! In this article, we are going to answer the question is green tea good for colds and then we are going to explore why does green tea help with colds, taking a look at all the different benefits of green tea for colds.
Let’s get started! 👇
Is green tea good for a cold?
So right off the bat, is green tea good for a cold?
The answer is yes 🎉
There are two main reasons that explain why is green tea good for colds.
First, green tea can strengthen the immune system, which prevents the onset of colds, and can reduce the time of recovery.
Secondarily, there are aspects of green tea that can help to lessen cold and flu symptoms.
In the next section, we are going to explore does green tea help with colds, taking an in-depth look at the benefits of drinking green tea for colds.
Why does green tea help with colds
So now that we have answered the question is green tea good for a cold, let’s go through a few reasons that might explain why does green tea help with colds. Here we are going to be focusing on why you should drink green tea when you have a cold.
By the way, if you are more interested in the general health benefits of tea, we have the perfect article for you 👉 Is green tea good for you? A Tea Expert Weighs in
Hydration
Staying well-hydrated is important when you have a cold. Green tea, when consumed hot, provides soothing hydration that can help alleviate throat discomfort and keep you hydrated. Even this alone can be a good reason to drink green tea for colds.
Antioxidants
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and polyphenols, which have immune-boosting properties. These antioxidants may help support your body's natural defense mechanisms during a cold.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea may help reduce inflammation in the throat and respiratory system, providing relief from symptoms like a sore throat or congestion. This is one of the main reasons why you should drink green tea for colds.
Warmth and Comfort
It sounds a bit silly, but one of the the reasons why is green tea good for a cold simply has to do with the fact that it is warm. The warmth of green tea can provide comfort and a soothing effect, making it a comforting beverage when you're not feeling well.
This can help to relax the muscles in the throat and increase blood flow. One of the worst symptoms of a cold is the sore throat, and if you want to learn more about how green tea can help, we suggest you read this article 👉 Is green tea good for sore throat? Tea Expert Explains
Mild Caffeine Content
Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, providing a gentle energy boost without the potential overstimulation that high-caffeine beverages might cause during illness.
Drinking green tea for colds onset and duration
There are other benefits of drinking green tea for colds, particularly when it comes to improving your immune system. This will make it less likely that you get a cold, and it can also lessen the duration of your cold.
Antioxidant Properties
One of the most cited reasons for why is green tea good for a cold has to do with the antioxidants. Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have been shown to neutralize free radicals.
Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, and by reducing their impact, green tea may help support overall immune health. We have a great section on antioxidant properties in our guide 👉 Green Tea Benefits and Why You Should Drink it Everyday
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea may help modulate the inflammatory response, potentially supporting a healthy immune system.
Enhanced Immune Response
Another reason for drinking green tea for colds has to do with improving your bodies immune response. Some studies suggest that green tea may enhance the production of certain immune cells and improve their activity. This could contribute to a more robust defense against pathogens.
Protection Against Viral Infections
Green tea has been studied for its potential antiviral properties. While it is not a cure for viral infections, the compounds in green tea may have inhibitory effects on certain viruses, which could be beneficial for the immune system.
Improved Gut Health
The gut plays a significant role in immune function, and green tea may have positive effects on gut health. This could indirectly contribute to a well-functioning immune system and a good reason to drink green tea for colds.
By the way, if you want to improve your gut health, we have the perfect guide for you 👉 Elevate Your Gut Health with Homemade Matcha Kombucha
The best green tea for colds
So now that we have established why is green tea good for a cold, let’s talk about the best green tea for colds. Here is a list of some of our favorites, and why they might help you when you have a cold.
Matcha
When people are asking is green tea good for colds, one of the first teas we will point them to is matcha. What makes matcha powder unique is that it is directly mixed into water, allowing you to consume the entire leaf along with all its health benefits.
With every sip of this delightful tea, you get an abundance of catechins and polyphenols. Matcha has far more benefits than just cold and flu prevention, and if you want to learn all about it we have the perfect article for you 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Bancha
Made from the older leaves of the tea plant, bancha is an excellent choice for people that love tea and hate colds. With higher mineral content and lower caffeine levels, it serves as the perfect tea for the afternoon or evening.
If you're dealing with a sore throat and struggling with sleep, this low-caffeine green tea provides a warm and soothing option without causing disruptions through the night.
Sencha
As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons for why does green tea help with colds has to do with the antioxidant or catechin content. Sencha, being a green tea predominantly grown in the sun, is rich in catechins.
When the tea plant is exposed to sunlight, it undergoes a conversion process, turning theanine into catechins, which can effectively alleviate symptoms associated with a cold.
Is green tea good for colds in the evening time?
Is green tea good for colds even if you are drinking it in the evening time? The answer is actually no. While it is much lower in caffeine compared to coffee, green tea still does contain a significant level of caffeine.
If you’re not careful and drink it too late in the day, it may keep you up at night. Sleep is so important especially when you have a cold so we recommend drinking green tea during the day and a caffeine free herbal infusion at night to help soothe the throat.
If you want to learn about a low caffeine tea you can drink in the evening, you can read this article 👉 When to Drink Genmaicha If You’re Sensitive to Caffeine
Is green tea good for a cold? The Final Verdict
So is green tea good for a cold? It would appear so!
Not only is green tea good for colds if you already have one, it also might help prevent you from getting one in the future!
Green tea can help improve the immune system, comfort the throat and even help to reduce inflammation.
All of these factors can be reasons to drink green tea for colds.
Just make sure you are drinking it in the morning and the day time and not at night.
We hope you have a speedy recovery and are back to 100% as soon as possible!
