In this difficult situation that the whole world is experiencing, it is more necessary than ever to nourish our body with food and drinks that help us strengthen our immune system, in order to fight viruses and bacteria and, if we do contract them, attack them more efficiently.

That's why I set out to investigate further what ingredients we have in our teas and herbal teas that can help you achieve this.

CAMELLIA SINENSIS (TEA)

First of all, there is our beloved plant, the “camellia sinensis” from which all the colors of tea come (white, green, ulong, yellow, black and pu erh).

This plant has been studied for many years and it has been found that people who drink tea “transform” the T cells of their immune system into stronger and healthier cells that increase the production of interferon* which translates into a better response in the fight against diseases and infections.

A study by Harvard University revealed that if you drink 6 cups of tea a day for 4 weeks, your immune system reacts 5 times better to fight bacteria than those who drink coffee or nothing. The tea seems to have helped produce Gamma interferon.

They found that L-theanine** was broken down in the liver to ethylamine, a molecule that primes the response of an element of the immune system called the Gamma-Delta T cell.

Another study from Yale University has noted the “Asian paradox,” referring to the fact that Asians smoke a lot and yet are the population with the lowest incidence of coronary heart disease and cancer. It is believed that this is because most of them consume at least 1 liter of tea a day, and that thanks to its polyphenols (catechins, especially EGCG) it prevents the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) which plays an important role in the pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis. The study also showed that EGCG can improve gastrointestinal function, alcohol metabolism, improve kidney, liver, and pancreas functions, protect the skin, eyes, and relieve arthritis. Tea has been used to prevent and manage allergies, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections, cavities, reduce or cure diseases that include inflammation, and improve neurological and physiological health.

You may be wondering which tea to drink (of the 6 existing colors). In this regard, my recommendation would be:

1) Matcha in the morning (remember that this is the only tea whose leaves you “eat” and therefore you consume 100% of its benefits). Or Yin Zhen, the white tea that is just buds.

2) Black or green tea in the afternoon.

3) White tea at night (note: you must consume quality Pai Mu Tan white tea, or any flavoured tea since Yin Zhen contains a lot of theine).

Remember to drink the tea that you like and that makes you happy! You can add some sweetener, milk, lemon or whatever you like as long as you drink tea!

Take a moment to prepare your tea calmly and in full awareness of what you are doing. Observe its color and shapes, inhale its aromas, prepare it with the right water and wait the necessary time while you watch how the leaves of this magical plant unfold. This will help you to bring you peace and you will vibrate higher. Joy, gratitude and love help us to reach these high vibrations that strengthen our immune system.

* Interferon was discovered in 1957 and is a naturally occurring protein that helps the immune system fight infections and other diseases such as cancer. Interferons are made by white blood cells and other cells in the body, but they are also produced in the laboratory for use in treating different diseases. In the treatment of cancer, interferons may help stop cells from multiplying and kill cancer cells. There are 3 main types of interferons: alpha, beta and gamma.

**Psychoactive amino acid present in large quantities in tea, especially in matcha.