Childhood Influenza Green Tea Research

A new study has examined the relationship between childhood influenza in Japan and drinking green tea.

Researchers surveyed 2663 children, age 6 to 13 years old, in elementary schools in Kikugawa City, Japan, for daily green tea drinking habits. The response rate was 2050 completed surveys between November 2008 and February 2009.

The incidence of childhood influenza (seasonal type A) was confirmed by an antigen test.

6 cups of green tea daily

They found that

• those children drinking green tea 6 days a week showed a 40% reduction in flu, compared to those drinking green tea only 3 days a week,

• those drinking 1-5 cups daily showed up to 46% reduction in flu,

• and, there was no further benefit with more than 5 cups daily (Park M et al, Green tea consumption is inversely associated with the incidence of influenza infection among schoolchildren in a tea plantation area of Japan, J Nutr, August 2011).

Previous research on drinking tea and flu prevention shows benefits in geriatric nursing homes, possible improvements in vaccine effectiveness, strong antiviral action, and interference with swine flu virus.

Children are vulnerable to influenza viral infections, and vaccination programs are recommended for prevention.

Common sense protection

Additional sanitary procedures like washing hands with soap and water, as well as confinement during illnesses will help.

In the United States, the CDC tracks the incidence of childhood influenza in all states on a weekly basis, as well as for all age groups.

Hand Washing
Buy This at Allposters.com

Green tea varieties: Dragon Well | Mao Feng | Matcha | Gunpowder Green | Pi Lo Chun | Gyokuro | Lu Shan Yun Wu | Japanese Sencha | Lu An Melon Seed | Jasmine | Blooming Tea | Chun Mee | All Flavored | Organically Grown | Premium Estates

Where To Buy Tea: Resources and Marketplace