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GREEN TEA AND BACTERIA/VIRUSES
Bacteria and viruses are invisible to the naked eye, but they’re
virtually everywhere. And although many of these small one-celled
organisms are harmless, others can cause raging infections that can kill
a person in a matter of days. Both bacteria and viruses can be
transmitted in many ways – through unwashed hands, spoiled food, the
exchange of bodily fluids, the touching of a contaminated surface, or a
cough or a sneeze.
The immune system is supposed to destroy these pathogens or at least
keep them under control. But sometimes it’s simply too overworked to do
so, or is unable to get the job done even when operating at full steam.
Fortunately, green tea comes equipped with its very own antibacterial
and antiviral capabilities, most likely to defend itself against
invading insects, bacteria, fungi and viruses. And it can be powerful!
Studies have shown that tea catechins can fight or even destroy the
bacteria that cause cholera, pneumonia, abscesses, botulism, dysentery
and food poisoning, as well as those that cause cavities and bad breath.
As for viruses, the catechins can inhibit the action of the flu virus,
herpes simplex, polio and HIV, among others.
Just by drinking green tea you may be able to “borrow” some of the
incredible disease-fighting prowess of the tea leaf. And it doesn’t take
a gallon of tea to do this. One study found that the amount of catechins
in just one cup of tea was 2-3 times greater than that needed to kill
the bacteria that cause cholera.1
But you don't need to worry that green tea will disturb the
"friendly" bacteria in your digestive tract. On the contrary, it
promotes them!
KEY HUMAN STUDIES
- 1)
Green Tea Extract Fights Papilloma Virus
2) Inhalation of Catechin
Solution Fights MRSA
3) Gargling With Catechin
Solution Fights Flu
KEY LABORATORY STUDIES
- 1) Tea
Polyphenols Destroy "Unfriendly" But Spare "Friendly" Intestinal Bacteria
- 2) Green Tea's EGCg May Help Fight HIV
- 3) Green Tea Extracts Combat Root
Canal Bacteria
- 4) Green Tea Suppresses the Growth of Cavity-Causing Bacteria
5) Green Tea Polyphenols Fight Bacteria That Cause Periodontal Disease
Footnote:
1Toda
M, Okubo S, Ikigai H, et al. The protective activity of tea catechins
against experimental infection by Vibrio cholerae O1.
Microbiol Immunol 1992;36(9):999-1001.
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Nadine Taylor, M.S., R.D. presents
GreenTeaLibrary.com,
the most comprehensive collection of scientific information
describing the health benefits of green tea. |
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