Researchers discussed the antiviral properties of tea against SARS-CoV-2 several years ago. Specialists from the University of Georgia sought to determine which type of tea most effectively neutralizes the coronavirus in saliva.
American scientists tested 24 popular varieties of tea, reports Doctorpiter. The effect of the beverage on the virus level in saliva was studied in two scenarios — through internal consumption and through gargling. The results showed that five types of tea can suppress at least 96% of the virus in just 10 seconds of being in the mouth. According to the researchers, this effectiveness is related to the presence of special plant compounds in tea — polyphenols. All five varieties also demonstrated preventive action, although it was somewhat less pronounced. The results of the study were published in the journal Food and Environmental Virology.
Thus, here are the five types of tea highlighted by the authors of the study:
* raspberry zinger,
* eucalyptus mint,
* mint blend,
* green,
* black.
The most effective in combating the coronavirus was black tea: it almost completely destroyed the virus in saliva in 10 seconds, reducing its level by 99.9%.
“Our results demonstrate the possibility of rapid intervention at home (tea drinking or gargling) to reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in the oral cavity, which may also alleviate infection of the oral mucosa,” concluded the researchers.
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