Green tea contains antiviral components that can prevent flu infection. A recent study examined the association between green tea consumption and the incidence of influenza among schoolchildren.
More than 2000 elementary school pupils were given anonymous questionnaires about their tea consumption and illness during influenza season. The results showed that drinking green tea, up to a certain amount, was associated with a lower rater of infection.
According to the article, as reprinted on the website Green Med Info:
“However, there was no significant association with the consumption of [more than] 5 cups [per day]. Our findings thus suggest that the consumption of 1-5 cups [per day] of green tea may prevent influenza infection in children.”