Black tea helps support immune system, study shows

NEW YORK Black tea may be effective in boosting the body’s immune system, the Tea Council of the USA announced Monday, citing resent research.

According to published research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University, theanine, an ingredient found naturally in tea, helps boost the immune system. One cup of tea contains on average at least 20 mg of theanine. Drinking five cups of black tea a day in as little as two weeks boosted the body’s immune defense system by four times, according to the results of a human clinical trial.

Tea also contains flavonoids, which are naturally occurring compounds known for their antioxidant properties, the Council stated.