A Natural Way to Prevent Colds and Viruses

Cold and flu season is just around the corner and its time to start thinking about how to prevent the common cold and other viral infections that are so common during the cooler weather. You probably already know that washing your hands frequently can help, but did you know that a common drink can help to reduce your incidence of the common cold, bacterial, and viral infections?

This drink that's so effective at preventing the common cold, flu, and bacterial infections is white tea. Studies have shown that white tea and its extracts are effective in killing certain types of bacterial infections as well as some viruses and can even slow progression of dental caries. When compared with the more commonly consumed green tea beverage, white tea won out in its efficacy against bacteria and viruses. White tea has even been shown to have antifungal properties.

The verdict is still out on how much white tea you need to drink in order to get the antiviral and antibacterial properties of this healthy beverage. Some studies are recommending consuming anywhere from 2-6 glasses of white tea per day. While this amount may seem difficult for many people to drink on a daily basis, it may not be as difficult as you think.

Why not brew a large pot of fresh white tea each morning when you get up and store it in the refrigerator to sip on throughout the day? White tea tends to have a mild flavor that's appreciated by most people who try it. If you want to add a bit more flavor, try adding a flavored coffee syrup or an extract or flavored powder to give your tea more appeal.

Be sure to avoid adding cow's milk to your white tea since the casein in cow's milk can bind to many of the healthy polyphenols and other beneficial substances that have an active effect against bacteria and viruses .A good milk substitute that still preserves the healthy properties is soy milk, almond milk, and rice milk which can give your tea a creamy, rich taste.

White tea is now available in most grocery stores in convenient tea bags. You can also usually buy loose, white tea leaves at your local natural food co-op or health food store. The natural food outlets usually carry organic white tea leaves which may help to reduce your exposure to harmful pesticides which are known to be sprayed on non organic tea leaves.

If you're worried about missing work during cold and flu season this year and want an effective way to prevent the common cold and other viruses, try adding some white tea to your daily diet. It's a healthy choice of beverage.