With flu season returning each winter, preparation is key. Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have shown in a study published in the journal Science that black tea and red wine can support your immune system. Flavonoids found in black tea, red wine, and blueberries help combat flu infections.
These flavonoids influence gut microbiomes, which in turn strengthen immunity. This prepares the body to resist infections more effectively. Consuming flavonoid-rich foods before flu exposure can temper its severity, particularly in the lungs. In experiments, flu-infected mice given flavonoids experienced less lung damage than untreated ones—damage that in humans can lead to complications like pneumonia. The researchers note it's too early for treatment claims; they haven't yet tested flavonoids on already ill patients for faster recovery. Still, enjoying a cup of black tea or a glass of red wine preventively may help fend off or mitigate flu effects. More research to come!
