With vaccines for COVID-19 now being distributed worldwide, we begin to look inward at Sri Lanka as numbers continue to increase at a low incline, and we cannot help but wonder how?
Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 incident rates continue to be fairly lower than other nations when compared to the ratio of population to infected and death; as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic.
Theories surrounding Sri Lanka’s continued high health and recovery rate has been linked to the overall local diet and anti-viral properties of tea.
Sri Lankans habitually consume three [03] to four [04] cups of Ceylon Black Tea. Therefore, in addition to epidemic control measures and social distancing and hot local temperatures (between 26°C-32°C), the practice of drinking tea is widely considered to contribute to the low incidence of infected patients with coronavirus.
Several ongoing global studies are being undertaken to recognise the ‘antiviral’ agents which could treat patients affected by COVID 19. In fact several studies undertaken in different countries have demonstrated the potential benefits of Black & Green Tea consumption in controlling influenza and even the common cold generally caused by viral infections from the Coronavirus strain.\

How is this possible?

Tea Catechins have the ability to bind onto the surface of the influenza virus and inhibit the spread. A recently conducted research study from Taiwan where the chemical structure of 64 compounds had been bioinformatically modelled against SARS-CoV- 2.

The role of ‘Theaflavins’

It had been revealed that ‘Theaflavins’ could potentially inhibit a critical SARS-CoV- 2 enzyme, and thereby, theoretically inhibit COVID-19. Theaflavins are antioxidant polyphenols that are formed during enzymatic oxidation process (fermentation) in the manufacture of Black Tea. In contrast to Green Tea, Black Tea is rich in Theaflavins due to the manufacturing process. An alkaloid, found in tea is Theaflavins, a chemical shown to alleviate respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs making it easier to breathe.

Steaming with hot black tea

The TRI release has highlighted that, inhaling boiling water mixed with Black Tea can facilitate the clearing of the passages towards the lungs. The scientists at the Sri Lanka Tea Board Laboratory suggest that frequent consumption of hot black tea is capable of flushing viruses trapped in the throat area. This practice is believed to improve immune capacity and inhibit inflammation due to Catechins and Polyphenols contained in Black Tea.

Whilst Black Tea is neither considered a medically proven prophylaxis nor a treatment against COVID-19, it is being investigated for its possible antiviral benefits of Theaflavins against COVID-19.
The relevant scientific papers are available with the Sri Lanka Tea Board for any references.