Enhanced immunity may be steeping in your cup of chamomile tea.
A recent study revealed that sipping chamomile tea increases blood levels of hippurate, an anti-inflammatory compound that may help ward off colds and other illnesses. For an extra boost of disease-fighting antioxidants, add a smidgen of honey to your steamy brew.
Drinking chamomile tea is associated with increased excretion of both hippurate and glycine, two compounds whose presence may be indicative of enhanced immune function. Additional studies have determined that chamomile tea helps ease menstrual cramps by acting as a muscle relaxant. Other ways to enhance your immunity include eating a diet high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, reducing stress, and incorporating moderate physical activity into your daily life.
RealAge Benefit: Protecting your immune system can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.
A metabonomic strategy for the detection of the metabolic effects of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) ingestion. Wang, Y., Tang, H., Nicholson, J. K., Hylands, P. J., Sampson, J., Holmes, E.,
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2005 Jan 26;53(2):191-196.
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