Netizen Inquiry: There’s news saying that Taiwanese black tea can fight the coronavirus. Is this true? Can drinking Taiwanese black tea really prevent COVID-19?
Chang Hsing’s Reply: This is based on research by Dr. Wu Ching-yuan, Associate Professor in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Tea contains a certain extract that can inhibit the proliferation of the coronavirus. Comparing various teas in the study, Taiwanese black tea showed the best results.
We are not medical professionals and cannot confirm whether Taiwanese black tea is genuinely effective in preventing COVID-19. According to news reports, it helps lower the risk of infection, but simply drinking Taiwanese black tea does not cure or prevent COVID-19. Besides getting vaccinated, the best epidemic prevention methods remain wearing a mask when going out, washing hands frequently, and maintaining social distancing.
We still recommend enjoying Taiwanese black tea simply as a beverage. Vaccination does not entirely guarantee immunity against infection, so until the pandemic is over, staying home and enjoying some tea is also a great way to get through it.