12 Foods That Fight Delhi's Air Pollution From the Inside

9. Green Tea: Antioxidant Catechins with Respiratory Benefits

Green tea brings catechins—especially EGCG—that act as antioxidants and help reduce cellular damage from pollutants. Sipping warm green tea throughout the day also helps keep airways hydrated and may loosen mucus. For a culturally familiar option, blend green tea with tulsi leaves and a slice of ginger for a compound brew that captures both traditional wisdom and modern research. A cup mid-morning and another in the late afternoon are easy habits to replace sugary drinks. Choose brewed tea over sugary bottled options to get the most benefit. Decaffeinated green tea is an option for those sensitive to caffeine. Using green tea as a regular warm beverage is a small habit with consistent return: hydration, antioxidants, and routine comfort on bad air days.