Since writing the above two articles I have read that green tea is also a good potential source of flavonoids. 1 One cup of green tea provides between 80 mg and 110 mg of polyphenols, most of which are flavonoids. As a conservative estimate, one would probably be safe in assuming that 3 cups of green tea would provide at least 200 mg of flavonoids. It is estimated that people in Japan drink about 3 cups of green tea per day. Green tea and black tea come from the same plant.
Black tea is made by allowing the leaves to oxidize.
This destroys the flavonoids. Green tea goes through a steaming step early in its processing cycle which destroys the enzymes which oxidize the leaves. Hence, the potential benefits for MS patients come from green tea only, not from black tea. Ginger is another herb with very strong anti-oxidant qualities. The anti-oxidant properties of Ginger may be of some value in BBB strengthening.