Research has revealed many benefits to ingesting green tea. In this article I will discuss the benefits of green tea in cancer treatment and prevention.
Cancer In General
Population based studies have found decreased rates of cancer in regions where green tea is commonly consumed. It cannot be proved that injesting tea is causing the decreased cancer rates, but it does indicate that it may play a role.
Breast Cancer
Animal studies have found some indication that polyphenols in green tea slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells. A study of almost 500 woman showed that woman who consumed the greatest amounts of tea had the lowest rates of breast cancer. Also, woman who drank 5 or more cups per day before being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer were less likely to have a return of cancer after treatment.
Colorectal Cancer
A Chinese study found that woman who drank green tea on a regular basis had a 37% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Lung Cancer
Cell and animal based studies have hinted that polyphenols may control the growth of lung cancer cells, and even cause cell death. Further human based research is needed.
Bladder Cancer
One study showed that woman who were regular tea drinkers had decreased rates of bladder cancer. A follow-up to the aforementioned study showed that tea drinkers who developed cancer had a substantially better 5 year survival rate. A different study showed that compounds in green tea caused cancer cells to grow in tighter formations, limiting the dispersion of cancer and making it easier to treat.
Ovarian Cancer
A study of ovarian cancer patients in China discovered that patients who drank the greatest amounts of green tea survived the longest. A different study in Sweden learned that even small amounts of tea, a cup or less per day, decreased ovarian cancer risk.
Esophageal Cancer
Research into green tea's effect on esophageal cancer have been mixed. Some have shown benefit, and others have shown increased risk of cancer with tea consumption. Drinking very hot beverages has been shown to raise rates of mouth and esophageal cancer. The high tempurature can damage cells, and elevated cell damage increases the risk of cancer. It's advised to let your tea cool to a sensible tempurature before drinking.
Pancreatic Cancer
Population based studies have found a lower risk of pancreatic cancer in individuals who often drink green tea. This was particularly true in woman, who had a 50% reduction in cancer rates. Men had a 37% decrease.
Prostate Cancer
Cell based studies have demonstrated that green tea extract prevents prostate cancer growth. Human based studies have demonstrated reduced cancer risk in individuals who drink tea on a regular basis. One study discovered an 86% decrease in prostate cancer in men who drank the most tea. Another showed that EGCG, a polyhenol, reduced PSA levels. PSA is marker of prostate cancer risk.
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