Cancer and Green Tea
Will Taking Green Tea Protect Against Cancer?
Cancer is a scary word. Many people do not realize that there are things that can be added to your everyday diet to prevent cancer and stall the development of cancer.
One of these is green tea, which contains a potent antioxidant that can stop cancer cells from reproducing. It neutralizes mutations within the DNA that could lead to the formation of a tumor.
Researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain and the John Innes Center (JIC) in Norwich, England have shown that a compound called EGCG in green tea prevents cancer cells from growing by binding to a specific enzyme.
"We have shown for the first time that EGCG, which is present in green tea at relatively high concentrations, inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is a recognized, established target for anti-cancer drugs," according to Professor Roger Thorneley, of JIC, in an interview with Reuters.
Scientists have found that certain cancers, such a pancreatic, rectal, breast, skin and stomach cancer are lower in people who consume the brew regularly than those who don't.
A study in the Journal Biofactors 2000 concluded that green tea can successfully suppress oxidative DNA damage in both the liver and pancreas.
Studies suggest that 3 cups daily may provide protection against cancer.
PLEASE NOTE: this natural health information does not replace the advice of your doctor or health practitioner.