Lynn Smythe
Tea and Cancer
November 6th 2007 00:52
Freshly Brewed Tea Leaves
DNA damage is implicated in the development of various types of cancer. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is believed to protect normal cells from cancer causing hazards and eliminate cancer cells through programmed cell death (apoptosis). Additional studies indicate further positive outcomes on the effect of tea on DNA and immune function.
Digestive Cancers
Teas impact on digestive cancers seems to be good. Numerous longer term, human trails have encouraging results, suggesting that tea may have an even greater impact then first thought. More research is needed but these preliminary findings are promising.
The University of North Carolina conducted an epidemiological* study on Russian women from Moscow. Researchers associated a 60% drop in the risk of rectal cancer in participants who consumed the equivalent of 2 ½ or more cups of tea per day when compared to participants who drank less than 1 ¼ cups. Women who drank 1 ¼ to 2 ½ cups per day showed a 52% decreased risk.
Follow up from a previous study (NHANES I) shows tea drinkers had about a 42% reduction in the risk of colon cancer when compared to non tea drinkers. Furthermore men who drank more than 1 ½ cups of tea per day were found to have a 70% lower risk.
A group of 34,000 healthy, postmenopausal women between the ages of 55-69 were followed for 12 years. Researchers found that those consuming high levels of catechins, (a type of flavonoid found in tea, fruits and vegetables) had a 45% decrease in the incidence of rectal cancer. Tea catechins showed the strongest link to this decrease.
Post-menopausal women, between the ages of 55 – 69 were followed for eight years in The Iowa Women’s Study. The data found that participants who drank 2 or more cups of tea per day had a 32 % and 60 % reduction in developing digestive and urinary tract cancers, respectively.
Prostate Cancer
Existing research on teas preventative effects on prostate cancer in men was reviewed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Based on the review, which included epidemiological, in vitro and in vivo studies, the researchers suggest that tea, especially green tea, may be a good public health recommendation, possibly aiding in the prevention of prostate cancer.
Tea and Skin Cancer
It appears that both oral consumption and topical administration of tea may have beneficial effects when it comes to skin cancer. Various studies found the following results.
A University of Arizona study conducted on participants who drank iced black tea and citrus peel found a 42% reduced risk of skin cancer.
Hot black tea consumption is associated with a significantly lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. The potential protective effects are thought to be influenced by the strength, temperature and amount of time the tea is brewed.
Topical application of green tea prior to UV exposure inhibited DNA damage or UV-induced skin cancer.
Scientist are gaining interest in and funding for further studies on the effects of tea on human health. More human trials are underway and additional studies are on the horizon. Many of the findings highlighted above are preliminary and only begin to scratch the surface of what lies ahead.
Tea leaves, freshly brewed, possess significant levels of some of the most powerful antioxidants mother-nature provides us. Depending on how it is brewed, tea is low in caffeine. Further evidence strongly suggests that tea can ease the effects of tension and stress, a benefit we can all use more of especially as the holiday’s approach. I have yet to find any evidence that drinking tea is harmful, so why wouldn’t you increase your consumption, potentially warding off the damaging effects of living in our world today?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beth Johnston, a tea importer and noted tea expert, publishes an informative monthly newsletter on tea, tea history, health and lifestyle enhancements. To learn more about the world of tea, join her free newsletter at www.TeasEtc.com/Newsletter.asp or visit www.TeasEtc.com.
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