Foods, supplements or drugs which are used to block progression of cancer are called chemoprevention agents. Term cancer chemoprevention was introduced by NIH in 1976.
Let us look at how green tea will be a better chemo prevention agent…
Green tea is a natural available food with various bioactive compounds like polyphenols and catechins. Green tea contains three times the catechins of black tea.
A study on people with regular green tea consumption showed that it lowers the bladder cancer risk. Laboratory studies have been shown to prevent cancer growth in colon, liver , breast and pancreatic cells.
A key catechins named Epigallocatechin Gallate-EGCG in green tea works as an antioxidant. It can stop the progression of cancer cells. Hence it can promote death and so prevents the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumours. This is called angiogenesis.
ECGC helps in the liver detoxification process by protecting DNA damage through carcinogenic chemicals.
Studies propose that ECGC assumes a compelling part in cancer prevention and cancer treatment by advancing apoptosis and restraining angiogenesis.
Green tea helps in decrease of oxidative pressure and inflammation in the body as it has cell antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Possible mechanisms of green tea may be involved in the gene regulation and modulation of signalling pathways so it acts as a better anti cancer agent.
Green tea relieves the side effects such as nausea and fatigue in cancer treatments with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
A study by Japanese researchers found that green tea delayed the average onset of cancer by 7.3 years and reduced the recurrence of breast cancer.
Another study reports that green tea extract supplements reduce 50 % of colorectal adenomas incidence.
Green tea profoundly blocks the progression of high-grade precancerous lesions in prostate cancer.
These days green tea is mostly used as a one of the few chemopreventive tools with its advantages;
- Low-cost
- Natural food
- No negative side effects
Consuming 1g of green tea three times daily is highly recommended for cancer patients. Whereas drinking at least two cups of green tea may prevent cancer. Green tea addition into our daily diet makes a healthy lifestyle and it can be a simple and natural way to reduce the risk of cancer.
