Tea and Cancer
As most people have heard, tea--especially white and green tea--has been found to
contain high levels of catechins, or EGCG. Human bodies produce unstable molecules
called oxidants, or free radicals, which cause tissue damage and cancer. EGCG
(epigallocatechin gallate) is a flavonoid that fights cancer at all stages.
Epigallocatechin Gallate Molecular Structure
It is much more
powerful than vitamin C or E, which are also cancer-fighting agents8. According to the
National Cancer Institute, in lab studies green tea catechins detroyed cancer cells before
cell damage occurred and inhibited cancer growth7.
But how can one tell which teas have the antioxidant properties and which don't? The
truth is, deep investigations have only begun to understand the effects of flavenoids on
the body, and in the end it is always the longevity studies that tell the tale. Still, certain
recommendations can be asserted based on what we know:
- Use pure, whole tea. Some of the more serious tea companies provide test
documentation to show it is free of pesticide residue. If you find a tea you like enough to
drink daily, you may want to have it tested; metal toxins and fluoride have a cumulative,
deleterious effect on the human body. Powdered teabags should be avoided because they
tend to be stale, low-quality teas. With tea, the fresher the better.
- Use pure water. Never drink fluoridated water; there is no evidence that ingesting
fluoride has any health benefits, but high levels are toxic and can even be immediately
lethal.
- Avoid boiling hot water. Drinking scalding liquid isn’t good for the body, but steeping
tea too hot may cause it to lose its health properties. As with any plant, there is a big
difference between the cooked and raw leaves.
TEA AND OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS
In addition to ravaging free radicals and corraling metallic ions8, scientists have found
that certain flavonoids have antihistamine, antimicrobial, memory- and even moodenhancing
properties. Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
and Urology6 show that green tea may also help weight loss and treat prostatitis, a painful
urinary condition. In China, tea has been used for these and many other conditions--for
millennia. More
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