A lot of studies about Japan and green tea have focused on whether green tea can reduce the risk of cancer. Countries like Japan do have lower rates of cancer, but this may not only be because of the higher green tea consumption in these countries. Nevertheless, the health benefits of green tea are well worth considering, as it can also help with other health issues.
Green tea has been used as a medicinal beverage in China and Japan for centuries. The Camellia sinensis plant’s dried, steamed leaves make tea. The term “Chinese tea” is also used to describe this beverage. Green tea can help people with a wide variety of health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. People also consume it because they believe that green tea can reduce the risk of cancer. Researchers believe that catechins in green tea are the most beneficial. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is the chemical name for it (EGCG). Green tea also contains Theanine and caffeine.
Why People Think Green Tea Can Lower the Risk of Cancer
Most scientific research does not fully support the cancer-fighting properties of green tea. Early research shows that drinking green tea may lower your chance of developing some types of cancer. However, the data isn’t solid enough to say with certainty just yet. Furthermore, other studies have focused on why cancer rates are lower in certain countries, such as Japan, where green tea consumption is very prevalent.
Green tea is also used by cancer patients who hope that it will:
- combat cancer by strengthening their immune system
- promote well-being, health, and energy
- get rid of toxins in the body
- provide patients with some degree of control over their symptoms
Some studies have also shown that black tea also has anti-cancer properties. In the same way, as green tea is derived from the same plant, so is black tea.
Studies on why Green Tea Can Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Antioxidant activity is one of the various biological actions of the polyphenols that predominate in green tea (EGCG, EGC, ECG, and EC) and black tea (theaflavins and thearubigins). The Antioxidant properties of these compounds, particularly EGCG and ECG, may protect cells from the DNA damage produced by reactive oxygen species. Tea catechins have been proven in several investigations to suppress tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis. In this sense, green tea may behave similarly to other nutraceuticals with an abundance of antioxidants.
Tea polyphenols may also protect against UV B radiation damage and alter the immune system’s function. It has been established that green tea increases the activity of tumor-fighting enzymes such as glutathione S-transferrin and quinone reductase. Even while tea polyphenols’ significant antioxidant activity has been linked to several of tea’s possible health benefits, the method through which tea may help prevent cancer has not been determined yet.
Best Way to Consume Green Tea
Ready-to-brew bags or leaves of green tea are available for purchase. Next, add hot water to the mix. You might hear conflicting advice on how many cups of coffee you should drink each day to get the benefits of this habit. It’s common for manufacturers to recommend three to five cups of coffee each day. Caffeine is found in most green teas. As a result, drinking it right before bed will help you stay awake. Green tea decaffeinated is available from some suppliers. Caffeine removal may limit the antioxidant benefits, although this is not entirely clear.
Tazo Zen: Tazo Zen green tea is a very popular organic green tea.
Green Tea with Chai: Some tea companies sell green tea mixed with Chai tea.
Green tea extract contains EGCG, the beneficial compound in green tea. In most countries, herbal supplements containing green tea are sold by manufacturers. As a result, producers don’t have to show that their products are safe or have many positive health effects. An untested product or dose might suggest that it hasn’t been proven safe and effective. When purchasing supplements, keep this in mind. Purchasing organic green tea may be the simplest, most reliable option to ensure you are able to enjoy the health benefits of green tea.
Green tea supplements: Some supplement companies sell green tea supplements, which is a solid option if you do not like drinking tea.
Gummies: Some companies also sell green tea gummies, mixed with other flavors like peppermint.
L-Theanine: L-theanine is one of the unique amino acids found in green tea. If you don’t want to drink tea, you can purchase L-theanine supplements and enjoy some of the same health benefits.
Final Thoughts
Caffeine, a stimulant, is present in green tea and should be avoided. Taking excessive doses of it may result in the following side effects:
- have a hard time falling asleep
- suffer from headaches
- feeling shaken or agitated
When ingested excessively, EGCG in green tea can induce nausea and stomach cramps in some people. When consumed in large quantities, it can be harmful to the liver and alter the enzymes that are produced by the organ.
Herbal products, such as green tea may not have undergone the requisite testing. These tests examine interactions between meals, drugs, and other supplements. Thus, it’s impossible to assess the level of security. It has the potential to alter the way medications are absorbed, just like any other herbal product or drug. As a result, some medicines may no longer be effective.
According to 2013 laboratory research, EGCG may enhance the effects of certain anti-cancer medications. However, other treatments may be less effective if this substance is used with them. Before consuming significant quantities of green tea, or especially green tea supplements, consult your physician.
Green tea has numerous health benefits, but it is still unclear if green tea can reduce the risk of cancer.
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