5 Things You Need to Know About Tea and Cancer Prevention

1. Fight With White

White tea contains the highest level of antioxidants, even more than green tea. White tea is the least processed type of tea, and the high antioxidant levels can help prevent cancer. Whether you enjoy tea hot or iced, you'll still enjoy the same health benefits from tea no matter how you prepare it. Iced tea, though, does contain more antioxidants since it requires twice the amount of tea to prepare it.

2. Go for the Green

Green tea has the second highest level of antioxidants of all teas, but it's slightly more processed than white tea. It contains more caffeine than white tea but less caffeine than black tea. Studies have shown that consuming green tea reduces cancer risk. It's easy to include green tea in your diet. Substitute green tea for your usual morning coffee. There are dozens of green tea varieties, which makes it easy to find one you like. Black teas, also known as red teas, are the most processed type of teas. Even though they're fermented, they still contain some antioxidants to reduce your cancer risk.

3. Polyphenols are the Prized Ingredients

The antioxidant properties in tea are called polyphenols. All tea contains some level of polyphenols regardless of how processed the tea is. Some studies have shown a decreased risk of ovarian cancer in women who drink 2 cups of tea every day. If you don't like the taste of white or green tea, drink black tea so you can still enjoy the antioxidant properties.

4. No Help From Herbal Teas

Herbal teas don't provide cancer protection because herbal teas aren't really a type of tea at all. Herbal teas are made from ground flowers, herbs or leaves other than tea leaves, so they usually don't contain antioxidants that are found in tea. Herbal teas combined with black or green teas create unique, custom combinations, but you won't get the cancer-fighting benefits from most herbal teas alone.

5. Loose Leaf or Bagged?

Opt for loose leaf tea, also known as whole leaf tea, whenever possible. Loose leaf teas are more flavorful and contain more antioxidants than traditional tea bags. Once you try loose leaf tea, you'll have difficulty using tea bags again, although tea bags still contain some antioxidants. Just pay attention to price. Loose leaf tea prices usually reflect only 2-ounce quantities, which will make about 25 cups of tea.