Stomach cancer, which is also called gastric cancer, is an abnormal growth of cells lining the wall of the stomach. Stomach cancer usually affects people between the ages of 60 and 70 years, although a family history of stomach cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease increase your risk of getting stomach cancer. Green tea proves to be a useful agent in the fight against stomach cancer.
Plant Description
Green tea is an infusion of the prepared leaves and leaf buds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis and is consumed regularly in China and other east Asian countries to promote health and satisfy thirst. Camellia sinensis is a large shrub belonging to the family Theaceae; its young, unfermented leaves contain a number of bioactive chemicals that have many health implications.
Composition
Green tea contains a number of bioactive chemicals, including flavonoids, caffeine, fluoride, volatile oils, organic acids, vitamins and minerals. However, some green tea components, especially the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin, are being evaluated scientifically to confirm green tea's effectiveness in preventing and treating the ailments for which it was used historically.
Expert Opinion
Green tea could be a useful agent in the prevention of stomach cancer. Its cancer preventive attributes are associated with polyphenol compounds, especially the catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a robust antioxidant that neutralizes cell-damaging free radicals. Many scientists believe that free radicals can damage the cells' DNA, causing harmful mutations that lead to the development of health problems, including cancer, according to the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Precautions
Although green tea is normally considered to be harmless, the safety of the herb for pregnant and breastfeeding women has not been established. Green can pass into breast milk and may interfere with iron metabolism, causing anemia in infants. Patients with sensitive stomachs may also want to avoid this herb, since green tea tannin and chlorogenic acid content may irritate stomach lining, leading to the onset of severe heartburn.
References
- Baylor Health Care System: Steep Your Genes in Health: Drink Tea by Carolyn M. Matthews, MD
- University of California, San Francisco: Department of Medicine: Gastric cancer; Vincenzo Catalano et al
- Fairfax Country Public Schools: Herbal Supplements
- Colorado State University, Extension: Weight Loss Products and Programs; J. Anderson, L. Young and J Roach; December 2008
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