Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body divide and grow out of order or control. The precise cause of cancer is unknown, but scientists consider premature changes in DNA in chromosomes may contribute to the development of cancerous cells. There are also some factors that may increase your risk of developing cancer; these include cigarette smoking, an unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, infection and a family history of cancer. Cancer treatment usually depends on the extent the disease has spread, and the patient's overall health conditions. Cancer is more likely to be treated successfully if it is diagnosed early and treated promptly. Green tea extract has shown potential in the fight against cancer; nevertheless, you must check with your doctor first if you want to take green tea extract for your condition.
Plant Description
Green tea is a product made from the unfermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Camellia sinensis is a large, hardy, evergreen shrub, which is indigenous to the mainland South and Southeast Asia and is extensively cultivated in those regions. Usually, the young leaves of this plant are streamed to produce green tea. It can also be taken as beverage, which is the most common method of ingestion. In modern Chinese medicine, green tea has been used to treat various chronic diseases in humans, including cancer.
Green Tea Composition
Green tea extracts contain numerous active ingredients, including flavonoids, volatile oils; organic acids, tannin, polysaccharides; vitamins, ascorbic acid, tocopherol; fluoride and minerals. However, most of green tea's roles in promoting health are attributed to polyphenols, chemicals with purported antioxidant effects, found in green tea. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, is the most studied polyphenol component and most powerful.
Green Tea and Cancer
Green tea polyphenols have been associated with reduced risk of several types of cancers in animal research models, according to Roderick H. Dashwood, an associate professor of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology at the Oregon State University. Polyphenols contained in green tea are called catechins; they exhibit strong free-radical scavenging actions. Free radicals are naturally occurring particles in your body, although environmental toxins, such as UV rays, tobacco smoke and herbicides, may also give rise to these chemicals. Scientists believe that free-radicals can damage your cell's DNA, causing harmful mutations that may lead to initiation of cancer.
Dosage
People suffering from cancer must consume 10 cups or more of green tea on a regular basis in order to achieve noticeable benefits from green tea ingestion; although nutrition experts differ in opinions and more research is needed to determine the exact doses. Caffeine-free products are recommended to reduce the side effects associated with caffeine, including insomnia, nervousness, restlessness and heart rate irregularities.
Side Effects
Green tea is considered to be safe when consumed in moderate amounts, but it may induce side effects, like everything else. So, you must consume green tea with care and under the supervision of a medical service provider. People who drink excessive amounts of green tea may experience cardiovascular side effects, such as tachycardia, or rapid heart beats, and arrhythmia, or irregular heart beats. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may want to limit their green tea intake because of the caffeine, which may pass into breast milk, causing sleep deprivation in nursing infants.
References
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center: Green Tea: A Review of Potential Health Benefits
- Stanford University: Prospects for Chemoprevention of Cancer by R.M. Tamimi et al
- University of North-Texas: Dining Services: Phytonutrients: Reducing Cancer Risk
- Huntington College of Health Sciences: Hoodia, Coleus & Green Tea: Botanicals to Promote Weight Loss
- Oregon State University: Tea and Cancer; Roderick H. Dashwood
- Herbal Safety: Green Tea
Member Comments