There are several different types of lung cancer, the most common of which is known as non-small cell lung cancer. The BBC Health website notes that nine out of 10 cases are caused by smoking tobacco and adds that the risk of developing lung cancer is greatly reduced by quitting smoking. Green tea, a popular beverage in many parts of the world, might also help to reduce the risk of lung cancer, although evidence to prove this is limited. Do not consume green tea in place of quitting smoking and get medical advice before using it as a preventive treatment for lung cancer.
Properties and Potential Benefits
As well as being a refreshing beverage, green tea may have medicinal properties and is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for Crohn's disease, cognitive disorders, cardiovascular disease and obesity. MedlinePlus notes that it is also used to prevent various forms of cancer, including lung cancer. It contains active compounds, including vitamin C and flavonoids, although the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that a polyphenol compound, known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is likely responsible for green tea's anti-cancer effects and may work by inducing cancer cell death.
Administration
Green tea is usually taken as a beverage. However, green tea extract is also available in capsules or tablets. Guidance regarding the dose of green tea required to help prevent lung cancer is lacking. MedlinePlus states that a typical dose is 3 cups daily. This is only intended as a general guideline. Get advice from your doctor regarding a suitable dose for you.
Scientific Evidence
An analysis of data from studies carried out between 1966 and November 2008, published in the September 2009 issue of "Lung Cancer" concludes that drinking green tea helps to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Furthermore, an analysis of clinical study findings published in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in March 2007 show that drinking 3 cups or more of green tea daily might reduce the risk of smokers developing lung cancer.
Safety Considerations
Drinking up to 5 cups of green tea daily is likely safe for most adults, according to MedlinePlus. However, drinking more than 5 cups daily may cause side effects including insomnia, vomiting, confusion, tremor, headache and nervousness. Green tea use is contraindicated in several conditions and may also interact with other medicines, including birth control pills and anticoagulants. Get medical clearance before using it.
References
- BBC Health: Lung Cancer; Dr Trisha Macnair; April 2009
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- "Lung Cancer"; Green Tea, Black Tea Consumption and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis; N. Tang, et al.; September 2009
- "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Does the Consumption of Green Tea Reduce the Risk of Lung Cancer Among Smokers?; W.Liang, et al.; March 2007
