New evidence says green tea may help prevent cancer
Scientists have discovered that green teas may be even better at fighting cancer than was already thought.
Green tea contains anti-oxidants that are believed to protect against cancer. Now new research has found that chemicals in the tea also shut down a key molecule which can play a significant role in the development of cancer.
Researchers from Rochester University discovered that chemicals in green tea can inhibit the activity of a molecule which can negatively affect genes.
In experiments the tea shut down the aryl hydrocarbon molecule’s receptor in cancerous mouse cells.
The ‘good’ chemicals in the tea are similar to compounds called flavonoids, which are found in broccoli, cabbage, grapes and red wine, and which are also known to help prevent cancer.
Researcher Professor Thomas Gasiewicz explained: ‘Green tea may work differently than we thought to exert its anti-cancer activity. It’s likely that the compounds in green tea act through many different pathways.’
Green tea is also thought to reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and to lower cholesterol levels.
