A Cup of Tea?

A cup of tea, or three! In China and Japan green tea has been known for thousands of years to promote health. My interest in green tea was peaked very early on when it was said to be singled out by the National Institute of Health “as the most promising alternative agent warranting further research” in Surviving “Terminal” Cancer (p.225). It was then represented in the next three books I read. Needless to say, I started incorporating drinking it into my routine and started my husband on a Green Tea supplement.

You don’t have to look too hard for research on green tea. I have come across research pertaining to stomach, colon, breast (premenopausal women), lung, cervical, brain and many other cancers. What is it about green tea? It’s believed to be four major polyphenol flavonoids (catechins) which give green tea its anti-microbial, immune-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects.2 The most commonly researched being epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). According to a study done in 2008, EGCG has antioxidant properties 25 -100 times greater than vitamin C and E.3 These powerful catechins act on cancer cells causing apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and decrease the ability for new blood vessel formation.2,4,5,6 Additionally, it has been shown to increase the effectiveness of chemo and radiation while providing protection to healthy tissues; even decreasing hair loss during chemo treatment. 2,4,5 Not only is EGCG an antioxidant, but it also acts as a detoxifier when it activates enzymes in the liver.4 A little warning, when on chemotherapy be sure to check with your doctor. I came across a study which discussed drugs with boronic acid moiety actually being less effective against gliomas when combined with EGCG. 3

Green tea has health benefits which should cause pause for everyone. In a review published in 2019, it was said to positively impact diabetes, stress, wrinkles, body mass, cardiovascular health, removal of damaged cells, regulation of cholesterol, reduced inflammatory response and blood pressure. In addition, there seems to be some neuroprotective properties such as increasing cognitive function and potentially reducing memory impairment in Alzheimer’s and motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease. 6

Green tea is one of the first things I suggested to start right away. Why? It is what I call a quick win. Green tea is easy to add to your daily routine and has been used for centuries to promote wellness and decrease the risk of cancer. In the beginning, I would suggest to just get started. Add a cup a day. Then, increase to what feels like a reasonable amount for you. Most of the resources I have read suggest anywhere from 2-5 cups a day, so I strive for 3. Servan-Schreiber suggests to seep for 8-10 minutes (p. 133). Most people who know their green tea will tell you this could make it a little bitter, but it allows for the catechins to be fully released.4 Remember this doesn’t have to be just hot tea, green tea can also be iced. Enjoy!

Courtesy of Carol Crochet: A Matcha Latte of love made by her daughter, Carson.
References: 
1. Williams BA. Surviving "Terminal" Cancer. Fairview Press, 2002. 
2. Chung TL, Leenders WPJ, Molenaar RJ, van Noorden CJF. Effects of the Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Glioma: A Critical Evaluation of the Literature. Nutrition and Cancer 70:3, 2018.
3. Khan N, Mukhtar H. Multitargeted therapy of cancer by green tea polyphenols. Cancer Lett 269 (2): 269-280, 2008. 
4. Servan-Schreiber D. Anti Cancer a New Way of Life. Penguin Books, 2009
5.  Blaylock RL. Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients. Citadel Press Books, 2019.
6. Prasanth MI, Sivamaruthi BS, Chaiyasut C. Tencomnao T. A Review of the Role of Green tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy. Nutrients 11(2):474, 2019.

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One Comment

  1. Carol

    Thanks for the green tea suggestion. I am enjoying both Jasmine green tea and Matcha (powder) green tea. The Matcha latte is such a nice treat and has taken the place of my morning coffee a few days a week.

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