Originally published September 2 2015
How green tea helps prevent and eliminate cancer
by Jennifer Lea Reynolds
(NaturalNews) Researchers at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea are currently testing green tea's ability to lower colon cancer risk. Nearly 200 patients who had benign growths removed will be given either the equivalent of nine cups of green tea in the form of an extract pill or no such treatment at all.
The testing stems from the idea that green tea plays a role in keeping cancerous cells at bay and that it may prevent polyps, which could be a precursor to colon cancer. The study also draws on findings from previous studies that demonstrate the drink's powerful health benefits.
One such previous study was conducted by experts at Japan's Gifu University. It found that just a small amount - 15 percent - of patients who enjoyed the equivalent of ten cups of green tea daily experienced polyp recurrence. This was in stark contrast to the untreated, non green tea-drinking group in which 31 percent of people had a recurrence.
Green tea's effectiveness in cancer prevention
This study, which was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, explains that 139 patients were assessed to determine the effects that green tea extract (GTE) might have in diminishing colon polyp relapses. It concluded:
This is the first report indicating that human metachronous colorectal adenomas were significantly prevented by daily green tea consumption supplemented with GTE. As numerous scientists reported, green tea catechins have cancer-preventive activity in cell culture systems and in animal experiments, and their activity was much more "potent" than those of calcium, s-carotene, and vitamins C and E...we think that green tea beverage is worthwhile to be tested for its cancer preventive activity in human trials because clinical application of chemopreventive agents requires extreme safety and effectiveness as green tea.
Why green tea stands apart from other teas when it comes to fighting cancer
According to a Daily Mail video, green tea differs from the other three kinds - black, oolong and white - when it comes to how the tea leaves are processed. Oxidation is the great variable among them all; the video outlines the fact that green tea is unique because, unlike the other teas mentioned, there isn't any withering or oxidation of the leaves.
They're plucked immediately then heated in a pan or over steam, a process that instantly halts the health-damaging oxidation process. As a result, green tea is considered to be a drink that exists in its purest form.
As most people are aware, oxidation jeopardizes human health and can lead to degenerative diseases. Too much oxidative stress, which is typically caused by chronic stress, poor diet, cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake, wreaks havoc on cells, DNA and lipids. Ultimately, free radicals are created, the result of the body reacting to this oxidation. Unfortunately, everything from a variety of cancers and an increased risk of coronary heart disease to weakened eye health and Alzheimer's disease can result from free radicals in the body.
Other foods to help you stay healthy and keep free radicals away
Aside from green tea, other foods and dietary changes are believed to help fight free radicals and diminish colon cancer risk.
Numerous evidence exists in support of avoiding red meat and increasing fiber intake when it comes to maintaining a healthy colon.
In one diet-swap study, African Americans were fed a traditional rural South African diet, where they ate high-fiber foods like raw mango and bean soup. At the same time, the South Africans ate a typical Western diet full of high protein, high fat and low fiber. The likes of burgers and fries were common for the South Africans. Ultimately, it was discovered that biological markers for colon cancer went down in the African Americans but increased among the South Africans, who didn't consume much fiber.
"We were astounded at the degree of change," lead researcher Stephen O'Keefe said. "We thought we'd find a few changes here and there when they swapped diets, but this mirror image was totally unexpected."
High-fiber foods include raspberries, pears and apples with the skin left on, black beans, cooked artichokes and almonds.
Be sure to eat more fruits and vegetables and consider swapping that coffee or energy drink for more green tea. You'll not only be helping yourself stay as cancer-free as possible, but you'll also be keeping your overall health in ideal shape.
Sources for this article include:
(1) DailyMail.co.uk
(2) CEBP.AACRJournals.org
(3) Amherst.edu
(4) NaturalNews.com
(5) MayoClinic.org
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml