How Green Tea Prevents Cancer
Researchers have identified a possible mechanism by which green tea may protect against prostate and other cancers.
Researchers working with prostate cancer cells have shown that applying the active ingredient in tea called, green tea polyphenols (GTP), to the cells in different concentrations proportionally reduced the production level or expression of a protein called Bcl-XL. Bcl-XL protects cancers cells from programmed cell death or apoptosis. The GTP reduced the concentration of Bcl-Xl and made the cancer cells more vulnerable.
Another study found that found that polyphenols target molecular pathways that shut down the proliferation and spread of tumor cells, as well as slow the growth of tumor nurturing blood vessels. Consumption of green tea polyphenols (GTP) led to reduced levels of IGF-1 (insulin growth factor). Increased levels of IGF-1 are associated with increased risk of several cancers, such as prostate, breast, lung and colon.
A Japanese study of breast cancer patients found that women who drank more than five cups of green tea daily had a lower recurrence rate and longer disease-free survival than women who drank fewer than four cups daily.
Researchers working with prostate cancer cells have shown that applying the active ingredient in tea called, green tea polyphenols (GTP), to the cells in different concentrations proportionally reduced the production level or expression of a protein called Bcl-XL. Bcl-XL protects cancers cells from programmed cell death or apoptosis. The GTP reduced the concentration of Bcl-Xl and made the cancer cells more vulnerable.
Another study found that found that polyphenols target molecular pathways that shut down the proliferation and spread of tumor cells, as well as slow the growth of tumor nurturing blood vessels. Consumption of green tea polyphenols (GTP) led to reduced levels of IGF-1 (insulin growth factor). Increased levels of IGF-1 are associated with increased risk of several cancers, such as prostate, breast, lung and colon.
A Japanese study of breast cancer patients found that women who drank more than five cups of green tea daily had a lower recurrence rate and longer disease-free survival than women who drank fewer than four cups daily.
