Green tea (Camellia sinesis) is widely known for its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In this context, andbiologically active compounds contained in Camellia sinesis, the main antioxidant agents are catechins. Catechins exhibit strong property of neutralizing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Therefore, they are widely described in the literature as effective in the prevention of lung cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer and prostate cancer. Understand below the benefits of green tea consumption.
Health Benefits
The health-promoting properties of green tea are due to the presence of polyphenols, in particular flavonols and flavanols. Clinical studies, in vivo and in vitro experiments, confirm its antioxidant action and anti-inflammatory effects. Catechins are the dominant polyphenols in green tea, whose antioxidant potential results in the neutralization of nitrogen and oxygen free radicals. Numerous scientific studies indicate the antitumor effects of polyphenols contained in green tea leaves due to inhibition of cell division, as well as induction of antioxidant enzymes, e.g., superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, as well as glutathione peroxidase and reductase.
Therefore, the effects of green tea polyphenols on inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing the risk of cancer are confirmed by numerous scientific studies in the field of prostate, pancreas, breast and stomach cancers. Notably, polyphenols, including catechins, are able to induce the death of cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.
Clinical practice
There is much in vivo evidence that confirms that the consumption of green tea in the form of a drink or dietary supplement exerts the anticancer properties. The other valuable properties involve its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-aging and hypotensive effects. In summary, polyphenols, and especially the main catechin of green tea, bring promising results that result in the prevention of breast, lung, prostate, stomach and pancreas cancers.
References:
Study suggestion
: Does green tea have anticancer effects?
Watch the video on Science Play with Karina Al Assal
: Medicinal Plants
Article:
Green tea benefits
– Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M. Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Mar 4;21(5):1744. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051744. PMID: 32143309; PMCID: PMC7084675.
