But tea drinkers likely have the upper hand—especially when their beverage is green. New findings out of Columbia University’s Medical Center suggest that when women with breast cancer take oral green tea extract, Polyphenon E, their conditions improve. 40 women with breast cancer were randomly assigned placebo, 400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg of the extract twice a day for 6 months. Researchers collected blood and urine samples every couple of months. What did they find? Women who took the extract had a significant reduction in levels of hepatocyte growth factor—which regulates cell growth—at 2 months compared with the women on placebo. However, as the study wore on, their levels became no longer significantly different. But the researchers noted a trend in the women on the extract toward lowered cholesterol and decreased vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein which, in elevated levels, may signify the beginning of cancerous spread. It may be too early to recommend green tea as a way to prevent cancer, since the study was small. But green tea has already earned its health halo. Just this month, a University of California Los Angeles study found that men with prostate cancer who drank green tea had lower levels of inflammation, which is associated with prostate cancer growth. Check out 5 more amazing things green tea can give you:
A healthier heart. Green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants that may lower blood pressure. Squeeze in a lemon for an extra boost of vitamin C, which helps your body absorb the antioxidants.More power. Scientists found that when mice consumed green tea extract, their endurance increased by up to 24%.A slimmer bod. Catechins, the antioxidants present in green tea, are pros at blasting belly fat. And studies suggest that caffeine frees fatty acids so you can burn calories (and fat) more easily. Find out the magic number of cups to sip per day!Allergy relief. Japanese researchers found that the compound EGCG, another antioxidant compound abundant in green tea, might help strengthen your immunity against allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust.A better memory. A recent Canadian study found that when snails are submerged in water infused with epicatechin, an antioxidant found in foods like chocolate and green tea, their memories improved significantly. (Curious how science measures the memory of a snail? We were, too.) Happily, the study author thinks the memory benefits extend to humans, too.
Ready to start infusing your foods? We’ve got all the green tea recipes you’ll ever need.
