Can Green Tea Really Prevent Cancer? Check out the Facts

Green tea is a good source of antioxidants. Thanks to this content, green tea is said to be useful for preventing and treating cancer. Is that right? Come onsee the explanation in the following review.

Tracing the Potential Benefits of Green Tea for Cancer

Green tea is made from dried leaves which are full of polyphenols. This content acts as an antioxidant that can fight DNA damage caused by free radicals.

This then makes some people believe that drinking green tea can treat cancer, and even reduce the risk of this disease.

Please note, polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants and act as antioxidants.

The main polyphenol content in tea is catechins. Nowa catechin that is known to be contained in a lot of green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

EGCG is said to have the ability to kill cancer cells. The reason is, this chemical compound is considered capable of fighting free radicals thereby protecting cells from DNA damage.

Also Read: 7 Benefits of Bajakah Root for Health, Can it Really Treat Cancer?

Meanwhile, green tea polyphenol extracts used topically (applied to the skin) have the potential to protect the skin from UVB radiation. According to a study, these potential benefits can reduce the risk of skin cancer due to UVB exposure.

In this regard, research conducted in the laboratory has proven the potential benefits of green tea for treating various types of cancer, such as:

• Breast.
• Prostate.
• Lungs.
• Bladder.
• Ovary.
• Stomach.
• Esophagus (gullet).
• Colorectal (bowel).

However, research conducted on humans regarding the benefits of green tea to protect the body from cancer tends to be inconsistent. This was revealed by a review of studies in 2020.

In addition, the researchers also reported that previous studies still did not have sufficiently strong evidence.

Other Green Tea Benefits

Although research on the efficacy of green tea to treat cancer and prevent it is still inconsistent, this drink still has health benefits. Some of the benefits you can get include:

1. Helps the Body to Relax

You can relax while enjoying a cup of green tea in the morning or evening. Because this tea has content L-theaninea compound that can provide a relaxing effect.

For the record, make sure the temperature for brewing tea is optimal so that the catechin content in it is not damaged. The recommended temperature is 70-75 degrees Celsius.

2. Make Sleep Better

Someone who has sleep apnea, drinking green tea is believed to help you sleep better. The benefits of green tea come from the antioxidants in it.

According to a study conducted on mice, catechin compounds helped improve cognitive outcomes compared to mice that were not given green tea.

Also Read: 14 Benefits of African Leaves, Lower Cholesterol to Prevent Cancer

3. Maintain Heart Health

Another benefit of green tea is reducing the risk of heart disease. This is related to the ability of polyphenols to act as antioxidants in it.

A study revealed that consumption of green tea every day is associated with a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. This research was conducted for 11 years and involved as many as 40,000 adult participants.

4. Healthy Skin

EGCG in green tea is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to this, green tea is able to protect the skin from UVB exposure.

In addition, according to a 2019 study, green tea extract in cosmetics can help provide an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

5. Lose Weight

The catechins and caffeine contained in green tea play a role in increasing the body’s metabolism. This is what can help weight loss.

Now, thus the explanation about the consumption of green tea to treat cancer. Although the potential is promising, you must consume it within reasonable limits.

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