Green tea may be of use in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer

Green tea may be of use in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer

According to a study just published in the journal, Cancer Prevention Research, consumption of Polyphenon E (an investigational agent derived from the polyphenols found in green tea) can reduce the serum markers used to monitor prostate cancer’s progress.

The researchers concluded that regular consumption of green tea could be of use in slowing the progression of prostate cancer and perhaps prevent the disease altogether.

Green tea: Teas come in three basic varieties: black, oolong, and green, the last containing the highest concentration of polyphenols, a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damage, neutralizing free radicals – molecules believed to cause a range of diseases as well as contribute to the aging process.

Over the centuries, green tea has been used for everything from constipation to mental performance.

Polyphenols: Green tea is not the sole source of polyphenols. While fruits and beverages (such as tea) happen to be our main source of these molecules, they can be found in a variety of plants, both edible and not. In addition, polyphenols come in literally hundreds of variations.

Polyphenols perform the same basic task for plant cells as they do for human cells – they repair damage.

Nevertheless, the results are promising. According to William G. Nelson, M.D., Ph.D, of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, “ this trial is provocative enough to consider a more substantial trial.”

Please read the complete article and let us know what you think below.