Can Green Tea reduce the risk of cancer and its recurrence?
So far, the studies conducted to evaluate the benefits of Green Tea for cancer patients and its role in curbing the severity of the disease has delivered promising results. Green Tea has also proven to reduce the risk of cancer and its recurrence.
A research report published in Oral Oncology, after analyzing a total of 4,675 people, found a link between Green Tea consumption and the reduced risk of developing Oral Cancer.
However, evidence for the role of Green Tea in avoiding a cancer recurrence or preventing it is limited. A meta-analysis performed in 2010 evaluated the benefits of Green Tea and its effect on the incidence and recurrence of Breast Cancer. 12 studies were included, and the results underlined that consuming more than three cups of Green Tea every day has a 27% chance of lowering the risk of Breast Cancer recurrence.
Few things to remember.
It’s advised to avoid Green Tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The caffeine present in the tea can pass into breast milk and cause Insomnia in the nursing infant. Also, Green Tea consumption has an increased risk of miscarriage or inducing congenital disabilities related to folic acid deficiency.
If you have bleeding disorders or anemia, then it’s better to stay off green tea, as it can aggravate the symptoms and make your anemia worse.16 Those with peptic ulcers are better off without green tea, as it may stimulate the production of gastric acid and upset the stomach.
Consult your oncologist.
Green tea is a safe beverage, but consumption in large amounts can damage the liver and alter liver enzymes.
A laboratory study18 conducted in 2013 proved that EGCG could enhance the action of some anti-cancer medications, but it exacerbated a patient’s condition by changing the way other cancer drugs worked.
The severity of cancer differs from one patient to another, and each person may respond to Green Tea differently if it is used as a complementary therapy. Hence, it is vital to get in touch with your cancer center or oncologist to know what’d work better for you.
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