It’s been the darling of the holistic community for almost as long as it’s been around. Claims that green tea can cure, or prevent, everything from upset stomachs to Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer, have grown over the last few years; so much so that established institutions like, The National Cancer Institute (NCI), and The Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA), have done their own research to find out if there is any legitimacy to all the hype.
You can’t turn on the TV without seeing a plethora of ads touting the health benefits of their products because they’ve added green tea to it. One particular company even built an add campaign around the use of green tea in their drink. And they aren’t the only ones to do so. I’ve consumed many of these products myself, and they are delicious, but are they as good for my health as all the publicity claims they are?
Based on a new Japanese study, it appears green tea may be as potent as we’ve heard. This study, “suggests green tea may lower the risk of Stroke, but not for Cancer,” according to Lindsey Tanner’s report in mercurynews.com. but, what about our studies here in the United States? According to NCI, “studies in animals show Catechins, (the active ingredient in green tea), has shown to inactivate oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced the number and size of tumors and inhibited growth of cancer cells.” And in an article in New Scientist Magazine from March 20th, 2004, “numerous studies suggest green tea protects against a range of Cancers, including Lung, Prostate and Breast Cancer.” But before you run out and load your van up with any and all forms of green tea, the news isn’t all good.
Although, the NCI suggests promising results based on studies done in animals, the research on humans hasn’t fared as well. The NCI says, “human studies on teas medicinal benefits have had contradictory results.” That being said, they do see enough potential to continue doing research. The FDA has made some conclusions on the matter as well.
The FDA concludes, “it is highly unlikely that green tea may reduce the risk of Breast and Prostate Cancer,” based on two studies that failed to prove green tea’s ability to fight them. So, what does this all mean? There is no hard scientific data to support a definitive yes; to the question can green tea save your life. However, it does look promising.
I’d say the answer lies somewhere in the middle. A cup or two a day of green tea probably won’t hurt your, and there appears to be at least some evidence it may help, so the decision is up to you. The most important thing to take away is, always keep yourself informed.
For more information on this topic you can go to www.fda.gov and www.wikipedia.org
