The Promising Reduction In Gastric Cancer Rates

The news is full of frightening statistics about cancer and other diseases.  From what we read and hear on television, we are led to believe that more and more people are being diagnosed with cancer and that more and more people are dying from it.

In some cases, this is true.  Incidences of and deaths from cancer have risen every year for the last fifty.  However, don't let this lead you to believe that no progress is being made.

Let's take a look at gastric cancer, for example.  Gastric cancers were once the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and in many other countries, too.  However, since 1930, the incidence of and number of deaths related to gastric cancer have steadily decreased.

By 1994, gastric cancer was the eighth leading cause of cancer death in the US and the statistics appear to continue to be on the decline.  So, why are we seeing less gastric cancer today than before?  Well, the medical community doesn't appear to have made any definite conclusions, but there are some factors that are believed to be contributing to this promising trend.

The number one reason doctors believe that gastric cancer is on the decline is the higher consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet and the lower consumption of foods that are preserved by salt.  Years ago, refrigeration in the home was not common, so keeping fruits and vegetables at the ready was not easy.  And, it was common to preserve meats and some other foods with salt rather than freezing them.

When the ability to refrigerate and freeze foods in the home became commonplace, the American diet changed.  We began to eat more fruits and vegetables and freeze our meat instead of curing it.  So, how does this help reduce our risk of cancer?

Well, it's actually quite simple.  A diet rich in fruits and vegetables means a diet rich in anti-oxidants.  Each day, as we convert the foods we eat into energy, we create free radicals in our body.  These free radicals can damage our cells and our DNA.  Unchecked free radicals are believed to contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.

Anti-oxidants are excellent at combating free radicals.  A diet rich in anti-oxidants is linked with preventing cancer, heart disease, cholesterol problems and a lower incidence of stroke.

So, if you're interested in reducing your risk of cancer, be sure your diet is rich in anti-oxidants on a daily basis.  Some of foods highest in anti-oxidants are:

• Small Red Bean (dried)
• Wild blueberry
• Red kidney bean (dried)
• Pinto bean
• Blueberry (cultivated)
• Cranberry
• Blackberry
• Prune
• Raspberry
• Strawberry
• Apple
• Pomegranate
• Pecan
• Sweet cherry
• Black plum
• Russet potato (cooked)
• Black bean (dried)
• Plum

So, if you want to improve your health, and reduce your risk of cancer, these fruits should be staples in your diet.  And, there's another way you can get your daily dose of anti-oxidants;  one you might not have thought of.

Green Tea is High in Anti-Oxidants

Green tea has been widely used in Asian cultures for centuries to prevent illness and to treat it, as well.  And, many recent studies have linked green tea with the prevention of cancer, and, in some cases have even found green tea to be helpful in the treatment of cancer.

Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant.  There are many different types of tea;  most of the differences come from the way the tea is processed.  Tea leaves contain very powerful anti-oxidants in their natural state.

Fermenting tea leaves, which is part of processing tea leaves for black tea, converts these catechins to other compounds and reduces their health benefits.  Therefore, green tea, because it is not fermented, retains more of its original anti-oxidants than black tea.

In every part of the world except Asia, black tea varieties are far more widely consumed than green tea.  And, black tea is healthy.  However, because green tea undergoes less processing, it far outranks black tea in its ability to provide anti-oxidants, and thereby, prevent disease.

Asian cultures have a far lower incidence of heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and cancer.  And, while there are likely other cultural and environmental factors that contribute to their lower incidence of disease;  their high consumption of green tea is considered a significant factor.  In fact, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent.

So, if you'd like to reduce your risk of developing cancer and other diseases that often plague us as we get older, eat and drink up.  Get your daily fill of fruits and vegetables.  And, wash it down with green tea!  You'll be doing your part to ensure you live a long and healthy life!

The Fight Against Breast Cancer: Going Green

In the past few years, a number of women have turned to green vegetables in an effort to attempt to lower their risk of breast cancer.  With the disease affecting as many as one in eight American women, it is only natural that women look to natural remedies in an attempt to improve their odds in the fight against this all-too-prevalent kind of cancer.

Increasingly, though, researchers are looking to another green food in an effort to cut breast cancer risk -- green tea.  While black tea and chamomile tea have long been thought to soothe nerves and combat depression, it is green tea which is making headlines in the world of cancer research.

A number of animal and laboratory studies have shown that green tea can be highly effective in fighting tumors in the mammary tissues.  But only recently has the scientific community been able to address the effect of green tea on breast cancer in human beings.

A Case in Point

One significant study indicated that green tea extract prevents breast cancer cells from producing a chemical that leads to tumors.  University of Southern California researcher Anna H. Wu and her team noted the dietary and lifestyle choices of more than 500 women with breast cancer and nearly 600 women without cancer in Los Angeles.  The women were of Asian descent and ranged in age from 25 to 74.  The researchers found that the healthy women were far more likely to consume green tea.  And those breast cancer patients who did drink green tea were likely to consume less of it than the healthy women were.  In fact, drinking less than six tablespoons of green tea a day appeared to cut a woman's risk for breast cancer by as much as 30 percent.

Unfortunately, women who consume a great deal of black tea do not appear to be protected from the onset of breast cancer.  Since black tea is more popular in Western nations than green tea, such news can be disappointing.  But the fact that green tea's popularity is gaining strength in the West means that Western women could enjoy the same breast cancer protection that green tea drinkers in the Far East have enjoyed for years.

Green Tea and Breast Cancer Recurrence

But what about women who have already experienced breast cancer?  Is it possible for them to reduce their chances of a recurrence by downing cups of green tea?

As you might expect, scientific researchers have been asking the same questions.  For instance, a Japanese research team addressed those issues in their article, ''Regular Consumption of Green Tea and the Risk of Breast Cancer RecurrenceFollow-up Study from the Hospital-based Epidemiologic Research Program at Aichi Cancer Center (HERPACC), Japan.''

As the Asian researchers noted, various studies indicate that green tea can inhibit the development and growth of tumors.  Given that fact, they thought it helpful to examine the link between regular green tea consumption and the risk of a recurrence of breast cancer.

The researchers studied 1160 new surgical cases of female breast cancers between June of 1990 and August of 1998.  About 12 percent, or 133 of the subjects, appeared to experience a cancer recurrence.  But those women who consumed three or more cups of green tea each day were less likely to see their breast cancer make a comeback.

The reduced rate of recurrence was most likely among those women with stage 1 and stage 2 breast cancer.  However, the link was not apparent for those women with more advanced stages of the cancer.

Cautiously Optimistic

The researchers cautioned that these results need to be interpreted carefully.  However, they do suggest that breast cancer patients who drink green tea daily may be able to prevent their cancer from returning -- especially if their cancer was diagnosed in the early stages.  Therefore, the research team has reason to be cautiously optimistic about the cancer-fighting capabilities of green tea.

A Closer Look at Green Tea

In order to fully understand the potential of green tea as a cancer prevention method, it is first necessary to examine the composition of the beverage.  There are a number of compounds that make up green tea, including polyphenols and flavonoids, caffeine, carbohydrates, tannins, fluoride, and aluminum.

As far as cancer prevention is concerned, the most critical substance is the polyphenols -- chemicals which act as antioxidants.  These substances block cell replication enzymes and therefore prevent the growth of cancer in the process.

In a number of studies, researchers gave rats with breast tumors green tea to consume.  These rats were then compared with rats which drank water alone.  Interestingly enough, the rats which had been drinking green tea saw their tumor size reduced considerably.  In addition, the studies indicated that new tumors were less likely to develop in rats which drank green tea.

How Much is Enough?

Still, you might be wondering how much green tea you would need to consume in order to significantly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.  Generally, doctors say that you need to consume at least three to four cups of green tea each day -- without additives such as milk or sugar -- in order to see an impact.

Does decaffeinated green tea offer the same health benefits?  Actually, that depends upon the manner in which the caffeine has been removed from the tea.  If a solvent has been used to decaffeinate the tea, it will contain reduced levels of EGCG, lessening its effectiveness as a cancer prevention tool.  You might also consider taking your green tea in capsule form, although there is little hard evidence to indicate that the capsules are as effective as the beverage in cutting cancer risk.

A Final Note

A woman who has experienced breast cancer has no guarantees that her cancer will never reappear.  Even if she begins drinking green tea, she might still undergo a recurrence.  However, the available evidence suggests that her risk of facing a second bout of breast cancer decreases significantly when she becomes a green tea drinker.

Saving Your Skin -- With Green Tea

Green tea has become the miracle drink of recent years.  It is mentioned as a cure for everything from stomach trouble to fatigue, from rheumatoid arthritis to tooth decay.  People in the Far East have been turning to green tea for various ailments for centuries, so it isn't surprising that the beverage has become a popular remedy worldwide.

Perhaps the most interesting claim of fans of green tea is that it can be beneficial in the war against cancer.  A 1994 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that green tea lessened the risk of cancer of the esophagus in Chinese subjects by close to 60 percent.  In addition, a study at the University of Purdue found that, because of its chemical makeup, green tea can also reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Green Tea's Effects -- More Than Skin-Deep

There is also evidence that green tea can be beneficial for your skin.  In an article on ''Green Tea and Skin'' published in the Archives of Dermatology in the year 2000, Santosh K. Katiyar, Nihal Ahmad, and Hasan Mukhtar discussed how green tea could be effective in fighting skin cancer.  Because of its composition, green tea can prevent inflammation and cancer in the skin.

Still, you might be wondering how this is possible.  In the data examined by Katiyar, Ahmad, and Mukhtar, the polyphenolic compounds in green tea were tested and found to provide protection against cancer in mouse skin.  In addition, some successful experiments were conducted on human skin in the lab.  The analysis conducted by the authors shows that green tea polyphenols have cancer-fighting properties.

As a result, it appears that green tea could be used successfully in skin products to treat various skin disorders, which could help immensely in the battle against skin cancer.  As Mukhtar stated, ''Of all the antioxidants known to mankind, the components of green tea are the most potent.''  Still, the authors caution that additional study is needed to fully explore the cancer-combating capabilities of green tea.

Why Green Tea is a Superior Disease-Fighter

Of course, you might be wondering why green tea might be effective against skin cancer, when other types of tea are not.  While green, black, and oolong tea are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is processed in a way that helps to preserve its antioxidant nature.  That's because green tea leaves are steamed, preventing their cancer-fighting compounds from being oxidized.  As a result, black and oolong teas are not nearly as effective in fighting disease.

Taking a Closer Look at Green Tea

It might be helpful at this point to take a closer look at green tea and its unique properties.  Dr. Stephen Hsu, a scientist at the Medical College of Georgia, has done extensive research on green tea and its medicinal effects.  Hsu has found that the compounds in green tea known as polyphenols destroy free radicals, which have been known to give rise to cancer because of changes they make in DNA.  Essentially, the polyphenols kill cancer cells, while protecting healthy cells.

Hsu and his research team compared the growth of normal skin cells to the growth of cells that had been exposed to green tea polyphenol.  The researchers were surprised to learn that the tea component rejuvenated dying skin cells.  The reactivation was limited to the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin.  Still, Hsu believes that the research will have a profound impact upon various skin conditions.

A Green-Tinged Fountain of Youth

In addition to combating cancer, green tea could be effective in treating a variety of other skin conditions, including ulcers, psoriasis, rosascea, and hard-to-heal wounds.

As a result of such research, some have referred to green tea as being a veritable ''fountain of youth'' for the skin.  While additional research is obviously necessary, the initial results are incredibly encouraging.  In fact, Hsu has been working on developing skin products in which green tea plays a significant role.  In this way, Hsu has found a way to apply his lab work to the cosmetic counter.  It appears that green tea is particularly effective in protecting the skin from sun damage -- a major contributing factor to skin cancer.

The Future of Green Tea

Given the public's interest in alternative medicine, it would appear that green tea will be increasingly used as an agent for enhancing health.  In fact, each year people turn to green tea for its therapeutic benefits.  Research on green tea's beneficial effects on the skin appears to be particularly promising.  In fact, green tea may be revolutionary in its impact on skin treatments.  Not only might it lead to younger-looking skin -- it may also help to keep skin cancer at bay -- which would be welcome news to the fair-skinned and anyone who has a history of skin cancer in their family.

Patients On Anti-Coagulants -- Be Careful Of What You Drink

Many heart patients are routinely placed on anti-coagulants.  Anti-coagulants help keep blood thin and flowing freely through veins and arteries;  decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.  Heart patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF), in particular, are advised to take anti-coagulants.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of persistent, irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia).  In atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly, affecting blood flow to the heart muscle and to the rest of the body.  It increases the patient's risk of blood clots, which can cause strokes and what is known as TIA (transient ischemic attack).  TIA is what most people refer to as a ''mini-stroke'', in which the patient suffers the effects of a stroke, but only for the short term.

For patients with AF, the heart beat may return to normal on its own, or the doctor may use electrical shock to get the heart back into its normal rhythm.  Some patients, however, do not respond to this therapy, and require anti-coagulants to prevent stroke and other complications.  In addition to AF, other heart problems may also require treatment with anti-coagulants.

Some doctors prescribe an aspirin each day for its blood thinning and anti-coagulant effects, but some patients require something stronger than the simple aspirin.  For these patients, there are many prescription anti-coagulants and blood thinners from which doctors choose.

Anti-coagulants do have side effects;  the most prevalent of which is the inability of your blood to properly clot in the event of surgery, or other bleeding.  It is, therefore, very important to inform your doctors that you are on anti-coagulants, and to stop taking them before you have surgery.  In addition, anti-coagulants may interact negatively with other medications and cause complications.

The most common anti-coagulant is warfarin, also known as coumadin.  If your doctor prescribes warfarin, you should carefully follow all the recommendations that go along with warfarin, including having a thorough understanding of all the interactions.  The most important things you should know about warfarin include:

• You should not become pregnant while taking warfarin.  Be certain that you're using a reliable form of birth control while taking this medicine.  If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, let your doctor know immediately.  Warfarin can cause birth defects.
• You must temporarily stop taking warfarin if you require any sort of surgery, including a spinal tap.
• Do not take warfarin in combination with aspirin or NSAIDs, (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) unless your doctor advises you that it's ok.  NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, and diclofenac.  Even our very common over the counter pain relievers like motrin and advil are ibuprofen, and can cause serious interactions with warfarin.  Serious bleeding in your stomach and intestines can result when you combine warfarin and these drugs.
• Watch what you eat and drink.  This may be the most surprising consideration for patients who take warfarin.  Many patients have no idea that their diet can significantly affect how warfarin works for them.

Dietary Concerns for Patients of Warfarin

Warfarin can be seriously affected by the amount of vitamin K in your diet.  And, vitamin K is in many of the foods that we eat in large amounts, including the following:

• liver,
• broccoli
• brussels sprouts
• spinach
• Swiss chard
• Coriander
• Collards
• Cabbage
• other green leafy vegetables

Even green tea, which has received rave reviews lately for its health benefits, can have a negative interaction with warfarin because of its vitamin K level.  This is important for patients to understand, because many people have begun to drink green tea for its health benefits, particularly for those with heart problems.

The reason that green tea has been recommended for heart patients is because it has been shown to be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol that clogs our arteries).  In addition, green tea inhibits the formation of abnormal blood clots, which are the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.  So, we have begun to think of green tea as a healthy beverage for people who have heart disease or may be genetically predisposed to heart disease.

However, we now know that those heart patients who are taking warfarin for its anti-coagulation benefits should not drink green tea -- or at least should not do so without permission from their doctor.

One compelling piece of information was discovered by the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Florida.  One patient receiving warfarin after having a mechanical valve replacement in his aorta, was progressing well with the warfarin treatment.  However, his body's absorption of the drug suddenly changed.

Within one week, the patient's absorption of the warfarin dropped dramatically.  Upon examination of the patient's diet, it was discovered that he had recently begun to drink about one half to one gallon of green tea per day.  Once the patient stopped drinking the green tea, his absorption of the warfarin began to return to normal.

Many people do not recognize that green tea is a significant source of vitamin K, so even if patients have been advised to avoid foods rich in vitamin K, they may not realize that green tea falls into this category.

So, if you're a heart patient, be sure to talk to your doctor about green tea.  Green tea contains many healthful benefits, and can be particularly healthy for heart patients.  However, if you're a heart patient who has been prescribed warfarin, green tea could significantly reduce the absorption of your medication.

If you'd like to drink green tea for its health benefits, your doctor may be able to advise you on a quantity that would be acceptable along with your warfarin.

Is Green Tea Really Healthy?

For several years now, we've been hearing about how green tea can prevent many serious diseases, including cancer.  As the evidence mounts, it can be hard to ignore the fact that green tea is a powerful way to protect your health.

So, what is it about green tea that is creating so much attention?  Well, it appears that the anti-oxidants in green tea are just as powerful as those in fruits and vegetables -- possibly even more so.  And, anti-oxidants are critical to preserving health and preventing disease.

As we convert the foods we eat into energy, we create free radicals in our body that can damage our cells and our DNA if left unchecked.  It is believed that unchecked free radicals contribute to the development of many diseases, including cancer.

Anti-oxidants combat these free radicals so that they are not able to wreak such havoc on our bodies.  Therefore, a diet rich in anti-oxidants is a great way to protect your health.  Your best sources of anti-oxidants are fresh fruits, vegetables, and yes, green tea.

The research abounds to support the fact that green tea is healthy.  Here are some examples.

Take a look in the March, 2004 issue of New Scientist Magazine.  You'll find numerous studies mentioned that suggest that green tea protects against many types of cancers, including lung, prostate and breast cancer.  A study at Kyushu University in Japan showed that green tea slowed the growth of a certain type of human lung cancer cells.

Next, visit the US National Cancer Institute's website and review their studies.  You'll find evidence that the anti-oxidants in green tea inhibited the growth of cancer cells and reduced the number and size of tumors in animals.  You can view the press release on this study here:  http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/tea

Check out the May 2002 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.  This magazine describes a Chinese study that showed that men and women who have been lifelong tea drinkers have higher bone mineral density than those who are not tea drinkers.  The study involved 497 Chinese men and 540 Chinese women over the age of 30 who were asked about how much tea they drink as well as about lifestyle factors.  Of the 1,037 study participants, 48.4 percent were habitual, long-term tea drinkers.  The researchers found that those who had been drinking tea habitually for six to 10 years had higher bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, and those who had been drinking tea regularly for more than 10 years had higher bone mineral density in all body sites measured than study participants who didn't drink tea regularly.

This same magazine reported on another study in December of 2005 that suggested drinking just one cup a day of green or black tea may lower the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in women by 24 percent.  By drinking two or more cups each day, you can cut the risk by up to 48 percent.  This study was conducted over a 15 year period by researchers at the Swedish Mammography Cohort.

It's important to report that there appears to be virtually no evidence that suggests that anything about green tea is unhealthy.  Even studies which can't necessarily support green tea health claims show that green tea has no negative effects.

For example, a study conducted by Yoshitaka Tsubono, M.D., Yoshikazu Nishino, M.D., Shoko Komatsu, M.D., Chung-Cheng Hsieh, Sc.D., Seiki Kanemura, M.D., Ichiro Tsuji, M.D., Haruo Nakatsuka, Ph.D., Akira Fukao, M.D., Hiroshi Satoh, M.D., and Shigeru Hisamichi, M.D. could find no link between consumption of green tea and gastric cancer.  The study did not find any increased protection among those who consistently drink green tea, but it also did not find any health risks associated with large green tea consumption.

So, in light of all the evidence, it seems that adding green tea to your diet is a wise choice.  While we still need to do more research on the subject, there certainly is reason to believe that green tea is a powerful tool for protecting your health.  In addition, there's reason to believe that green tea's effects may be more prevalent on certain types of cancers, and less prevalent on others.

And, even if it turns out that green tea doesn't prevent serious diseases -- there is compelling evidence that green tea is healthy.  Green tea can support healthy teeth, and slows down the aging process, just as any other food rich in anti-oxidants.  Plus, there is also research that suggests that green tea may speed up metabolism and help you maintain a healthy weight.

As you can see -- you have nothing to lose.  Even if green tea doesn't make you live to an old age with no serious illnesses, it won't hurt you.  So, go make a cup of green tea.  There's little doubt that it will do something good for your body.

Green Tea Protection Against Stomach Cancer

Over the last few years, scientists have discovered compelling evidence that green tea protects our bodies against many serious diseases, including cancer.  Though the research continues, it seems that it's safe to conclude that adding green tea to your diet is likely a great way to protect your health.

One of the most serious cancers in our time is stomach cancer.  Though its incidence has declined in recent years, it is still the second most common cancer in the world.  In addition, chronic gastritis is a common problem today, and many doctors believe that those with chronic gastritis are more likely to develop stomach cancer in the future.

In Yangzhong, China, researchers from the UCLA School of Public health studied a total of 732 patients.  133 of these patients had stomach cancer, 166 had chronic gastritis and 433 were healthy and used for control purposes.

After adjusting the study for age and other factors like smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and body mass index, the study concluded that drinking green tea did, in fact, reduce your overall risk of developing gastritis and stomach cancer.

This news is very exciting;  particularly to those who are at high risk for developing gastritis and stomach cancer.

Who should be concerned about developing stomach cancer?

As with any other disease, there are certain factors that make you more susceptible to developing stomach cancer.  Following are risk factors for developing this type of cancer.  You can better assess your risk by seeing how many of these risk factors apply to you.

Helicobacter pylori infection:  This infection of the stomach is fairly rare in the US, but can be found among many people in other countries, including Eastern Europe.  Many doctors believe that long term infection with this bacteria is a major contributor to development of stomach cancer.  The infection usually leads to chronic gastritis and makes changes to the lining of the stomach, which can cause cancer.

Diet -- Those who eat a large amount of smoked foods, salted fish and meats and pickled vegetables have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.  These products contain large amounts of nitrites, which are believed to lead to cancer.  On the other hand, if your diet is rich with fresh fruits and vegetables, you can reduce your risk of stomach cancer.

Tobacco and alcohol abuse:  Your risk of developing stomach cancer doubles if you smoke.  In addition, it is believed that alcohol abuse also contributes to stomach cancer, though this has not been proven.

Obesity:  Obesity increases your risk of developing stomach cancer, particularly in the part of your stomach closest to your esophagus.

Having Previous stomach surgery:  Certain types of stomach surgery, including surgery to remove part of the stomach for treatment of ulcers or other diseases, increases the risk of developing stomach cancer later on.

Having Type A Blood -- Scientists don't really know why, but people with Type A blood have a slightly higher risk of developing stomach cancer.

History of Cancer in your family -- If you have first degree relatives who have had stomach cancer, colorectal cancer or breast cancer, you have an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.  There are certain inherited genetic disorders that make you more prone to certain cancers.  If your family members have had these other cancers, you may possess this genetic disorder.

Stomach polyps:  Polyps are non-cancerous growths on the lining of the stomach that can turn into cancer.  One particular type of polyps, called adenomas appear to increase your risk of developing stomach cancer.

Geography:  Stomach cancer is most common in Japan, China, Southern and Eastern Europe, and South and Central America.  It is least common in Northern and Western Africa, South Central Asia, and North America.

Epstein-Barr virus:  This is the virus causes infectious mononucleosis.  Almost everyone is infected with the virus at some time in their lives, and it has been linked to some forms of lymphoma.  But, it has been detected in 5-10% of people with stomach cancer, too.  It usually causes a slow growing, less aggressive cancer.  Doctors don't quite understand the relationship between this virus and cancer.

Other Factors:  Stomach cancer is more than twice as common in men as it is in women, and is more common in Hispanics and African Americans than in non-Hispanic whites.  It is most common in Asians and Pacific Islanders.  It is also more common after the age of 50, with a significant increase in incidence once you reach your late 60's.

If you have more than three of these risk factors, you may need to be concerned about the development of stomach cancer later in life.  Drinking green tea, along with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.

Green Tea: The Japanese Secret To Good Health

Cancer remains a number-one killer in countries around the world.  Therefore, it should come as little surprise that medical researchers are exploring new avenues in an effort to find ways to attack cancer.

The investigation into alternative cancer therapies often begins by examining the cultures of specific nations in an effort to determine whether diet or other customs could help unlock the secret to curing this dreaded disease.  Since green tea has been a staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, it's not surprising that new attention is being paid to the tea's therapeutic benefits.

In recent years, doctors and scientific researchers have been focusing new attention on the idea of drinking green tea in an effort to keep cancer at bay.  It's been thought that the beverage possesses certain natural properties which make it a likely cancer preventative.

Studying Green Tea In-Depth

In order to look at this issue in more depth, researchers Kazue Imai, Kenji Suga, and Kei Nakachi of the Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute in Saitama, Japan, decided to examine the effects of green tea drinking among the Japanese.  In an article entitled ''Cancer-Preventive Effects of Drinking Green Tea Among a Japanese Population'' in Preventative Medicine magazine, the research team explored the therapeutic benefits of green tea at length.

When the researchers began their investigation, there had been a number of studies indicating that the main ingredient of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, was anti-carcinogenic.  However, there was little evidence to suggest that EGCG could prevent cancer in human beings.  While some human studies had been conducted, the results were far from conclusive.

The Japanese research team strongly believed that it was absolutely critical to conduct an in-depth study in an Asian nation, given the popularity of tea consumption in the Orient.  Ultimately, the Japanese scientists found that those Japanese subjects who drank green tea were less likely to develop cancer.  This was particularly true among women who consumed more than ten cups of green tea each day.

A Natural Cancer Prevention Tool

The rate of cancer was low among both men and women who consumed large amounts of green tea.  In addition, a study of 384 cancer patients indicated that increased consumption of green tea was linked with a delay in the onset of cancer.  Again, this phenomenon was most prevalent among women who consumed more than ten cups of green tea each day.  The average delay for the onset of cancer was four years -- four years of enhanced quality of life for the subjects involved.

To a Western mind, drinking ten cups of green tea daily can seem mind-boggling -- especially if one has difficulty consuming eight glasses of water each day.  It should be noted that, on average, the subjects were probably consuming 150 ml of green tea per cup.  That would amount to about 300 to 400 milligrams of EGCG -- a healthy amount, by any standard.

More Powerful Than Once Thought

It has become clear that green tea is far more powerful in fighting cancer than researchers once thought.  For instance, scientists recently discovered that green tea's unique chemical makeup enables it to combat one of the key cancer-causing molecules linked to tobacco use.  The ground-breaking evidence appeared in a journal published by the American Chemical Society.

In the study, researchers examined the effects of two components of green tea, EGCG and epigallocatechin, also known as EGC.  These substances are close to the consistency of cancer-preventing substances in red wine, grapes, broccoli, and cabbage.  The research team discovered that EGCG and EGC can inhibit a molecule that often ''turns on'' genes that can be harmful to the body, leading to the development of cancer.

However, it's unclear whether the results in the science lab could be replicated in a person's home, since the effectiveness of drinking green tea depends on how the beverage is used by the human body.  In addition, there appear to be differences between varieties of green tea, so additional study is necessary to prove the beverage's effectiveness in inhibiting potentially harmful molecular processes.

The Need for More Research

Based upon the evidence presented in the study conducted by Imai, Suga, and Nakachi, there can be little doubt that their research indicates that consuming green tea can lead to the prevention of cancer.  However, additional research is definitely needed in order to determine which organs of the body could best benefit from green tea.

In other words, will drinking green tea fight stomach cancer?  Breast cancer?  Colon cancer?  At this point, the answers to these questions remain unclear.  Yet, it should be noted that laboratory tests show that green tea's EGCG can zero in on organs in an effort to prevent cancer.

The initial research into cancer prevention using green tea is incredibly encouraging.  To begin with, green tea is an ordinary part of many people's diets, so drinking the beverage does not necessarily mean a radical lifestyle change.  If people are already accustomed to consuming green tea, it stands to reason that they wouldn't mind consuming more of it, if it would mean preventing the occurrence of cancer.

A Virtually Problem-Free Solution

Some approaches to preventing cancer may seem initially appealing, but can become decidedly less so because of the side effects involved.  However, there are no toxic effects linked to green tea consumption, meaning that this cancer-fighting remedy is especially promising.

In addition, green tea appears to be a powerful cancer prevention tool.  If the beverage's therapeutic effects were limited, there wouldn't be a great deal of interest in using it as a cancer preventative.  However, the strong link between green tea consumption and cancer prevention indicated by the Japanese study means that there is good reason for people to consider adding green tea to their diets.

Effects Beyond the Orient

Some might conclude that green tea drinking only prevents cancer among Asian populations, but researchers in the field believe that would be a mistake.  It's entirely possible that, if Westerners also made green tea a significant part of their daily diet, they would also see the preventative effects.

With so many supermarkets and convenience stores in the West now stocking green tea, it may be just a matter of time before Westerners will also experience the beverage's medicinal benefits.

Does Green Tea Offer The Prescription For Beating Cancer?

With early detection, cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence.  However, an initial diagnosis still brings with it a host of questions:  What is the best course of treatment?  Are conventional approaches best?  Or are non-traditional therapies preferable -- particularly if the cancer does not seem to respond to chemotherapy and radiation.

In recent years, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on unconventional therapies for cancer.  For instance, in an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Elizabeth Kaegi of the Task Force on Alternative Therapies of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative discussed the fact that cancer patients are trying a number of intriguing therapies, including Essiac, Iscador, hydrazine sulfate, vitamins A,C, and E, and 714-X.  But perhaps one of the most popular therapies that has been tried is green tea.  In fact, go to your local convenience store and you may find jug after jug of green tea in assorted flavors.  Still, you may be wondering what makes green tea so special -- and if it really can help to combat cancer.

Green Tea -- The Basics

Green tea is produced by steaming or frying the leaves of the shrub known as Camellia sinensis.  The leaves, which are not fermented, are then dried.  For 5,000 years, families in China and Japan have hailed green tea as a valuable stimulant and an effective remedy for stomach ailments.  You can even purchase green tea in capsule form now, although the actual medicinal benefits from such capsules have yet to be established.

Dried tea leaves are far more complex than you might think.  Specifically, they are made up of phytochemicals, plant alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, phenolic acids, and minerals.  Of course, the exact composition of the leaves varies, depending on when the leaves are harvested and how they are processed.  You should also be aware of the fact that the composition of green tea varies from that of black tea, since black tea has fewer polyphenols because of the fermentation process.

Side Effects

Green tea can contain anywhere from 10 to 80 milligrams of caffeine -- the actual amount depends on how it has been produced and stored.  Since caffeine is a known stimulant, green tea may lead to a racing heart rate and insomnia.  As a result, heart patients, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should ideally drink no more than two cups of green tea a day.

Cancer Prevention

Numerous scientific studies have explored the use of green tea as a cancer preventative.  According to Kaegi, digestive cancers appear to be particularly responsive to green tea.  In fact, such tea appears to somewhat decrease the risk of experiencing cancer of the digestive tract.  Given the fact that such conclusions are the result of a number of epidemiological studies, it appears that the idea that green tea can prevent cancer has some merit.

News from the Lab

But what about treating cancer?  Can green tea be as effective in treatment as it is in prevention?  There has been some limited lab work investigating the possibility that green tea can be used as an alternative form of cancer treatment.  However, at this point, there have only been a few animal studies and no human studies.  The results of these studies are, at this point, inconclusive.

Yet, it should be noted that one study showed that, if extracts of green tea are applied to mouse skin, it appears to stop the development of skin cancer when known carcinogens have been applied to the skin.  Other research indicates that green tea can stop the growth of tumors or decrease the number of tumors in animals that have been exposed to cancer-causing agents.

In some animals, green tea and tea extracts prevented cancer cells from metastasizing.  There are also indications that green tea extracts can prevent chromosomal abnormalities that can lead to cancer, as well as reduce the size of breast and prostate tumors.

The Magic of EGCG

Green tea contains an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG.  This substance appears to inhibit enzymes which are responsible for cell replication, stop the adhesion of cells, and disrupt the communication pathways which enable cell division to occur.  However, EGCG seems to be most critically important as an antioxidant.

Final Conclusions

Researchers believe that there is evidence to suggest that green tea can be used to treat cancer.  However, scientists add that additional research is absolutely essential in order to determine the full range of treatment that green tea might provide.  For instance, researchers must determine which cancers are most likely to be abated through the use of green tea or green tea extracts.  Since there is also evidence to indicate that green tea can prevent cancer as well, drinking green tea is not only safe -- it's also highly recommended by some medical experts.  Therefore, green tea may not just be a thirst-quencher -- it may also be a key ingredient of a healthy diet.

Combating Cancer With A Cup Of Tea

Generations of families in India and Asia have been turning to tea to cure what ails them.  Back in the year 1191, a Zen priest penned a work entitled the Book of Tea, which told how green tea could benefit at least five vital organs, including the heart.  At that time, green tea was thought to improve urinary and brain function, combat beriberi disease, and alleviate indigestion.  In other words, green tea was considered to be a multi-purpose elixir, able to treat a wide variety of health problems.

But this ancient remedy has now found a place in modern scientific literature, thanks to a new wave of studies on the medicinal properties of green tea.  While studies on human subjects have been inconclusive, initial evidence from the laboratory looks incredibly promising.

While green tea can be beneficial in attacking everything from high cholesterol to depression, it has perhaps gotten the most attention for its impact on cancer.  In order to understand the significance of this, it is first necessary to have some knowledge of the disease of cancer itself.

Cancer -- A Disease of the Genes

When cancer occurs, cells divide uncontrollably, meaning that the genes controlling cell growth have been damaged in some way.  In fact, a gene has to mutate a number of times before a typical cell will change into a cancer cell.

Antioxidants are important because they can stop the enzyme activities that give rise to cancer.  In essence, they repair DNA problems which have been caused by oxidants, or free radicals.

Green Tea -- A Natural Antioxidant

Green tea has been considered a godsend for good health because it contains antioxidants known as catechins.  These substances have been called impressive inhibitors of cancer growth.  Here's how they do itlab tests show that they combat oxidants prior to cell injuries, stop the growth of tumor cells, and reduce the occurrence of tumors.

For instance, mice tumors were found to shrink when the lab animals ingested green tea.  This phenomenon occurred whether the cancer affected the liver, the skin, or the stomach.

Green Tea and Cancer Prevention

In an article which appeared in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, authors Santosh Katiyar and Hasan Mukhtar noted that the special properties found in tea can help prevent cancer, according to the experimental data available.  This is significant, considering the wide availability of tea.  As the authors recognize, tea is grown in about 30 different countries and it's considered to be the most popular beverage worldwide.

Most scientific studies using tea have focused on the therapeutic effects of green tea.  In these lab tests, the green tea is fed to mice as an extract in water or in a purified form.  Green tea has even been found to have some positive medicinal effect before birth in the womb.

A Variety of Uses

Interestingly enough, medical research shows that the benefits of green tea are not limited to combating only one type of cancer.  In fact, consuming green tea may help prevent the development of cancers of the stomach, lungs, esophagus, pancreas, liver, breast, and colon.

Still, even researchers admit that the reasons behind green tea's broad therapeutic effects are not clear.  A number of theories have been put forward -- theories which require further investigation.

The Effects of Tea Drinking on Human Beings

Much of what we know about green tea's effects comes from animal studies.  While some research indicates that tea drinkers are less prone to cancer, other studies offer a conflicting view.  This may be because there are a number of environmental factors which can contribute to the development of cancer, including diet, carcinogens in one's living space, and the like.

Still, in China, where green tea is particularly popular, research results are encouraging.  A study of more than 18,000 Chinese men found that tea drinkers were far less likely to experience stomach cancer than non-tea drinkers.  Yet, a Netherlands study involving tens of thousands of men and women indicated there was no link between drinking tea and cancer prevention.

The Continuing Medical Debate

The debate over the health benefits of green tea continues at the highest levels of government and academia.  For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asserts that green tea does not reduce the risk of breast, prostate, or any other type of cancer.  The FDA also states that green tea does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, a study published in the fall of 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association directly contradicts the FDA's contentions.  That study indicated that drinking three or more cups of green tea could reduce the risk of death from heart disease.

Future Research Possibilities

Yet, there is a continued push toward additional research of the green tea phenomenon.  For instance, the National Cancer Institute is especially interested in exploring the ability of green tea to prevent skin cancer.  Researchers are examining the effects of both green tea in pill form and green tea creams applied directly to the skin.

Can Green Tea Treat Skin Cancer?

Some of the most promising cancer research going on today involves the use of green tea and its ability to prevent cancer and even treat cancer in patients who have already been diagnosed with the disease.  Researchers are examining many possibilities for how green tea might be used, and working to determine the cancer types for which it holds the most promise.

Over the last few years, scientists have learned a great deal about the importance of a diet rich in anti-oxidants.  Anti-oxidants are a powerful tool in slowing down the aging process and preventing disease.  They are even more important than even with the number of processed foods we consume.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, as is dark chocolate and green tea.  Coffee is also a source of anti-oxidants, though it is not nearly as rich in them as green tea.

The process our bodies go through to convert our food to energy creates free radicals each day.  Free radicals are oxygen containing molecules that damage our cells and DNA.  If we don't combat them, the make us age more quickly, they contribute to the development of blocked arteries and the make us more susceptible to the diseases and problems of aging.

So, it's certain that we all need to consume a high level of anti-oxidants as part of our everyday diet.  But, of particular interest are the anti-oxidants in green tea.  Asian cultures consume a large amount of green tea, and have espoused its healing properties for centuries.  And, it just so happens that they have a much lower incidence of cancer and heart disease.

There are, of course, other differences between Asian culture and ours.  Notably, we are far more likely to be overweight;  and research has shown us that obesity is a significant risk factor for many diseases including cancer and heart disease.  However, one other interesting fact;  Asian cultures, particularly Japanese men are far more likely to smoke than we are, yet they still have a much lower incidence of cancer and heart disease.

So, green tea is of significant importance in our quest to live longer and be healthier.  There are hundreds of studies that have shown that green tea is a good cancer preventative and can increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

One important study is linked to skin cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers.  Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer.  While only 4% of skin cancer cases are melanoma, it causes more deaths than any other type of skin cancer.

The number of new cases of melanoma is on the rise in the US- an estimated 62,000 Americans will be diagnosed in 2006, and about 8000 people will die from melanoma in the US this year.  Nonmelanoma is extremely common.  It is estimated that about one million people develop nonmelanoma cancer each year;  this is about the same number of people who contract all other types of cancer combined.  However, people rarely die from nonmelanoma -- only about 1000 each year in the US.

Since skin cancer is so prevalent in our country, it's critical that we spend time and money researching how we can treat this cancer.  Of course, skin cancer is, in part, preventable.  So, as part of a healthy lifestyle we should be diligent about protecting ourselves from the sun, because this is the most important aspect of preventing both types of skin cancer.

To reduce your risk of skin cancer, be sure that you are always protected from the sun, even on cloudy days, and even in the winter.  Cover as much of your body as possible with clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on any areas that you cannot cover.  Be sure to follow the directions on sunscreen closely;  many people do not use enough sunscreen and do not reapply it often enough.

As scientists are researching ways to prevent and treat skin cancer, the results involving green tea are promising.  One particular study reported by the Alternative Medicine Review showed excellent results in skin cancer prevention and treatment in mice with the use of green tea both applied topically and given orally*.

In this study, mice were exposed to about seven different kinds of carcinogens, all of which are known to cause or contribute to skin cancer.  The mice were divided into groups.  Some of the groups were treated with green tea by substituting it for their drinking water.  Others were treated topically with green tea extract.  Some of the groups of mice were already suffering from skin cancer, as well.

The research was conducted so that mice undergoing exposure to each different carcinogen were treated with green tea in both forms.  For example, some of the mice being exposed to UVB rays were treated with only oral green tea, while others were treated with only topical green tea extract.

The research concluded that all of the mice benefited from the green tea treatment, whether it was given orally or applied topically.  In every group, the green tea was effective at preventing skin cancer.  The study found that green tea applied topically seems to scavenge and destroy skin cells that are likely to become cancerous before they can mutate.

The green tea, whether given orally or applied topically, slowed down the cancer growth in the mice that were already infected.  In addition, green tea given orally seemed to cause some regression of existing skin cancer.

Of course, these results are very promising.  If this research is a good indicator of how green tea might work in humans, as well, then topically applied green tea may become the new trend in skin products.  In addition, these findings support other findings that conclude that drinking green tea is effective in preventing and treating many forms of cancer.

The next step, of course, is to conduct human trials to see if the same results prove true.  It certainly seems that we have enough information to suggest that green tea should be part of everyone's diet for its ability to slow down aging and prevent disease.

The most exciting news from this study is the idea that we might benefit dramatically from the simple step of applying a form of green tea to our skin.  Addition of green tea to our sunscreens, lotions and moisturizers could have a dramatic effect on the number of skin cancer diagnosed each year.  And, even for those already diagnosed with skin cancer, green tea applied to the skin might prove to be an effective treatment to kill the cancer cells, or at least slow down their progression.

Can Green Tea Improve Your Chances Of Surviving Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most frightening diseases faced by today's women.  In fact, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, after nonmelanoma skin cancer.  About 13% of American women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.  And, it is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer.

Scientists are continuing to look for new information to determine what causes breast cancer as well how to prevent and treat this disease.  Today, we still don't know what causes breast cancer, but we do understand some of the risk factors.

In addition, we have come a long way in treating breast cancer -- though many women still die each year.  Some of the research is very promising, including research on green tea.

One group of breast cancer sufferers who cause doctors a great area of concern are those who have a higher than average expression of the epidermal growth factor Her-2/neu.  Her-2/neu is a growth factor that sometimes presents itself in a tumor.  An over expression of this growth factor is a concern for breast cancer patients.

During routine testing of patients who have been recently diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, doctors will determine the level of Her-2/neu.  If the level is high, this information is used to guide treatment.  The level of this growth factor is important because studies have shown that patients with an over expression of Her-2/neu have a higher likelihood of their cancer metastasizing, and have an overall lower survival rate.  The Her-2/neu is high in about 30% of breast cancer patients.

As part of the ongoing research to find effective treatments for breast cancer, scientists have been looking seriously at the benefits of green tea, both on preventing cancer and treating it.  Asian cultures have used green tea for its healing properties for centuries, and their overall rate of cancer is much lower than that of the Western world.

Tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant.  You'll hear tea referred to as green, white or black.  These differences do not result from actual different types of tea leaf, but rather from differences in how the tea leaves are processed.  Green and white teas are not fermented during processing, but black tea goes through such a processing.

Tea leaves contain catechins, part of the flavan-3-ol class of flavonoids, which are anti-oxidants.  EGCG is one of the catechins contained in tea, and is a potent anti-oxidant.  Fermenting the tea leaves converts the catechins to other compounds that are not as healthy as those in unfermented tea.  So, the focus of research has been on green tea, because of its healthier form of anti-oxidants.

What's So Great About Anti-Oxidants?

During our body's process of converting food to energy, we create free radicals in our body.  These free radicals are damaging to our cells and DNA if we don't combat them.  Left unchecked, free radicals contribute to speeding up the aging process and to causing diseases such as cancer, heart attack and stroke.

Anti-oxidants, however, can help us combat these free radicals, and a diet in anti-oxidants is linked with preventing cancer, heart disease and stroke.  So, doctors recommend a diet high in anti-oxidants -- which means eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking green tea each day.

However, scientists also seem to be finding out that green tea may be able to increase the effectiveness in some cancer treatments.  Several studies conducted on mice already diagnosed with cancer have shown that taking green tea along with the cancer treatments can increase the effectiveness of the traditional therapy and may slow down the progression of cancer to other cells.  There is promising research;  some of it directly related to breast cancer treatment.

One particular study of interest was conducted by the Boston University School of Medicine.  In this study, female mice with breast cancer whose Her-2/neu levels were very high were treated with green tea along with their regular cancer treatment.  Mice that ingested the green tea showed a slower growth of their tumors and a slower progression of their cancer than those who were treated with the same medicine without green tea as an adjunct therapy.*

Researchers who found these results also believe that if green tea can inhibit the growth of tumors in patients already diagnosed with cancer, it may also be effective in preventing cancerous cells from forming and growing in the first place.  This coincides with other research that indicates that green tea may be significant in preventing cancer.  In addition, it helps explain why Asian cultures have such a low cancer incidence compared to the Western world.

This is very promising news for a group of breast cancer sufferers who have traditionally had a lower survival rate than others with breast cancer.  If we can slow the rate of cancer progression in those with over expression of Her-2/neu to approximately the same rate as other breast cancer patients, we may be far more effective at treating these patients.

Far more research is needed in the area of breast cancer prevention and treatment.  In addition, scientists will be spending more time examining the benefits of green tea in cancer prevention and treatment.  But, it seems clear that green tea has a place in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including cancer.

Even though there is more research to be done, there is no downside to adding green tea to your diet to help prevent disease or to improve your health if it is already failing.  Scientists have found no risks involved with drinking green tea.  It has no side effects, and is a healthy alternative to coffee because of its high level of anti-oxidants and because it is much lower in caffeine than coffee.  So, get a jump start on your anti-oxidants by drinking green tea!