BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF GREEN TEA ON CANCER: REVIEW

Abstract

Green tea has been studied by researchers as a possible protector against cancer. This study focuses on research of humans with green tea. Polyphenols, chemicals that serve as strong antioxidants, are present in green tea. Varying findings have been seen in epidemiological and human trials. Thirty-one trials of humans and four articles have been reviewed. Three of the five colon cancer reporting reports observed an inverse correlation and one reported a favourable association. Just one of four studies showed an inverse correlation for rectal cancer; elevated chances were seen in two of the studies. In two out of two trials, an opposite correlation is proposed for urinary bladder cancer. Of the various studies investigating the relationship between green tea and cancer of the stomach, few indicate an inverse association, and some suggest a favourable association. An opposite relationship between green tea and stomach cancer is supported in the most detailed of these studies. In two of the three studies, pancreatic cancer studies show an opposite correlation. With green tea and esophageal cancer, a significant inverse effect was found. Studies of lung cancer have shown an inverse effect on Okinawan tea, but another study has shown a tentatively elevated chance. Although human trials have their limits, further study into the impact of green tea and cancer has been warranted by science.