Green tea: A not so new weapon in the fight against breast cancer

November 5, 12:42 AMPhoenix Tea ExaminerGlynis Legrand

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We’ve heard so much about green tea and its health benefits, we’ve probably become numb to the talk.  So much recently, it is easy to forget tea was discovered more than 3,000 years ago. We see it everywhere–grocery stores, specialty markets and Pier 1 for goodness sakes. 

Celebrities are photographed with it and it has been reported that J. Lo and Gweneth Paltrow drink it every day.  Do they really expect us to believe green tea can help with certain types of cancers? And, is it true green tea is breast cancer’s nemesis?  Well, I just happen to have experience with both.

About 18 months after giving birth to my daughter, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.   Married two years, baby and a potentially terminal disease!  While experiencing chemotherapy, I asked my oncologist what I could do to make sure I didn’t have a reoccurrence.  He said, “drink more green tea.”

So I did and I’ve been cancer free since 2002.  Now, ,t saying the ONLY reason for my breast cancer remission is because I drank green tea, so don’t stop reading yet.   However, it was and continues to be a contributing factor. Of course, removing the tumor, six doses of chemotherapy and eight weeks of radiation can also take a bow.  But enjoying 4-10 servings of green tea a day didn’t hurt.

So here is what the scientific research tells us:

• Green tea contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin 3-gallate), a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce free radicals that can lead to aging, disease, and other disorders including cancer.
• According to Science Daily, a study conducted by University of Mississippi researchers found that consuming EGCG significantly inhibits breast tumor growth in female mice (4/2008).
• Dr. Gu, Lead Researcher for the same study, concluded   saying, “In this study we have demonstrated that the frequent ingestion of EGCG significantly inhibits breast tumor growth, VEGF expression (vascular endothelial growth factor, which is found in a variety of breast cancer types); and tumor angiogenesis (thought to help tumors expand by supplying them with nutrients) in mice.

And so it seems green tea may be breast cancer’s nemesis.  Who would have guessed this plant would be a superhero working hard for breasts everywhere? It is truly a new but ancient option that may be added to a breast cancer treatment or preventative plan.  Brewed using the correct water temperature and steeping time makes this a truly enjoyable beverage. 

**Before trying teas or herbal products, please check with your health care provider to ensure it does not interfere with any of your medications.  Women who are breast-feeding should consider the caffeine content in tea and also consult your physician before adding tea as a form of preventive care.