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More Evidence on Green Tea
A new study by a team of
Swedish researchers adds support to
the growing body of evidence that green tea contains
compounds that fight cancer.
Drs. Yihai Cao and Renhai Cao of the Karolinska Institute
in Stockholm found green tea contains a compound called
epigallocatechin-3-gallate
(EGCG), which helps inhibit
blood vessel growth. This could be useful in preventing
tumors from forming new blood vessels, which they need to survive. In a study on mice, the researchers also found
animals fed green tea showed a 55-percent to 70-percent
reduction in blood vessel development in the cornea of
the
eye, a finding that could prove helpful to diabetics
suffering from retinopathy, researchers say.
Other studies have shown EGCG blocked an enzyme needed
for
cancer cell growth and kept cells from becoming cancerous
without harming surrounding healthy cells. The
researchers
point out heavy consumption of green tea may not be
beneficial for women who are pregnant or for people
recovering from wounds, conditions that both require
blood
vessel development.
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Green Tea
Battles Arthritis
Antioxidants found in green tea may reduce the severity
and
even prevent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a new
study
suggests.
The antioxidants, called polyphenols, appear to possess
more antioxidant potency than some vitamins.
Researchers also point out there is anecdotal evidence
suggesting that people living in India, China and Japan
--
where green tea consumption is high -- have lower rates
of
rheumatoid arthritis.
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