Drinking green tea can prevent this leading cause of death

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Matcha green tea with whisk on white counter

Biologists have good news for tea lovers: A compound in green tea can help your body remove cancerous tumors and repair damaged DNA.

While there is no foolproof way to fight cancer – and certainly, no behavior change will guarantee you a tumor-free life – there are still a few ways to lower your risk of developing it. Some of these methods are well known, including wearing sunscreen and skipping cigarettes. Other ways can be more surprising, like getting moving, and yes, even cutting back on gel manicures. Now researchers say you should also consider drink more green tea.

A new study, published in the journal Nature communications, found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound in green tea, can inhibit processes that turn off p53, a protein that suppresses tumors and repairs DNA. In other words, EGCG can help your body’s regulatory system do what it needs to do to fight cancer. (Related: 108 most popular sodas ranked by toxicity).

“The study is excellent because it helps us find mechanisms of action to explain why these [green tea’s health benefits] are possible, ”said Michael Donaldson, PhD, research director for Hallelujah Acres Eat this, not that! in an interview.

He says the study “alone would not encourage me to start drinking green tea or taking a supplement containing EGCG.” However, in combination with other studies that have looked at the effects of green tea in fighting cancer and other illnesses, he concludes, “including green tea in your health regimen is a great idea.” After all, it can’t hurt.

For example, Donaldson cites various studies that indicate the ability of green tea to protect drinkers against prostate and breast cancer, as well as studies that show the drinks can reduce the risk of death from all causes. This particular study, however, provides valuable insight into the extent of green tea’s health benefits to the body.

Drinking more green tea is just one of the eating habits that could help your body fight cancer. To learn more, check out these This type of meat is linked to an increased risk of cancer, study finds.

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