Tea has been cherished for centuries and used for many medicinal purposes. Among these, tea has been increasingly recognized for its potential role in cancer prevention.
Best Teas for Cancer Prevention
Green & Black Teas: Cancer’s Worst Nightmare
One of the best cancer fighting tea categories are black teas and green teas. The polyphenols in green teas and the theaflavins and thearubigins in black teas exhibit significant free radical scavenging activity, protecting cells from DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species.
Studies indicate that tea polyphenols inhibit tumor cell proliferation and tumor cell invasiveness. Additionally, tea polyphenols may safeguard against UVB radiation damage, modulate immune system function, and activate detoxification enzymes, potentially preventing tumor development.
White Teas: Helps to Prevent Lung & Colon Cancer
White tea, not as commonly studied for cancer benefits as green and black teas, is the least processed among its counterparts, boasts a delicate flavor profile and a high concentration of antioxidants. According to WebMD, “Several test tube studies have shown that white tea has anti-cancer effects. One study found that it could destroy different types of lung cancer cells. Another found that white tea could stop the growth and spread of colon cancer cells.”
Oolong Teas: Prevent Breast Cancer
Oolong tea is unique to China and Taiwan where most of the Oolong production takes place. Oolong tea comes in three degrees of fermentation: lightly fermented, full aroma, clarity, closer to green tea with lighter body, and golden green infusions.
According to Medical News Today, researchers found through their study that patients with extracts of green and oolong tea saw a halted growth of all types of breast cancer cells. In contrast, black and dark tea extracts showed very little effects.
“Oolong tea, same as green tea, can induce DNA damage and cleavage, play an inhibitory role in breast cancer cell growth, proliferation, and tumorigenesis, and [it has] great potential as a chemopreventive agent against breast cancer.”
Explore Cancer Fighting Teas with Storehouse Tea
While more study is needed, it is clear that teas offer a wide range of cancer-fighting benefits! Incorporating black, green, white, and oolong teas into your daily routine can be a delightful and healthful strategy. Explore our collection of Cancer Prevention Teas or contact us for more help in finding the right tea for you!
