A Cup of Tea May Protect Against Skin Cancer
ScienceDaily (Apr. 30, 1998) — New findings…tea may contribute significant protection against development of skin cancers caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays (presented by the CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition at the inaugural Australian International Symposium on Tea and Health in Sydney)
(Article): The latest research with mice found those given tea (with milk) experienced a reduction in the development of skin cancer of 50 per cent and a reduction in the development of papillomas of 70 per cent.
Tea is a rich source of special antioxidants called flavonoids, considered to be some of the most potent antioxidants in nature. Scientists believe antioxidants in the diet have an important role to play in the fight against diseases including cancer.
The important new CSIRO study examined the effect of providing tea with 10% milk, (compared to just 10% milk or just water) as the sole drinking fluid on UVA+B induced skin cancer in mice. The key finding was a significant reduction in the development of skin cancers in mice drinking tea with milk.
“These findings are significant because initially it was thought milk may bind to the flavonoids, and impact on the antioxidant properties and potential health benefits of tea. The most recent findings would suggest that the protective role of the flavonoids is enhanced in the presence of milk,” said Dr Ian Record of CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition.
“Intensive research is currently underway into tea flavonoids and how they may help protect the body from potentially harmful substances called free radicals. UV rays generate free radicals in the skin, which in turn inflict damage on the skin cells’ – causing some cells to become cancerous,” he added.
The researchers sounded a note of caution that, so far, the effects of tea as an anti-cancer agent has only been explored in mice, and the implications of their findings for humans will require further investigation.
I like green tea and Vanilla Chai. Yum! (I also like Cream Earl Grey which I’ve only had once and haven’t been able to find since but I’ve never forgotten how good it tasted.)
Beka
Beka
June 11, 2008
My father has been battling skin cancers and pre-melanomas for years. He’s not a tea drinker but, maybe, he should be. I’ll have to talk with him about it. Is there, or are there, any teas that are better than the others in their tea flavonoid value? Or antioxidant value?
Dorene
June 24, 2008