Two studies uncover new cancer prevention properties of tea
Two new studies have revealed new mechanisms by which tea could help in cancer prevention. In one study, researchers from New Jersey studied theaflavin-2, a compound found in black and oolong teas. They discovered that it activates genes that kill cancer cells, while simultaneously reducing molecules responsible for inflammation. The second study from India examined the effects of tea polyphenols on the development of breast cancer in female rats. They found that black and green tea polyphenols significantly lowered the number of mammary tumours by 77% and 92% respectively, and reduced their growth. These findings shed new light on the ability of tea components to regulate genes and reduce inflammatory mechanisms.