Green tea, which grows in particularly humid climates, contains numerous polyphenols, called catechins. One of the most powerful is the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which stops the formation of new blood vessels by cancer cells. It also blocks the receptors on neighbour cells and prevents them being invaded by the cancer cells by inhibiting the production of NF-kappa B. Not only has it shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects but it also facilitates the suicide (apoptosis) of the cancer cells. Therefore it is a very potent anti-cancerous agent. It has shown its effects slowing the growths of leukaemia, breast, prostate, kidney, skin and mouth cancer.
Green tea is also an excellent detoxifier of the body, helping the liver eliminating cancerous toxins.
In addition, it has shown to make cancer cells more sensitive to radio- and chemotherapy.
Finally, this effect of EGCG is still more striking when combined with soy.
This precious molecule is destroyed when the green tea is fermented and turns into black tea.
From studies, I would suggest having on average 3-5 cups of ecologic/organic whole leave green tea.
References:
Consultant in General Internal Medicine (GMC reg. number: 7541548) and Specialist in Complementary Cancer Care
MBBS, MRCIM (Spain), MSc Homeopathy, MFHom, Master practitioner in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Neurolinguistic Programming, MSc in Nutrition
Integrated medicine Doctor and Holistic Medicine Practitioner