A Coffee Alternative That May Help Prevent Cancer
A U.S. nutrition expert has confirmed that matcha tea, which has become a popular alternative to coffee, could assist in cancer prevention.
According to the American network Fox News, Michelle Patidar, the nutrition expert, stated that matcha can offer significant health benefits.
She added, “Matcha leaves are grown in an unusual way, being shaded before harvest to protect them from excessive sunlight, which enhances their chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body and protects DNA from damage. These are all critical factors that support our bodies in cancer prevention and recovery.”
Moreover, matcha tea is rich in a large amount of polyphenols, such as catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from damage, according to Patidar.
Chronic inflammation is often associated with cancer development.
It has been proven that EGCG, a type of catechin found in matcha and green tea, “inhibits the growth of cancer cells by disrupting the signals necessary for tumor growth,” according to the nutrition expert.
Patidar also noted that matcha prevents a process called angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels needed by tumors and cancer cells to grow and spread.
The nutrition expert pointed out that alongside helping the body combat cancer, matcha is also an excellent immune booster, capable of “enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms” to maintain health.
She added that matcha also aids in improving insulin sensitivity and brain function, especially with age.
According to a 2018 study conducted by the Biomedical Research Center at the University of Salford in the UK, regular consumption of concentrated matcha tea is associated with a decreased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, lung, cervical, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
WebMD stated: “The polyphenols and other antioxidants found in matcha (as well as green tea) may help protect your cells from cancer. However, further research is needed for doctors to determine whether these compounds can help completely prevent the disease or only delay its onset.”
