On this day when we become aware of breast cancer, which affects so many women, it is important to inform ourselves about the prevention alternatives available to us.
Obviously the first and most important thing is self-observation. There are countless articles written on this topic, such as how to “explore” your breasts and how often to notice any lumps, bumps, color changes, moles or spots, or changes in texture that can help you detect them in time and perhaps even save your life.
In addition, it is clear that there are certain things that help prevent them from appearing or reduce their proliferation, including drinking tea.
This plant with wonderful properties and flavors provides us with powerful antioxidants called “catechins” that have been studied for decades to determine whether or not it is an adjuvant in the prevention of cancer; and although no categorical conclusions have been reached regarding its help, there are many studies that seem to indicate that it does help prevent it, or slow its progress once you have it.
On the website of the National Cancer Institute of the USA (which by the way has a section in Spanish) we can read:
How could tea help prevent cancer?
Among their many biological activities, the predominant polyphenols in green tea (EGCG, EGC, ECG, and EC) and theaflavins and thearubigins present in black tea have antioxidant properties . These chemicals, especially EGCG and ECG, have considerable free radical scavenging activity, and may protect cells from DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Tea polyphenols have also been shown in laboratory and animal studies to inhibit cell proliferation in tumors and cause apoptosis (1) . In other laboratory and animal studies, tea catechins have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis (2) and the extent of tumor cell invasion. In addition, tea polyphenols may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet B radiation, and may be able to modulate immune system function. What's more, green tea has been shown to activate detoxification enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase (3), which may help protect against tumor formation. While many of the potential beneficial effects of tea have been attributed to the powerful antioxidant activity of polyphenols, the precise mechanism by which tea may help prevent cancer has not yet been determined.
(1) Apoptosis: A type of cell death in which a series of molecular processes in the cell lead to its death. This is a method the body uses to get rid of unnecessary or abnormal cells. The apoptosis process may be blocked in cancer cells.
(2)Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. This happens because the tumor and host cells release chemicals near the tumor .
(3) Quinone-reductase: Enzyme inside cells that makes certain molecules less toxic. Also called quinone-oxidoreductase 1.
So although we cannot say without a doubt that antioxidants in tea prevent or reduce the appearance of cancer, it is reasonable to believe that they help us prevent it, combined with a healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, sleeping well, meditating, among others).
I invite you to include tea in your life, the ones with the most catechins are white and green, which are also delicious and will give you a moment of peace in your busy day, pamper yourself, take care of yourself, self-examine regularly (here is a guide on how to do it: https://www.breastcancer.org/es/sintomas/analisis/tipos/autoexploracion/pasos_aem ) and check yourself every year with your primary gynecologist. (4)
(4) The WHO recommends at least one annual check-up with the gynecologist and, after the age of 40, a mammogram also once a year.
I wish you good health
Olivia Medina
Tea Master, EURO TEA
