Enjoy that Cup of Tea

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These days it seems that so many of the things I like eating are bad for me. Since I enjoy several cups of tea a day, I was encouraged to read a recent study that found that people who drink tea regularly may be helping to prevent certain cancers.

Researchers at the University of Southern California found direct evidence that certain chemicals in tea may protect us against stomach and esophagus cancers. In a study conducted in Shanghai, China, habitual tea drinkers were found to be about half as likely to develop stomach and esophagus cancer as participants who rarely drank tea.

Although there are always many variables in these studies, it seems that the antioxidants present in tea, substances like catechines, have a powerful effect in protecting proteins and DNA from oxidative damage. In a number of studies, catechines have been shown to halt tumour growth, as well as protect healthy cells from damage.

The human body constantly produces oxidants which steal electrons from other molecules in the cell, and in the process damage critical genetic material. To protect itself, the body makes and uses antioxidants, which scavenge and disarm the rogue oxidants. Green tea contains the most antioxidants, followed by Oolong, and then Black tea.

So next time you enjoy a cup of tea, remember it may be doing more than just relaxing you.