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Page 109
| 3. Physical carcinogens (such as ultraviolet light) |
| 4. Tumor promoters (such as the pesticide DDT) |
| Green tea inhibits tumor initiation by preventing the formation of carcinogens, helping the liver to detoxify, and protecting DNA by producing enzymes that speed carcinogen removal and enhance DNA repair activity. It also inhibits tumor promotion by blocking abnormal cell growth, slowing the production of hydrogen peroxide and other reactive free radicals, and enhancing the immune system. |
| Green tea does contain caffeine, and caffeine, to the surprise of many, possesses anticancer activity. Caffeine is able to induce apoptosis within cancer cells and it also enhances the cytotoxicity of radiation therapy and alkalating chemotherapeutic drugs, including carboplatin, cytoxin, busulfan, and valalbine, all commonly used in cancer therapies. |
| The polyphenolic compounds present in green tea demonstrate chemopreventive activity in animal tumor models. Epidemiologic studies have also shown that green tea consumption might be effective in the prevention of certain human cancers. The National Cancer Institute recently investigated the effect of green tea polyphenols on the induction of apoptosis and the regulation of the cell cycle in human and mouse carcinoma cells. The study concluded that green tea offers protection against a wide variety of human and mouse tumor-cell lines by causing cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis. 22 |
| Another recent study has demonstrated growth inhibition of human lung cancer-cell line PC-9 by green tea polyphenols, specifically epigallocatechin gallate, one of its main constituents. Green tea appears to intercept cell division during the mitotic stage of cell growth.23 2425 Still another recent study involving green tea has shown a strong inhibitory effect on stomach cancer growth in humans. Findings from this study recommend drinking green tea to protect against stomach cancer,26 |
| Alteratives and Lymphatics: Herbs That Detoxify |
| These are the herbs that increase the body's elimination of waste material and improve nutrition. Detoxification, an area of extreme importance to our health that is largely overlooked by conventional medicine, takes place at three levels. |
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