Catechins, the same compounds that are responsible for most of the above-listed health benefits of green tea, have been shown to be extremely effective at protecting cells against DNA damage which could lead to cancer. But the anti-cancer activities of green tea are not limited to the DNA-protecting effects of catechins; in vitro studies suggest that green tea can also inhibit nitrification, a bodily reaction that has been associated with the development of certain types of cancer, including stomach cancer and esophagus cancer.
Why Drink Loose Leaf Green Tea
In addition, green tea appears to be capable of suppressing urokinase, an enzyme that has been shown to be particularly active in cancer patients and that may play a key role in the spread of cancer cells.
While the evidence that green tea can help prevent cancer is convincing, people who already have cancer should consult with their doctor before using green tea as compounds in green tea have been shown to reduce bioavailability of certain anti-cancer drugs such as sunitinib (marketed as Sutent) and bortezomib (marketed as Velcade).