Two More Cancer-Killing Compounds Found in Green Tea

Green tea has long been studied for its anti-cancer effects with positive results. But, new research published in the journal Cancer Science found there are two more reasons to drink green tea.

Many past studies of green tea have shown the effectiveness of on one particular nutrient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). But, in this exciting new study, researchers tested EGCG along with two additional plant nutrients found in green tea: catechins catechin gallate (CG), and epicatechin gallate (ECG) against one of the most deadly types of cancer—pancreatic cancer. They tested the three nutrients’ ability to suppress cancer tumor growth and the inflammatory activity found in pancreatic tumor cells.

The results were impressive: researchers found that ECGC effectively slowed tumor growth and reduced the cellular inflammation. Even more impressive, the two other nutrients: CG and ECG were substantially more effective than EGCG at halting the growth of tumors and reducing inflammation.

Their research may be helpful for those suffering from pancreatic (or potentially other) types of cancer but also in the prevention of cancer. While there are benefits of supplementing with EGCG, it may be better to drink green tea regularly to benefit from its many phytonutrients, not just the best known one.