Monday, October 24, 2005Green tea 'can block cancer'Green tea's ability to fight cancer is even more potent and varied than scientists suspected, research suggests.
Scientists already know that green tea contains anti-oxidants which may have a protective effect against cancer. But now they have discovered that chemicals in the tea also shut down a key molecule which can play a significant role in the development of cancer. The molecule, known as the aryl hydrocarbon (AH) receptor, has the ability to activate genes - but not always in a positive way. Tobacco smoke and dioxins, in particular, disrupt the functioning of the molecule and cause it to trigger potentially harmful gene activity. The researchers, from Rochester University, found that two chemicals in green tea inhibit AH activity. Similar compounds Both chemicals are similar to compounds called flavonoids, which are found in broccoli, cabbage, grapes and red wine, and which are also known to help prevent cancer. Researcher Professor Thomas Gasiewicz said: "Green tea may work differently than we thought to exert its anti-cancer activity. "It's likely that the compounds in green tea act through many different pathways." The Rochester team showed that the chemicals shut down the AH receptor in cancerous mouse cells. Early results indicate the same is true in human cells. However, the scientists say that the results in the laboratory do not necessarily translate to everyday life as the crucial factor is how green tea is broken down inside the body. In addition, there are a lot of differences between various types of green tea. Dr Julie Sharp, a science information office at Cancer Research UK, said: "This research describes additional properties of green tea that may be beneficial but which have yet to be tested properly. "The causes of cancer are complex and both diet and our genetic make-up act together to influence our risk of developing the disease. "Cancer Research UK is currently involved in a large-scale study of diet and health that is researching the eating habits of over half a million people in 10 European countries to try and help unravel this complexity." Research has also suggested that green tea may help to reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and to lower cholesterol levels. The research is published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology. posted by GoldenTeahouse at 4:41 PM 0 comments Friday, October 14, 2005Tea on HorsebackWith five tons of Pu'er tea, a team of 120 horses and mules led by 43 stablemen from Southwest China's Yunnan Province arrived in Beijing on Monday after more than five months of travelling along National Highway 108.
An auction of the tea will be held this Friday in Beijing's Badachu Park with proceeds going to the Project Hope. The event, started on May 1st, is aimed to promote Pu'er tea culture by reviving the tradition when Pu'er tea was transported on horseback from Simao, hometown of Pu'er tea in Yunnan Province, to the royal court in Beijing. At that time, horses were one of the most convenient means to transport, the transportation itself was one of the processes in making the fine Pu'er tea. It is said the unique taste of Pu'er tea was developed during the month-long horseback transportation when the tea-leaves would begin to ferment in the humidity and release a strong, fragrant aroma. This is the first horseback transportation of Pu'er tea along the same route from Simao to Beijing since the practice died out 166 years ago. There have been four tea auctions along the way in Kuming, Chengdu, Xi'an and Taiyuan. Beijing was the trip's final stop. posted by GoldenTeahouse at 9:13 AM 0 comments Previous PostsArchives |
