Qualey is a believer in the benefits of green tea and said due to the cancer prevention green tea is supposed to have, he uses green tea to counteract a bad habit.
"Part of the reason I drink green tea is because I smoke a pack a day," said Qualey.
According to some sources, green tea induces significant weight loss, makes a person feel great and clears all toxins out of the body. As with any cure of the moment, one has to wonder if green tea is really effective in the roles of preventing cancer, reversing liver damage, and burning fat, as some studies conclude.
Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, of Whole Body Medicine in Trumbull, said he does not prescribe green tea alone, but he does believe in the benefits of green tea and often recommends supplements that include green tea as an ingredient. "There is a lot of research that suggests that green tea consumption is beneficial," said Breiner. "Of course, there is a lot of marketing behind it as well as with any other product, but there is research that shows
The human body constantly produces oxidants, known as free radicals. Free radicals are molecules with incomplete electron shells, which make them more chemically reactive, according to Christian Meagher, local spokesman for the American Cancer Society. Exposure to various environmental factors, including tobacco smoke and radiation, can also lead to free radical formation. Free radicals damage cell proteins and genetic material and leave the cell vulnerable to cancer.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals as the natural by-product of normal cell processes, said Meagher. There are many foods that have been found to be high in antioxidants that act against free radicals — prunes, kale, raisins and spinach are among the fruits and vegetables. Green tea contains a high amount of antioxidants as well.
According to the National Cancer Institute Web site, antioxidants found in tea, whether green or black, may inhibit the growth of cancer, although results are not conclusive.
Many lab studies in cell cultures and animals have shown green tea has activity against cancer cells, according to the American Cancer Society Web site. Test tube studies have suggested that compounds in the tea may help stop new blood vessels from forming, thereby cutting off the supply of blood to cancer cells. But many researchers wonder if it is the lifestyle of the green-tea drinker versus the non-tea drinker that yields favorable results to green tea's role in fighting cancer. How much tea people drink, their geographic location and environment should all be considered.
Sheree Iafrete, a registered dietician at Bridgeport Hospital, isn't 100 percent sold on the benefits of green tea. Iafrete said that animal research has shown the largest benefits of green tea consumption to be preventative powers against cardiovascular disease and cancer.
However, there has not been enough research conducted to reasonably tell someone to start drinking green tea to permanently avoid cancer. "A basic benefit of green tea is that it improves immunity because it is rich in antioxidants," said Iafrete. "It can provide protection against viruses or bacteria." Cynthia Bigelow, president of Bigelow Tea, has been having some fun with green tea. The company has just launched a new green tea infused with pomegranate, which is flying off the shelves, said Bigelow. Bigelow has also created green teas combined with peach, mango, and blueberry among others. But tea isn't all fun and games for Bigelow. She said she has been lecturing on the health benefits of tea for 15 years.
"You are basically drinking the brew of a vegetable," said Bigelow. "Whether you're drinking green or black tea, you're drinking a very rich brew filled with antioxidants. Black tea is fabulous for the cardiovascular system and good for lowering LDL, bad cholesterol. Green tea is great for fighting cancer." "I wouldn't say it's part of our dietary prescription," said Iafrete, "but for people who are looking for something to add to their diet that is high in antioxidants, I would encourage it. I certainly would say green tea is something they could add to their diet for increased wellness." Iafrete warned that as with many herbal supplements, green tea interacts negatively with certain medications. Blood thinners, heart rhythm medications, blood pressure, anti-psychotics and antidepressants are a few of the medications green tea interacts with, but there are many more. Since green tea can act as an anti-coagulant, it is very important it is not mixed with blood thinners.
"Someone who's considering green tea as a part of their diet should consult their doctor or pharmacist beforehand," said Iafrete.
Breiner also gave a warning about green tea.
"Organic will always be the best if you are buying decaffeinated," said Breiner. "There are chemicals used to decaffeinated coffee and tea, which are neurotoxins. Try for organic decaf so you don't get any chemicals." While Iafrete agreed that it is best to buy organic decaf, she disagreed with purchasing a supplement over drinking the brew.
"What I have read says you get the highest concentration of antioxidant from brewing the tea," said Iafrete. "Also, the longer you brew the tea the more of a benefit you receive from the brew. I would tell someone to do that rather than take the supplement." Nancy Harvey-Smith, of Bridgeport, said that her doctor told her to add green tea to her daily regimen.
"He believes that it helps get toxins out of your system and is an appetite suppressant," said Harvey-Smith. "So, instead of a sugary snack, I have a cup of iced green tea with a teaspoonful of honey. I love the taste."
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