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Green Tea and CLLWhat is the link between Green Tea and CLL?Researchers at Mayo Clinic have provided preliminary evidence to sustain a positive relation between Green Tea and CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) prevention and treatment, as well as a protective effect against some types of cancer, due to its antioxidant components. However, results from human studies have been contradictory. Findings are published online in Leukemia Research.What is CLL?Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a blood and bone marrow cancer that affects hundreds of thousands new patients each year world wide. It is called chronic leukemia because it progresses more slowly than acute leukemia, and lymphocytic because it affects the lymphocytes - the white blood cells which typically fight infections. CLL it’s described by an abnormal increase of the number of white blood cells, which then infiltrate the bone marrow, causing a decrease in the production of normal blood cells, and their malfunction.Why Green Tea?Green Tea is rich in catechin polyphenols,
particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a very powerful anti-oxidant and also an
inhibitor for the growth of cancer cells. EGCG kills cancer cells without harming
healthy tissue. It has also been proven that Green Tea could be very effective in
lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood
clots.
What gives Green Tea it's particular and exceptional qualities is the way it is processed. Unless other types of tea leaves, which are made from fermented leaves, Green Tea leaves are steamed, which will prevent the EGCG compound from being oxidized and will make it more effective in preventing and fighting various diseases. Tea drinking is an ancient tradition dating back 5,000 years in China and India. Those cultures have always considered drinking Green Tea as an aid to good health. More recently, scientists have started to study the health effects of Green Tea more closely in lab animals and in observational human studies. What is the evidence of Green Tea and CLL treatment?Recent studies at Mayo Clinic have shown that green tea has activity against cancer cells. Three of the four patients which started to take green tea capsules and drink green tea have shown impressive results in the regression of the cancer tumors. It is tempting to assume that drinking Green Tea may also help prevent certain cancers, but studies in humans are still inconclusive.Laboratory studies have shown that tea anti-oxidants (catechins) act as powerful inhibitors of specific enzyme activities that lead to cancer:
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