November 19, 2007

Can Green Tea Affect Prostate Cancer?

It has been shown in some studies of green tea that it may help develop a treatment to prevent the dormant, non threatening type of prostate cancer many men have in their 70’s & 80’s from becoming the aggressive and fatal types. Also in studies on the diet and cancer show that green tea when tested with mice with an aggressive form of cancer can decrease the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer to liver, bones, and other parts of the body.

Also some newer research receals that green tea might help prevent the spread of prostate cancer. Specifically the phytochemicals found in green tea, called polyphenols attack the growth factors and proteins, interrupting the growth processes of tumors, resulting in preventing them from spreading to other organs in the body. Now because earlier studies showed that the same natural plant substances may also help to prevent the start of prostate cancer itself, researchers indicated that more studies need to be done on green tea’s affect on fighting this common type of cancer. The best way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer still lies in eating a mostly vegetarian diet.

The phytochemicals in green tea seem to increase the number of enzymes that help convert carcinogens in the body to a dormant, or harmless forms. Numerous questions still remain about the amount and or frequency of green tea necessary to affect the formation of prostate cancer itself. Black tea has also shown similar benefits and effects to green tea, although they appear to have somewhat lower levels of the beneficial substances than green tea has. Whatever the benefits of green tea, it would be a big mistake to rely on the teas alone for this prevention. Other tests and studies suggest a variety of nutritional influences on prostate cancer risk. Vitamin E use may also offer some protection. The antioxidant mineral selenium also seems protective. Most people do get adequate amounts of selenium, but these studies used mainly nutrition supplements, so the study participants achieved higher intake levels. So it still remains to be seen whether men can protect themselves by taking supplements, along with multivitamins, with selenium. If total selenium intake exceeds 400 mcg per day, nerve damage and other side effects can occur in the individuals.

Let us add that you should if possible avoid all fatty meats, since high-fat diets also have been linked to prostate cancer, other cancers, heart disease, and numerous other medical problems today. also definately stay away from refined sugars, salt, hydrogenated oils, canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods. Skip those soda drinks, alcohol, black teas, and all coffee beverages. Stop the consumption of dairy foods, since these products are so closely linked in the US to prostate cancer.

Next, most of us don't realise the effects of stress in everyday life, reduce stress, in particular chronic stress, since it is especially hard on the male prostate. All stress can restrict the flow of blood and energy in the prostate. Now this stress related damage can set the stage for enlargement of the prostate and even possible cancer. The general lifestyle can also contribute to a healthy prostate in men. Remember that exercise promotes circulation and relieves tension in the human body, and this also enhances the chances of a healthy prostate.

Of course in addition, exercise is essential for effective weight management, it is important to exercise regularly, try to excercise at least 30 minutes a day and at least 3 days every week. This regular exercise not only helps burn off extra calories, but help keep the body flexible and helps to maintain more muscle strength and endurance. Just walking, jogging, and leisure activities such as amateur sports, can be very effective types of exercise. The key is to just stay as active as possible and definately stay off the couch. Many people constantly face that difficult uphill battle to regain control of their weight and healthy body issues. Ultimaletly taking good care of the prostate requires taking better care of yourself.
Now other great foods for natural nutrition and healthy aging are broccoli, blueberries, cabbage, brussels sprouts, flaxseed, soybeans, and tomatoes. But cooked tomatoes are actually a much better source of nutrician than just the raw tomatoes because in the cooking process it releases more lycopene from the cells.

Also it is very important for all men over 50 to have early check-up of his health to help indentify these and other problems early and get proper medical advice and treatments!
For more information on the prostate and male health issues try visiting
Prostate Health - a website that specializes in providing prostate and mens health related information and resources including information on prostate cancer.

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