Green tea and cancer: myths and realities

In recent years, green tea has attracted increasing attention for its alleged health benefits, particularly in relation to the prevention of certain diseases, including cancer. Its image as a beneficial beverage, often highlighted for its antioxidant properties, has led to much discussion about its possible role in the fight against this disease. At a time when the number of diagnosed cancers is constantly on the rise, exploring various therapies and means of prevention is more essential than ever.

Organizations such as the Fondation Contre le Cancer have begun to recognize green tea as a useful dietary supplement for cancer prevention. This increased attention raises questions about the reasons behind this fascination. Scientific research is shedding light on this subject, highlighting the potentially protective effects of green tea.

One notable example is a study published in 2008, which synthesized the results of two clinical studies carried out in Japan in the 1990s. These, involving almost 50,000 men, revealed that daily consumption of five cups of green tea could halve the risk of developing prostate cancer compared with those who drank just one cup. This suggests that high consumption habits could have a positive impact on the prevention of certain forms of cancer.

In addition, research in cell and animal models has indicated that green tea may limit the development of metastases in various types of cancer, including those of the skin, prostate, breast, pancreas and lung. These results open up encouraging prospects in the field of cancer research, although it is important to remain aware of the limitations of the studies and their transfer to clinical applications.

However, it is important to remember that, despite these promising discoveries, tea must above all remain a pleasurable experience. The enjoyment of a good green tea can offer a moment of relaxation and conviviality, while holding back from unrealistic expectations as to its health benefits. The pleasure of drinking tea must therefore coexist with an informed approach to its properties and its role in disease prevention.