Recent research has shown that several substances in green tea, known as polyphenols, may help protect men from prostate cancer. Of particular interest is a polyphenol known as polyphenon E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant inhibiting the growth of cancer.
In order to protect oneself from prostate cancer, in addition to drinking several cups of green tea every day, I would also recommend making sure that several servings of fruits and vegetables are included in your daily diet.
One of the most important things we can do to help maintain health, particularly as we age, is to increase our intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the cells of the body from free radicals. Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons, and thus very unstable, capable of damaging the cells of the body. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical, thus making it a more benign substance. Free radicals can be formed in the body through natural processes like burning calories, or through exposure to ionizing radiation from sun exposure, and also as a byproduct of radiation therapy. Unfortunately, these damaged cells can later form cancer cells or simply die, leading to advanced aging.
Some vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E, and selenium, act as antioxidants. Furthermore, there are pigments in plants, known as bio-flavanoids, that help protect the body from free radicals. We are just beginning to understand the relationship between a whole foods diet and cancer prevention.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8108831.stm
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