Compounds derived from green tea dramatically boosted production of a group of key detoxification enzymes in people with low levels of these beneficial proteins, according to US researchers at the Arizona Cancer Center.
The findings suggest that a green tea concentrate might help some people strengthen their metabolic defense against toxins capable of causing cancer.
In a study of 42 people, the concentrate – composed of chemicals known as green tea catechins in amounts equal to that found in 8-16 cups of green tea – boosted production of the enzymes by as much as 80% in some people.
The enzymes are believed to be crucial to the body’s defense against cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins, said lead investigator, H.-H. Sherry Chow, PhD.
"They actually convert known carcinogens to non-toxic chemicals, and studies have shown a correlation between deficient expression of these enzymes and increased risk of developing some cancers," Chow said.
Source: American Association for Cancer Research, Aug 10, 2007
