How Green Tea May Benefit Your Skin

1. Green Tea Can Help Manage Acne

Acne is a common problem among teenagers and adults. It occurs due to clogged pores, hormonal
imbalance, excessive sebum production, bacterial infection, and inflammation around the sebaceous
gland follicles (2).

Topical application of green tea for two weeks was effective in reducing sebum production and
inflammation in the follicles (2), (3). Ingestion of decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) also showed
promising results with decreased number of acne lesion counts (4), (5).

However, more research is required to determine the clinical benefits of decaffeinated GTE in women
with post-adolescent acne, and it should be tested against standard treatments to compare the results in
unhealthy states.

2. Green Tea Polyphenols Protect The Skin From UV Rays

Repeated and prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays causes photoaging (6). EGCG, the green
tea polyphenol, can help protect the skin from UVB rays and inhibit UVB-induced protein oxidation. This,
in turn, can help prevent skin aging (7).

The topical application of green tea helps scavenge harmful free oxygen radicals produced due to UV
exposure (8). Green tea may also help reduce skin pigmentation, but more research is needed to
establish this (9).

3. Green Tea May Reduce The Risk Of UVB-Induced Skin Cancer

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are
diagnosed with skin cancer every day (10). Harmful UV rays, chemicals, and toxins that affect the DNA
are responsible for the growing number of people with skin cancer (11).

EGCG offers cancer-preventive effects and can help suppress tumor growth (12). A study showed that the
polyphenols in green tea could be used as pharmacological agents to prevent solar UVB light-induced
skin disorders like melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers and photoaging (13). Many other studies
have concluded that regular consumption of green tea may help reduce the risk of skin cancer in mice
and humans (14), (15). However, more research on human subjects is required.

4. Green Tea Antioxidants Can Help Manage Skin Aging And Wrinkles

Our skin starts to wrinkle as we age. The collagen and elastin fibers in the skin make it look plump and
smooth. But with age, these break down, causing the skin to fold and droop. Scientists found that green
tea water extract reduced skin damage, promoted anti-wrinkling processes, and delayed collagen aging
in mice (16), (17). Tannase treatment was found to improve green tea’s antioxidant activity, thereby
reducing wrinkles (18).

5. Green Tea May Protect The Skin Around The Eyes

The skin around the eyes is thin and very delicate. It wrinkles, ages, and becomes pigmented due to UV
exposure, stress, poor lifestyle, genetics, and lack of sleep. Green tea’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
UV-protective, and anti-wrinkle properties may help protect the skin around the eyes from pigmentation,
wrinkling, and sagging (19).

These are the 5 ways green tea can be useful for your skin. But how to use it? Here are a few ways you
can use green to solve most of your skin woes.

How To Use Green Tea For Skin

1. Drink Green Tea

Drinking green tea has many benefits. The antioxidants in green tea help flush out toxins from the body.
This, in turn, may help your skin glow from within. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties can help
reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Getting proper rest is also important for the skin to retain its
freshness and youth.

Talk to your nutritionist or doctor to decide the number of cups of green tea you may drink per day. Use
decaffeinated green tea if you are caffeine sensitive.hanks to its strong antioxidants, green tea has the
ability to quell inflammation, which plays a part in various other diseases. ... If all that weren't enough,
green tea — as well as white tea — are rich in an anti-aging antioxidant known as EGCG, which helps
fight wrinkles by increasing cell turnover

A Curtin researcher has found drinking green tea may help alleviate Urinary Incontinence (UI) in middle-
aged and older women.

Professor Andy Lee, from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, collaborated with a Japanese
research team to examine the effects of green tea consumption in a cohort of Japanese women aged
between 40 and 75.

While UI was a problem for 28 per cent of participants, the results showed that those who drank four or
more cups of green tea daily were significantly less likely to suffer from the condition.

“The difference between green tea and black tea is that the former is a non-fermented product,”
Professor Lee said.

“Both teas are produced from the leaves of Camelia sinensis, but green tea has undergone far less
oxidation during processing, and it has far less caffeine,” he said.

Of the principal chemical constituents of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, is the most active
polyphenol. Previous research has shown EGCG to be mainly responsible for the inhibitory effect of
green tea on urinary stone formation.

EGCG has been demonstrated to cause a dose-dependent decrease in urinary bladder cancers. Another
experimental study showed that green tea could reduce glucose levels and renal injury associated with
abnormal glucose-related oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy.

UI is a distressing condition and a costly problem for middle-aged and older people. Up to 35 per cent of
the population aged 60 and over are estimated to suffer from UI, with women twice as likely to suffer
from the condition as men. With around 50 per cent of nursing home admissions relating to UI, it is a
serious problem worldwide.

A cross-sectional study in Finland reported that consumption of certain foods and beverages can affect
the prevalence of UI and lower urinary tract symptoms. Age, gender, obesity and smoking are also
established risk factors.

“We would now like to undertake a population-based prospective cohort study to confirm the benefits,”
Professor Lee said.

“But, as part of a preventative strategy, we recommend that women replace their consumption of other
beverages, such as coffee, with green tea.”

A Curtin researcher has found drinking green tea may help alleviate Urinary Incontinence (UI) in middle-
aged and older women.

Professor Andy Lee, from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, collaborated with a Japanese
research team to examine the effects of green tea consumption in a cohort of Japanese women aged
between 40 and 75.

While UI was a problem for 28 per cent of participants, the results showed that those who drank four or
more cups of green tea daily were significantly less likely to suffer from the condition.

“The difference between green tea and black tea is that the former is a non-fermented product,”
Professor Lee said.

“Both teas are produced from the leaves of Camelia sinensis, but green tea has undergone far less
oxidation during processing, and it has far less caffeine,” he said.

Of the principal chemical constituents of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, is the most active
polyphenol. Previous research has shown EGCG to be mainly responsible for the inhibitory effect of
green tea on urinary stone formation.

EGCG has been demonstrated to cause a dose-dependent decrease in urinary bladder cancers. Another
experimental study showed that green tea could reduce glucose levels and renal injury associated with
abnormal glucose-related oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy.

UI is a distressing condition and a costly problem for middle-aged and older people. Up to 35 per cent of
the population aged 60 and over are estimated to suffer from UI, with women twice as likely to suffer
from the condition as men. With around 50 per cent of nursing home admissions relating to UI, it is a
serious problem worldwide.
A cross-sectional study in Finland reported that consumption of certain foods and beverages can affect
the prevalence of UI and lower urinary tract symptoms. Age, gender, obesity and smoking are also
established risk factors.

“We would now like to undertake a population-based prospective cohort study to confirm the benefits,”
Professor Lee said.

“But, as part of a preventative strategy, we recommend that women replace their consumption of other
beverages, such as coffee, with green tea.”

The study was recently published in the leading journal Neurourology

and Urodynamics

10 Proven Benefits of Green Tea

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Green tea is the healthiest beverage on the planet.

It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body.

These include improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other impressive
benefits.

Below are 10 health benefits of green tea that are supported by studies.

1. Green Tea Contains Bioactive Compounds That Improve Health

Green tea is more than just liquid.

Many of the plant compounds in the tea leaves do make it into the final drink, which contains large
amounts of important nutrients (1Trusted Source).

Tea is rich in polyphenols that have effects like reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer.
Green tea is about 30 percent polyphenols by weight, including large amounts of a catechin called EGCG.
Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.

These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules
from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in aging and all sorts of diseases.

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. It has been studied
to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal
properties (2Trusted Source).

Green tea also has small amounts of minerals that are important for health.

Try to choose a higher quality brand of green tea, because some of the lower quality brands can contain
excessive amounts of fluoride (3Trusted Source).

That being said, even if you choose a lower quality brand, the benefits still far outweigh any risk.

SUMMARY

Green tea is loaded with polyphenol antioxidants, including a catechin called EGCG. These antioxidants
can have various beneficial effects on health.

2. Compounds in Green Tea Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter

Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter.

The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.

It doesn't contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the "jittery"
effects associated with too much caffeine.

What caffeine does in the brain is to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. This way, it
actually increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and
norepinephrine (4Trusted Source, 5).

Caffeine has been intensively studied before and consistently leads to improvements in various aspects
of brain function, including improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory (6).

However, green tea contains more than just caffeine. It also has the amino acid L-theanine, which is able
to cross the blood-brain barrier (7Trusted Source).

L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects.
It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted
Source, 9Trusted Source).

Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. The combination of the two is
particularly potent at improving brain function (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).

Because of the L-theanine and the smaller dose of caffeine, green tea can give you a much milder and
different kind of "buzz" than coffee.

Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green
tea, compared to coffee.

SUMMARY

Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino
acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.

3. Green Tea Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance

If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are that green tea will be on
there.

This is because green tea has been shown to increase fat burning and boost the metabolic rate, in
human controlled trials (12Trusted Source).
In one study in 10 healthy men, green tea increased energy expenditure by 4% (13Trusted Source).

Another study showed that fat oxidation was increased by 17%, indicating that green tea may selectively
increase the burning of fat (14Trusted Source).

However, some studies on green tea don't show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend
on the individual (15Trusted Source).

Caffeine itself has also been shown to improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from the
fat tissues and making them available for use as energy (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).

In two separate review studies, caffeine has been shown to increase physical performance by 11-12%, on
average (18, 19Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Green tea has been shown to boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning in the short term,
although not all studies agree.

4. Antioxidants in Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Some Types of Cancer

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It is one of the world's leading causes of death.

It is known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants may
have a protective effect (20Trusted Source).

Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, so it makes sense that it could reduce your risk
of cancer, which it appears to do:

Breast cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies found that women who drank the most green tea
had a 20-30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer in women (21Trusted
Source).

Prostate cancer: One study found that men drinking green tea had a 48% lower risk of developing
prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men (22Trusted Source).
Colorectal cancer: An analysis of 29 studies showed that those drinking green tea were up to 42% less
likely to develop colorectal cancer (23Trusted Source).

Many observational studies have shown that green tea drinkers are less likely to develop several types of
cancer. However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these effects (24, 25Trusted Source).

It is important to keep in mind that it may be a bad idea to put milk in your tea, because some studies
suggest it reduces the antioxidant value (26Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Green tea has powerful antioxidants that may protect against cancer. Multiple studies show that green
tea drinkers have a lower risk of various types of cancer.

5. Green Tea May Protect Your Brain in Old Age, Lowering Your Risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Not only can green tea improve brain function in the short term, it may also protect your brain in old
age.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in humans and a leading cause of
dementia.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and involves the death of
dopamine producing neurons in the brain.

Multiple studies show that the catechin compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on
neurons in test tubes and animal models, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
(27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

The bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on the brain. They may reduce
the risk of both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.

6. Green Tea Can Kill Bacteria, Which Improves Dental Health and Lowers Your Risk of Infection

The catechins in green tea also have other biological effects.

Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially
lowering your risk of infections (30Trusted Source, 31, 32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).

Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a
leading contributor to cavities and tooth decay.

Studies show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Green tea
consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of caries (34Trusted Source,
35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source).

Multiple studies also show that green tea can reduce bad breath (38Trusted Source, 39).

SUMMARY

The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of
infections and lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of caries and reduced bad breath.

7. Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the past few decades and now
afflicts about 400 million people worldwide.

This disease involves having elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability
to produce insulin.

Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels (40Trusted
Source).

One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had a 42% lower risk
of developing type 2 diabetes (41Trusted Source).

According to a review of 7 studies with a total of 286,701 individuals, green tea drinkers had an 18%
lower risk of becoming diabetic (42Trusted Source).
SUMMARY

Some controlled trials show that green tea can cause mild reductions in blood sugar levels. It may also
lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

8. Green Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the biggest causes of death in the world
(43).

Studies show that green tea can improve some of the main risk factors for these diseases.

This includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (44Trusted Source).

Green tea also dramatically increases the antioxidant capacity of the blood, which protects the LDL
particles from oxidation, which is one part of the pathway towards heart disease (45, 46).

Given the beneficial effects on risk factors, it is not surprising to see that green tea drinkers have up to a
31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (47, 48, 49Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Green tea has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, as well as protect the LDL particles from
oxidation. Observational studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

9. Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Obesity

Given that green tea can boost the metabolic rate in the short term, it makes sense that it could help you
lose weight.

Several studies show that green tea leads to decreases in body fat, especially in the abdominal area (50,
51Trusted Source).

One of these studies was a 12-week randomized controlled trial in 240 men and women. In this study,
the green tea group had significant decreases in body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference
and belly fat (52).
However, some studies don't show a statistically significant increases in weight loss with green tea, so
this needs to be taken with a grain of salt (53Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Some studies show that green tea leads to increased weight loss. It may be particularly effective at
reducing the dangerous abdominal fat.

10. Green Tea May Help You Live Longer

Of course, we all have to die eventually. That is inevitable.

However, given that green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it makes
sense that it could help you live longer.

In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank the most green tea (5 or more cups per day) were
significantly less likely to die during an 11 year period (54Trusted Source):

Death of all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men.

Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men.

Death from stroke: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men.

Another study in 14,001 elderly Japanese individuals aged found that those who drank the most green
tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6 year study period (55).

SUMMARY

Studies show that green tea drinkers are likely to live longer than non-tea drinkers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1Bj7sKWxi8

A cup of tea would restore my normality,” Douglas Adams wrote in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
And he was onto something. Turns out that regularly drinking green tea can do wonders for your body.
Here are seven ways the drink gives you a boost:

1. Green tea is good for your bones. Move over, milk. Green tea could help slow the process of age-
related bone loss and decrease the risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis, according to a study
published in the journal Nutrition Research. Women who drank up to three cups of tea per day had a 30
percent lower risk of osteoporosis-related hip fractures, researchers found.

2. Green tea may help prevent cancer. Cancer rates are lower in countries, like Japan, where green tea is
a go-to drink, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While researchers can’t be sure
that green tea alone is responsible for low cancer rates, the tea does contain the chemicals EGCG, EGC,
ECG, and EC, which are known for their antioxidant activity. These chemicals may help protect cells from
DNA damage, one of the first steps in the growth cancer cells. Plus, properties of green tea could help
protect your skin from the sun’s UV damage, the leading cause of skin cancer.

3. Green tea could help you maintain a healthy weight. It could even reduce body fat, researchers found
in one 12-week study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Green tea extract may also
have the power to decrease obesity and obesity-related illness, like diabetes.

4. Green tea could lower your cholesterol. Green tea has been linked to lower levels of LDL, the “bad”
cholesterol, according to a paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Overall, tea
drinkers had slightly lower levels of LDL than those who did not drink green tea.

5. Green tea may promote healthy gums. A lower rate of gum-tissue loss and bleeding was found in
those who regularly drank green tea, according to researchers at a Japanese university. The more tea
subjects drank, the fewer symptoms of periodontal disease they displayed, so downing more than one
cup a day could go a long way to improving your oral health.

6. Green tea is good for your heart. Drinking green tea every day could help lower your risk of heart
disease, according to Harvard Medical School. Regular tea drinkers showed a 26 percent lower risk of
dying from a heart attack or stroke in a Japanese study of over 40,000 participants. But these
participants consumed at least five cups of green tea per day, so drink up if you’re after a healthy heart.

7. Green tea gives you an energy boost. Even those trying to cut back on caffeine can reap the energy
benefits of green tea. Because one eight-ounce cup of green tea contains 24 to 45 milligrams of caffeine,
versus the 95 to 200 milligrams in a cup of coffee, tea offers a boost of energy with a lower risk of the
headaches, shakiness, and nausea that come with caffeine overload. And that jolt of caffeine can boost
exercise endurance, according to research published in the American Journal of Physiology. So whether
you’re an athlete or just looking for a pick-me-up, it may help to go green.
ADVERTISEMENT

Green Tea

Another great source of antioxidants, this versatile leaf contains multiple antioxidant compounds called
catechins (most important are two called EGCG, for epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and epicatechin), which
are believed to be anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic (preventing healthy cells from mutating). A
review of multiple studies found that men who drank five cups of green tea per day had a decreased risk
of prostate cancer.

By increasing your intake of healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods, you can help keep
your prostate healthy. In the words of Socrates: “Let food be thy medicine.”

3. Green tea

Green tea is a beverage that has been consumed for thousands of years. It has traditionally been a large
part of peoples’ diets in Asian countries. It’s not clear if green tea is the reason why prostate cancer rates
in AsiaTrusted Source are so much lower than in the United States. However, components of green tea
are being studied for their effects on health.

These include:

catechin

xanthine derivatives

epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)

epicatechin

There’s now some evidence to support that these compounds found in green tea may prevent the
development of prostate cancer. In a review published by Chinese MedicineTrusted Source, researchers
found a decreased risk of prostate cancer among men who consumed more than five cups of green tea
per day.

How to add more green tea to your diet

Start by drinking a cup each morning in place of your regular coffee. If you don’t drink caffeine, try a
decaffeinated version, and if you don’t like warm tea, try cooling it in your refrigerator and adding ice for
a cool and refreshing beverage. You can also use cooled tea as the liquid in your homemade smoothies

5 steps to better prostate health

Categories: Sharing Stories

Once men find themselves facing any kind of prostate health issue, whether it is prostate cancer,
enlarged prostate due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis, they immediately want to
know what they can do. While the best plan is to prevent prostate problems through a healthy lifestyle,
the good news is that there are actually many natural ways that a man can promote better prostate
health even if he already has symptoms or a diagnosis of a problem.

It makes sense that a man’s lifestyle, exercise habits, and diet have a tremendous impact on his prostate
health. Good habits can help prevent and lower risk factors for prostate disease and conditions just like it
can for other areas of the body. If a man already is experiencing prostate troubles, these natural changes
can help keep these conditions from getting worse, help relieve symptoms, and even help cure them.

In the case of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which is a difficult-to-treat and often-
painful inflammatory condition, traditional treatments, such as antibiotics, do not work. Often, changing
diet and lifestyle and trying alternative and natural treatments such as stress-relieving techniques is the
only successful approach to symptom relief.

Drink tea

Both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health. Both types of tea contain
potent antioxidants. Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may
also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer. Studies show that green tea can also benefit men
with BPH and prostatitis.

It is important to choose caffeine-free sources of tea, though. Caffeine can irritate both the prostate and
the bladder. A study found that men who consumed 234 mg or more of caffeine each day were 72
percent more likely to experience urinary incontinence compared to men who drank the least amount of
caffeine. If you have urinary or pain symptoms due to prostatitis, caffeine can make these symptoms
worse. If you have BPH or prostatitis, make an effort to reduce your caffeine intake by cutting back on
coffee, soda or energy drinks. Avoiding caffeine can make a big difference in your urinary health.

Another important drink for you prostate is water. Stay hydrated, and do not try to drink less to reduce
your urine.

Exercise and lose weight

Exercising and losing weight are some of the best things you can do to promote prostate health. Many
studies show that moderate or vigorous exercise reduces risk of BPH and urinary tract symptoms and
helps with prostatitis as well. Exercise also benefits your cardiovascular health and can help prevent
other health and sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.

If you are overweight, losing weight is one of the most important natural changes you can make in
improving your prostate health, whether your concerns are cancer, BPH or prostatitis. A study published
in the Journal of Urology found that overweight men, especially men with a high amount of abdominal
fat, have an increased risk of BPH. If you are looking to shrink the prostate, losing weight can help you
reduce your prostate size and help relieve annoying and frustrating urinary symptoms. On top of that,
weight loss can reduce your risk for prostate cancer and help relieve prostatitis, too.

Follow a prostate-friendly diet

There are many prostate-friendly foods that can help prevent cancer and slow the growth of prostate
cells and cancerous cells. Some of the best foods for prostate health include oily fish that are high in
omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, and foods high in healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olives. Foods that
help fight prostate cancer include Asian mushrooms, tomatoes, pomegranate juice and walnuts.

In areas of the world where men have lower prostate cancer rates, they all have something in common:
elements of their diet. They eat fish and plant-based sources of protein. They do not eat a lot of the
sugar or processed foods, which are so easily found in an American diet. The best diet for prostate health
is one that is low in sugar, processed foods and saturated fats. The Mediterranean diet is one diet worth
looking into because it is also a lifestyle and healthy way of eating that you can follow for the rest of your
life.

Take supplements

Sometimes, you cannot get it all through diet and in consistent therapeutic quantities. Also, you might
know something is good for you but it just doesn’t agree with you or you just can’t bear to eat it
regularly. That is why many men who are looking to make a big difference in their prostate health take a
daily supplement. Many different natural supplements can help manage better prostate health.

Reduce stress

Stress negatively affects prostate health. In fact, some men unknowingly tighten their pelvic muscles
when stressed. This chronic tightening can create pelvic floor muscle problems and can be one of the
causes of chronic prostatitis.
Stress can also affect men with BPH. Stress can worsen symptoms such as urinary urgency, urinary,
frequency and pain.

Having a prostate problem can also increase your stress and anxiety, which can make your condition
worse because stress impairs that immune system’s ability to fight the illness. That is why it is important
to manage your stress level, release tension and take care of your emotional health. Techniques that may
be worth looking into include therapy, meditation, deep breathing, or activities like exercise, yoga or tai
chi. Do not isolate yourself when it comes to your prostate health. It is important to maintain social
relationships and to have someone you can talk to you about your frustration, fears and pain.

Making changes

Following these five natural guidelines for better managing your prostate health can have a great impact
on your health. They do not cost a lot of money, and they are things you can start doing today. You do
not need to get a prescription for better health.

Once you realize that better prostate health is tied to your diet, weight and lifestyle, you can start living
with a goal of better prostate health. This will help improve your mental health and provide benefits for
your general health as well. Some things are beyond your control, but you can control the factors that
lower your risk and give your body the best tools for fighting illness.

–Craig Cooper

How Much Green Tea Should You Drink Per Day?Green tea is touted as the world's healthiest drink due
to its antioxidant content which is much higher than any other food or drink in the world. Here's how
much green tea you should be drinking. By: DoctorNDTV Updated: Jun 19, 2018 11:40 IST3-Min Read
SHARES How Much Green Tea Should You Drink Per Day?Research says that filling up on too much green
tea can do more harm than good

HIGHLIGHTS

Green tea is touted as the worlds healthiest drinkThree cups of green tea should sufficeGreen tea plant
is capable of holding aluminum

Tea is the second-most consumed beverage in the world, followed by only water. And of all the varieties
of tea, green tea happens to be the most popular one, and all this due to its nutritional value. Green tea
is touted as the world's healthiest drink due to its high antioxidant content which is much higher than
any other food or drink in the world. Science backs the health benefits of green tea for the heart,
immunity and skin and weight loss. But the question that remains is, "How many cups of green tea in a
day should I drink?"
How to specify the safe limit of green tea?

With the entire buzz about the health benefits of green tea, anyone would be lured into drinking more
and more cups of green tea every day. But the key to maximizing its health benefits is to know when to
stop. Like Sheldon Cooper says, 'With all those antioxidants, what if I run out of oxidants?' you need to
be sure of how many antioxidants you wish to feed your body. Research says that filling up on too much
green tea can do more harm than good. You can determine how much green tea will be safe on the basis
of your age, life stage and health conditions.

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naturally for better skin.

Green Tea: 3 Ways How Excess Consumption Of Green Tea Is Harming You

Green tea: Many people switch to green tea from coffee for the numerous health benefits the former
has to offer. However, excess of green tea (much like anything else) can be harmful for your health.
Here's how drinking too much green tea in a day is harming you.

How many cups of green tea in a day are good?

An overall consumption of 320 mg of polyphenols in a day is good which makes up for your daily
requirement of antioxidants. This comes to three cups of green tea. So on an average, for most people,
three cups of green tea should suffice. And there are a number of reasons why you must stick to this
number. Take a look.

1. Caffeine

Drinking green tea will surely fill you up with antioxidants, but it will also fill you up with caffeine. The
dangers of excess caffeine are known to everyone. From addictions to the risk of miscarriage, excess
caffeine can cause a good deal of damage. One cup of green tea gives your 25-25 grams of caffeine. For
men, the safe limit is 400 grams and for women, it is 200 grams. So if you drink too much caffeine, you
expose yourself to a whole lot of health problems attributed to caffeine.
2. It contains heavy metals

The green tea plant is capable of holding aluminum. So drinking more green tea exposes you to a risk of
accumulating this metal, which increases your risk of neurological diseases. This risk is worse in people
dealing with renal failure. It is also known to reduce hemoglobin levels. And it doesn't end here. Green
tea also contains lead. Drinking too much green tea can result in lead accumulation which again is not
good for your health, especially for pregnant women.

3. It hampers nutrient absorption

Ironically, the healthiest drink in the world can prevent your body from absorbing more nutrients if you
drink too much of it. The natural antioxidants of green tea can decrease iron absorption in your body. It
can also hamper folate absorption, which again is not good for your health.

How to shrink the prostate naturally

Last reviewed Sat 17 March 2018By Jennifer Huizen Reviewed by Karen Cross, FNP, MSN

Natural remedies Lifestyle tips Causes Risks Foods that may help

Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic enlargement happens when cells in the prostate abnormally divide
and multiply, causing the organ to increase in size.

Benign prostatic enlargement or BPE is also commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.

An enlarged prostate can cause frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms, most commonly urinary and
sexual difficulties.

These problems may decrease an individual's overall quality of life. However, BPH is not associated with
cancer and usually not a serious health threat.

There are several treatment options, including a wide range of natural remedies and lifestyle changes,
which may help ease symptoms of BPH.

Natural remedies for an enlarged prostate

Home remedies for an enlarged prostate include:

Pygeum may be a Natural remedy for enlarged prostate

Pygeum may help to reduce BPH symptoms.

1. Pygeum (African plum extract)

Pygeum has also been shown to contain a wide range of fatty acids, alcohols, and sterols such as beta-
sitosterol that have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the urogenital tract.

A few studies indicate that consuming between 100 and 200 mg of pygeum extract daily or splitting this
into two 50 mg doses twice daily may help reduce BPH symptoms.

2. Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is one the most studied and popular herbal supplements used to treat BPH.

Several studies have linked saw palmetto to reduced BPH symptoms. This is most likely because it
inhibits the production of testosterone and reduces the size of the inner lining of the prostate.

However, other studies have not been able to establish whether saw palmetto supplement use has any
impact on BPH symptoms compared to a placebo.

3. Zi-Shen Pill (ZSP)

The Zi-Shen Pill (ZSP) contains a mixture of three plants, including Chinese cinnamon.

The formula comes from ancient Chinese medicine dating back to the 13th century. Researchers have
shown that rats given the Zi-Shen formula have reduced rates of BPH.
More research is needed on humans to determine whether it is effective.

4. Cernilton

Some people use herbal supplements made from rye-grass pollen to treat BPH symptoms. These
troublesome symptoms may include being unable to empty the bladder fully and the need to urination
frequently at nighttime.

Under the brand name Cernilton, rye-grass pollen is included in the formula of several registered
pharmaceutical supplements targeted at easing symptoms of BPH.

Despite its popularity, Cernilton has never been shown to impact BPH symptoms in any large-scale
scientific studies. However, some indicate it may help reduce the overall size of the prostate.

Further research is needed to establish if it works or not.

5. Orbignya speciosa (babassu)

Babassu or Orbignya speciosa is a species of palm tree native to Brazil. Several indigenous Brazilian tribes
and communities use the dried or ground kernels from the tree to treat urogenital symptoms and
conditions.

Oil from babassu nuts has also been shown to inhibit the production of testosterone, while other parts
of the nut contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6. Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle contains similar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds as pygeum and saw
palmetto.

Nettle root is sometimes used in combination with saw palmetto. More research is needed, however, to
determine whether it is effective.

7. Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed)

Pumpkin seeds contain beta-sitosterol, a compound similar to cholesterol and found in some plants.
Preliminary studies have shown that beta-sitosterol may improve urine flow and reduce the amount of
urine left in the bladder after urination.

Some studies recommend taking 10 g of pumpkin seed extract daily for BPH symptoms.

8. Lycopene

Lycopene is a naturally occurring pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. One study found that it
may help slow the progression of BPH.

Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene available to most people. But a few other fruits and
vegetables contain lower levels of this antioxidant.

Usually, the deeper pink or red the fruit or vegetable is in color, the higher its lycopene content.

Other sources of lycopene include:

papaya

pink grapefruit

watermelon

guava

carrots

red bell peppers

apricots
red cabbage

9. Zinc

Zinc tablets on a table that may be a natural remedy for enlarged prostate

Zinc supplements may help to reduce urinary symptoms that are linked to an enlarged prostate.

Chronic zinc deficiencies have been shown to potentially increase the likelihood of developing BPH.
Taking zinc supplements, or increasing dietary intake of zinc may help reduce urinary symptoms
associated with an enlarged prostate.

Zinc is found in poultry, seafood, and several types of seeds and nuts, such as sesame and pumpkin.

10. Green tea

Green tea has a lot of antioxidants called catechins that have been shown to enhance the immune
system and potentially slow the progression of prostate cancer.

It is important to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the bladder and
cause a sudden urge to urinate, potentially worsening BPH symptoms.

Lifestyle tips for managing BPH

Lifestyle tips that may help someone manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate include the
following:

Attempt to urinate at least once before leaving home to avoid urinary leakage or other incidents in
public that can be very stressful and embarrassing.

Double void by trying to urinate again a few minutes after urinating the first time, to drain the bladder as
much as possible during bathroom visits.

Try not to drink fluids in the 2 hours before bedtime to avoid going to sleep with a full bladder.

Try to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.

Try maintaining a healthy body weight as much as possible.

Exercise regularly and as often as possible.

Try not to drink too much at one time.

Try to reduce or avoid stress to reduce the urge for urination.

Avoid or limit products that cause dehydration, such as cold medications and decongestants

Use absorbent urinary pads or pants to absorb urine leaks and decrease wetness and discomfort.

Use urinary sheaths, which are condom-shaped and fit over the penis to drain urine into a small bag
strapped to the leg.

Use urethral massage, after urinating, by gently pressing the fingers upwards from the base of the
scrotum to try to squeeze out any urine left in the urethra and prevent any leakage later.

What are the causes of an enlarged prostate?

a senior man discusses with a doctor

BPH may be related to hormonal changes that occur with age.

In a vast majority of cases, BPH is idiopathic, meaning it has no known cause. Doctors and researchers
are still trying to figure out exactly how and why some people's prostate cells start to divide abnormally.

But most cases of BPH impact men of at least 40 years of age, most commonly those 50 years of age and
older. So most studies suggest that BPH is related to hormonal changes, specifically those that occur
naturally with age.

As men grow older, their hormone levels change, especially levels of testosterone, estrogen, and a by-
product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

A few studies have shown that changes in the balance of these hormones may trigger some prostate
cells to abnormally grow and divide.

powered by Rubicon Project

Risks for an enlarged prostate

Potential risk factors of an enlarged prostate include:

Age

diabetes

obesity

family history of BPH

heart disease

Asian heritage or descent

Most men have a 50 percent chance of having BPH by the age of 60 years old, and a 90 percent chance
by the age of 85 years old.

What foods are good for an enlarged prostate?

What foods are good for an enlarged prostate?

The prostate gland can respond to different types of food. Learn more about the enlarged prostate diet
here.

READ NOW

Foods that m

Drinking green tea may help prevent painful kidney stones. A new study shows compounds in green tea
extract make it more difficult for certain kidney stones to form.

Kidney stones affect about 5% of the world's population. They occur when abnormally high
concentrations of minerals, such as calcium, accumulate in the urinary tract and clump together to form
crystals and potentially painful stones.

Most kidney stones contain calcium, and the most common stone type is calcium oxalate. Chinese
researchers found that green tea extract bonds to calcium oxalate and makes the resulting crystals a
different shHerbal agents could be used to treat inflammatory bladder diseases, according to a
preliminary study that looked at the ability of green tea to protect bladder cells from inflammation. The
study found that components of green tea protected bladder cells from damage in culture. Green tea,
reported to have many health benefits, is rich in powerful antioxidants that make it a desired remedy for
many medical conditions.

Share:
FULL STORY

Herbal agents could be used to treat inflammatory bladder diseases, according to a preliminary study
that looked at the ability of green tea to protect bladder cells from inflammation. The University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine study, being presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological
Association (AUA) in Anaheim, Calif., found that components of green tea protected bladder cells from
damage in culture.

Green tea, reported to have many health benefits, is rich in powerful antioxidants that make it a possible
remedy for many medical conditions. It is comprised of catechins -- plant metabolites that provide it with
many anti-oxidative properties.

"We discovered that catechins found in green tea protected both normal and cancerous bladder cells
from inflammation when we exposed the cells to hydrogen peroxide," said Michael B. Chancellor, M.D.,
professor of urology and gynecology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "Although
further studies are needed, these results indicate herbal supplements from green tea could be a
treatment option for various bladder conditions that are caused by injury or inflammation."

In the study, normal and cancerous bladder cells were exposed to two major catechin components of
green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), for 23 hours. Both significantly
protected cell lines from exposure to hydrogen peroxide, which damages or kills cells. The
concentrations of EGCG and ECG used in the study were at levels that may be achieved through dietary
intake.

Approximately ten million American adults have problems controlling their bladders. Bladder disease
affects both men and women and can include incontinence or interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammatory
condition that causes frequent, urgent and painful urination and pelvic discomfort.

Co-investigators of the study include Shelby Morrisroe, M.D., Christian Coyle, Ph.D., Brian Phillips, Ph.D.,
William de Groat, Ph.D., and Naoki Yoshimura, M.D., Ph.D., all with the University of Pittsburgh School of
Medicine. The study is Abstract 299 in the AUA proceedings.

The study is funded by the Fishbein Family CURE-IC Program.

ape, which makes them less likely to clump together and form large kidney stones.

here is always some kind of tea in my house, including green tea, which millions of people drink every
day. Known botanically as Camellia sinensis, green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which
provides powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrosis and cell protective benefits. It is well-
known for its anti-cancer effects.

Practitioners frequently recommend green tea as a diuretic to rid the body of excess fluid.

Green tea extract isn't for everyone. It can cause unwanted diuresis in some people.

Today, I want to focus on the relationship between green tea and your bladder. This is particularly
important if you find yourself "toilet mapping" whenever you go out or need frequent treks to the
restroom all day long.

Most people take their bladder for granted, until nighttime bathroom trips begin to ruin your sleep. In
come the incontinence drugs such as anticholinergics, which can cause dry mouth and blurred vision.
Topical estrogen may help tone the bladder, but synthetic non-bioidentical estrogen carries risk to your
reproductive organs.

There are many drugs available, but I think the most effective cure is through pelvic floor training. You'd
need a certified biofeedback therapist for that.

How about something simple like green tea?

In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 46 men with bladder and urinary tract
symptoms participated in a three-month trial (Therapeutic Advances in Urology). These men had
difficulties with urinary flow, inability to fully empty their bladder and erectile dysfunction. A lab test
evaluated levels of the inflammatory compound C-reactive protein, or CRP. Men drank a green tea blend
that significantly helped them with their various discomforts by up to 35 percent. Urinary flow improved,
and CRP was lowered. Symptoms of erectile dysfunction improved as well.

What about UTIs? If you're prone to these, there are many studies, including one in Frontiers in Biology,
that show how green tea acts like an antibiotic killing E. coli in the bladder and urinary tract. These
antimicrobial effects come in handy if you're susceptible to UTIs.
It also could help some women with post-menopausal bladder problems.

What about bladder cancer? Researchers have shown that women who drink black tea and powdered
green tea are less likely to develop bladder cancer. Research has also revealed that people with bladder
cancer (particularly men) who drink green tea have a better 5-year survival rate than those who did not
drink green tea.

Does this translate to prostate cancer? I suspect so but, of course, ask your oncologist what is right for
you.

Green tea, native to China and India, has been consumed and hailed for its health benefits for centuries
globally, but has only recently gained popularity in the United States.

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world behind water. However, 78 percent of the tea
consumed worldwide is black and only about 20 percent is green.

All types of tea, except herbal tea, are brewed from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush. The
level of oxidation of the leaves determines the type of tea.

Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea. It therefore
contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.

Fast facts on green tea

Here are some key points about green tea. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

green tea has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine

there are many different types of green tea available

green tea may help prevent a range of ailments including cancer

more research is needed to prove many of the health claims surrounding green tea

Green tea health benefits

green tea in a cup

Green tea is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S.

Listed below are the possible health benefits associated with green tea. Green tea was used in
traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve
heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature.

Recent studies have shown green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss
to liver disorders, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.

It is important to note that more evidence is required before these possible health benefit links are
proved definitive:

1) Green tea and cancer prevention

According to the National Cancer Institute, the polyphenols in tea have been shown to decrease tumor
growth in laboratory and animal studies and may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet UVB
radiation.

In countries where green tea consumption is high, cancer rates tend to be lower, but it is impossible to
know for sure whether it is the green tea that prevents cancer in these particular populations or other
lifestyle factors.

Some studies have also shown the positive impacts of green tea on the following types of cancer:

breast

bladder

ovarian

colorectal (bowel)

esophageal (throat)

lung

prostate

skin

stomach

Researchers believe that it is the high level of polyphenols in tea that helps kill cancerous cells and stop
them from growing. However, the exact mechanisms by which tea interacts with cancerous cells is
unknown.

However, other studies have not found that tea can reduce cancer risk. The amount of tea required for
cancer-preventive effects also varies widely in studies - from 2-10 cups per day.

In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated, "there is no credible evidence to support
qualified health claims for green tea consumption and a reduced risk of gastric, lung, colon/rectal,
esophageal, pancreatic, ovarian, and combined cancers."

2) Green tea heart benefits

A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that green tea
consumption is associated with reduced mortality due to all causes, including cardiovascular disease.

The study followed over 40,000 Japanese participants between the ages of 40 and 79 for 11 years,
starting in 1994.

The participants who drank at least 5 cups of green tea per day had a significantly lower risk of dying
(especially from cardiovascular disease) than those who drank less than one cup of tea per day.

Green tea contains catechins, polyphenolic compounds that are thought to exert numerous protective
effects, particularly on the cardiovascular system.

3) Green tea and lower cholesterol

An analysis of published studies in 2011 found that consuming green tea, either as a beverage or in
capsule form, was linked to significant but modest reductions in total and LDL or "bad" cholesterol.

4) Stroke risk and green tea

Drinking green tea or coffee on a regular basis is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, according to a
study published in the journal Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Yoshihiro Kokubo, Ph.D., said, "This is the first large-scale study to
examine the combined effects of both green tea and coffee on stroke risks. You may make a small but
positive lifestyle change to help lower the risk of stroke by adding daily green tea to your diet."
5) Green tea for type 2 diabetes

Studies concerning the relationship between green tea and diabetes have been inconsistent. Some have
shown a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes for green tea drinkers than for those who consumed no
tea, while other studies have found no association between tea consumption and diabetes at all.

6) Green tea and weight loss

Green tea may promote a small, non-significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults; however,
since weight loss in the studies was so minimal, it is unlikely that green tea is clinically important for
weight loss.

7) Green tea and inflammatory skin diseases

A 2007 study concluded that green tea could hold promise as a new treatment for skin disorders such as
psoriasis and dandruff. Researchers studied an animal model for inflammatory skin diseases, often
characterized by patches of dry, red, flaky skin caused by the inflammation and overproduction of skin
cells. Those treated with green tea showed slower growth of skin cells and the presence of a gene that
regulates the cells' life cycles.

8) Working memory and the effects of green tea

Research published in the journal Psychopharmacology suggests that green tea can enhance our brain's
cognitive functions, particularly the working memory.

The research team said their findings suggest that green tea could be promising in the treatment of
cognitive impairments associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as dementia.

9) Green tea and Alzheimer's

In a study published in 2011, researchers tested the effect of a component of green tea, CAGTE (or
"colon available" green tea extract), after it had been digested, to see how it affected a key protein in
Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Society commented that "this study adds to previous research that suggests green tea
might help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, the researchers used a far higher dose of
the active green tea chemical than would ever be found in the human body. More research is needed to
see whether green tea is protective at a much lower dose, and to understand the mechanism involved."

Other studies have found that green tea might be helpful in preventing dental cavities, stress, chronic
fatigue, treating skin conditions, and improving arthritis by reducing inflammation.

Further research is needed to firm up these theories.

Nutritional breakdown of green tea

Unsweetened brewed green tea is a zero calorie beverage. The caffeine contained in a cup of tea can
vary according to the length of infusing time and the amount of tea infused. In general, green tea
contains a relatively small amount of caffeine (approximately 20-45 milligrams per 8 ounce cup),
compared with black tea, which contains about 50 milligrams and coffee with 95 milligrams per cup.

Green tea is considered one of the world's healthiest drinks and contains one of the highest amounts of
antioxidants of any tea. Natural chemicals called polyphenols in tea are what are thought to provide its
anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. Green tea is approximately 20-45 percent polyphenols
by weight, of which 60-80 percent are catechins such as EGCG. Catechins are antioxidants that are said to
help prevent cell damage.

Types of green tea

Green tea leaves

Green tea is available bottled and sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener, in single tea bags,
loose-leaf, and in instant-powder.

Green tea is available in many types, including:

bottled and sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener

in single tea bags

as loose-leaf

in instant-powder

green tea supplements, which are sold in capsule form or liquid extracts

According to 2010 research presented at the American Chemical Society, bottled teas are not equivalent
to brewed teas as some 16 ounce bottled teas can contain fewer polyphenols than one cup of brewed
tea.

Green tea side effects and risks

There are little to no known side effects or contraindications to drinking green tea for adults. However,
the following risks or complications should be made clear:

Caffeine sensitivity - those with severe caffeine sensitivities could experience insomnia, anxiety,
irritability, nausea, or upset stomach.

Blood thinners - those taking blood thinners (anticoagulant drugs) such as Coumadin/warfarin should
drink green tea with caution due to its vitamin K content. It's also recommended to avoid green tea and
aspirin, because they both reduce the clotting effectiveness of platelets.

Other stimulants - if taken with stimulant drugs, green tea could increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Green tea supplements contain high levels of active substances that can trigger side effects and interact
with other herbs, supplements, or medications.

Green tea supplements are unregulated by the FDA and may also contain other substances unsafe for
health or with unproven health benefits. Always check with a doctor before starting any herb or
supplement regimen.

In particular, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with heart problems or high blood pressure,
kidney or liver problems, stomach ulcers, or anxiety disorders should not take green tea supplements or
extracts.

Further reading on green tea

Various green tea products are available to purchase online. It is a good idea to compare different
brands, and different types of green tea, to choose the most suitable one for you.

Have you enjoyed reading about the potential health benefits of green tea? Take a look at our collection
of articles about other fruits and vegetables. Alternatively, read our article about the top 10 healthy
foods for your daily diet.
We picked linked items based on the quality of products, and list the pros and cons of each to help you
determine which will work best for you. We partner with some of the companies that sell these
products, which means Healthline UK and our partners may receive a portion of revenues if you make a
purchase using a link(s) above.

Teas have beneficial effects on human health including cardioprotective, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial,
antiviral and antifungal activity. The precise antimicrobial spectrum of tea is difficult to be defined due to
variation in the methods of testing that have been used. Antibacterial effects of tea have been
demonstrated against a number of microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae,
Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. Teas and tea ingredients seem to have both bactericidal and bacteriostatic actions. In
addition, tea catechins have been shown to modify the antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria and to alter the
expression of factors that determine bacterial virulence. Antiviral effects of green tea have been
demonstrated against the influenza virus, as well as against the Herpes simplex virus, tobacco mosaic
virus, enterovirus, rotavirus, Epstein Barr virus, HIV virus. Yet, green tea catechins have been shown to
have antiviral activities against HIV infection. Antifungal effects of tea have been reported against
Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum. The present paper describes
recent patents on antimicrobial effect of teas and tea ingredients.

PMID: 22353001

Green tea is loaded with nutrients and plant compounds that can have positive health effects.

This includes potent antioxidants called catechins, which may help protect against cancer.

In fact, multiple studies show that people who drink green tea are significantly less likely to get many
types of cancer, compared to those who don’t drink it (1, 2).

The cancers that green tea may help protect against include prostate and breast cancer, which are the
two most common cancers in men and women, respectively (3, 4Trusted Source).

What's more, several studies indicate that green tea may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
and heart disease (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7, 8).

And drinking green tea may even help you lose weight.

The caffeine and catechins it contains have been shown to boost your metabolism and increase fat
burning (9, 10Trusted Source).

Overall, studies indicate that consuming green tea can help you burn an additional 75–100 calories per
day (11Trusted Source).

Although this may seem like a small amount, it can contribute to significant weight loss over the long
term.

Other possible benefits of drinking green tea include immune system support, improved brain function,
improved dental health and a lower risk of arthritis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (12Trusted
Source, 13, 14Trusted Source).

SUMMARY:

The compounds in green tea can have powerful effects on health, including a decreased risk of cancer,
diabetes and heart disease.

How Much Green Tea Is Optimal?

Studies that explore the benefits of green tea show conflicting evidence about exactly how much you
should drink each day.

Some studies show health benefits in people who drink as little as one cup per day, while other studies
deem five or more cups per day to be optimal (15, 16Trusted Source).

Green tea may help lower the risk of several diseases. However, the optimal amount to drink may
depend on the disease.

Oral cancer: In a large observational study, women who drank three to four cups of green tea daily were
the least likely to develop oral cancer (17Trusted Source).

Prostate cancer: A large observational study found that men who drank five or more cups of green tea
daily had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to those who drank less than one cup per
day (18Trusted Source).

Stomach cancer: Another large observational study showed a reduced risk of stomach cancer in women
who consumed five or more cups of green tea per day (19Trusted Source).
Breast cancer: Two observational studies showed reduced recurrences of breast cancer in women who
drank more than three cups of green tea daily (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).

Pancreatic cancer: One observational study found that drinking five or more cups of green tea per day
was linked to a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer (22Trusted Source).

Diabetes: In a retrospective observational study, people who consumed six or more cups of green tea
daily had a 33% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to those who consumed less than
one cup per week (23Trusted Source).

Heart disease: An analysis of nine studies found that people who consumed one to three cups of green
tea daily had a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, compared to those who drank less than one cup
(24Trusted Source).

Based on the above studies, it’s optimal to drink three to five cups of green tea per day.

However, it's important to note that some studies did not find any association between drinking green
tea and disease risk, so these effects may vary from person to person (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted
Source).

One thing most studies have found is that green tea drinkers are in better health than those who do not
drink tea at all.

SUMMARY:

The amount of tea required for health benefits varies greatly among studies. Drinking a minimum of
three to five cups of green tea per day seems to work well, but the optimal amount may vary from one
person to the next.

Possible Side Effects of Drinking Green Tea

The caffeine and catechins in green tea are well known for their health benefits, but they can also cause
side effects for some people, especially in large doses.

Effects of Caffeine

Consuming too much caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety, interfere with sleep and cause stomach
upset and headaches in some people (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source, 30Trusted
Source, 31Trusted Source).

Consuming large amounts of caffeine while pregnant may even increase the risk of birth defects and
miscarriage (32Trusted Source).

Based on current research, everyone, including pregnant women, should not consume more than 300
mg of caffeine daily (33Trusted Source).

However, one review looked at over 400 studies and found that healthy adults who consumed up to 400
mg of caffeine per day did not experience adverse effects (34Trusted Source).

The amount of caffeine in one cup of green tea varies depending on the amount of tea used and the
length of time the leaves steep.

One study found that the caffeine content of 1 gram of green tea ranged from 11–20 mg (12Trusted
Source).

A single serving is usually measured at 1 tablespoon (2 grams) of tea leaves per 1 cup (240 ml) of water.
Assuming each cup of tea is approximately 1 cup (240 ml), this means the average cup of green tea
contains about 22–40 mg of caffeine.

Catechins May Reduce Iron Absorption

The catechins in green tea may reduce your ability to absorb iron from foods (35Trusted Source).

In fact, consuming catechins in large quantities may lead to iron deficiency anemia (36Trusted Source).

While regularly drinking green tea isn't a concern for most healthy individuals, those at risk of iron
deficiency should consider drinking tea in between meals and waiting at least one hour after eating
before drinking tea (37Trusted Source).

Infants, young children, women who are pregnant or menstruating and individuals who have internal
bleeding or are undergoing dialysis are all at an increased risk of iron deficiency.

The catechins in green tea can also interfere with certain medications and decrease their effectiveness.
For example, studies indicate that green tea may inhibit the effectiveness of certain heart and blood
pressure medications (12Trusted Source).

Drinking green tea may also decrease the effects of certain medications used to treat anxiety and
depression (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).

Toxic effects are most common when people take green tea supplements, which have a much higher
concentration of catechins than green tea itself (40Trusted Source).

SUMMARY:

When consumed in moderation, green tea is safe for most people. You may want to limit or avoid it if
you have iron deficiency or are pregnant, nursing or taking medications for anxiety disorders or heart
conditions.

The Bottom Line

Green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds.

Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including
diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Drinking three to five cups of green tea per day seems to be optimal to reap the most health benefits.

Very high doses may be problematic for some, but generally, green tea's benefits far outweigh its risks.

In fact, drinking more green tea may greatly improve your health.

Study Shows Compound in Green Tea Extract May Block Formation of Kidney Stones

By Jennifer Warner

FROM THE WEBMD ARCHIVES

Nov. 20, 2009 -- Drinking green tea may help prevent painful kidney stones. A new study shows
compounds in green tea extract make it more difficult for certain kidney stones to form.

Kidney stones affect about 5% of the world's population. They occur when abnormally high
concentrations of minerals, such as calcium, accumulate in the urinary tract and clump together to form
crystals and potentially painful stones.

Most kidney stones contain calcium, and the most common stone type is calcium oxalate. Chinese
researchers found that green tea extract bonds to calcium oxalate and makes the resulting crystals a
different shape, which makes them less likely to clump together and form large kidney stones.

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The smaller crystals and stones are then passed harmlessly through the urine.

In the study, published in CrystEngComm, Xudong Li of Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, and
colleagues examined the effects of green tea concentrate on calcium oxalate crystallization using a
variety of advanced scanning and imaging techniques.

The results showed that as the amount of green tea extract applied increased, the calcium oxalate
crystals became flatter and flatter.

Researchers say flatter crystals form less stable kidney stones that break up more easily.
Both types of tea contain potent antioxidants. Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate
cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer. Studies show that
green tea can also benefit men with BPH and prostatitis. ... Caffeine can irritate both the prostate and
the bladder.

Prostate cancer (PCa) now remains the 2nd most frequently diagnosed cancer. In recent years,
chemoprevention for PCa becomes a possible concept. Especially, many phytochemicals rich foods are
suggested to lower the risk of cancer. Among these foods, green tea is considered as effective prevention
for various cancers. However, clinical trials and previous meta-analyses on the relationship between
green tea consumption and the risk of PCa have produced inconsistent outcomes. This study aims to
determine the dose–response association of green tea intake with PCa risk and the preventive effect of
green tea catechins on PCa risk. Seven observational studies and 3 randomized controlled trials were
retrieved from Cochrane Library, PubMed, Sciencedirect Online, and hand searching. The STATA (version
12.0) was applied to analyze the data. The relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals were pooled
by fixed or random effect modeling. Dose–response relations were evaluated with categories of green
tea intake. Although there was no statistical significance in the comparison of the highest versus lowest
category, there was a trend of reduced incidence of PCa with each 1 cup/day increase of green tea (P = 
0.08). Our dose–response meta-analysis further demonstrated that higher green tea consumption was
linearly associated with a reduced risk of PCa with more than 7 cups/day. In addition, green tea catechins
were effective for preventing PCa with an RR of 0.38 (P = 0.02). In conclusion, our dose–response meta-
analysis evaluated the association of green tea intake with PCa risk systematically and quantitatively. And
this is the first meta-analysis of green tea catechins consumption and PCa incidence. Our novel data
demonstrated that higher green tea consumption was linearly reduced PCa risk with more than 7 
cups/day and green tea catechins were effective for preventing PCa. However, further studies are
required to substantiate these conclusions.

Keywords: dose–response, green tea, green tea catechins, meta-analysis, prostate cancer

Go to:

1. Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) now remains the 2nd most frequently diagnosed cancer and 5th leading cause of
death in men worldwide, with 1.1 million new cases accounting for 15% of new cancer cases overall and
307,500 deaths accounting for 6.6% of total male cancer mortality in 2012.[1] Although the specific
cause of PCa remains unclear, genetics is regarded as a specific risk factor for PCa. In addition,
environment factors, especially dietary, play significant roles in the initiation and progression of PCa. In
recent years, chemoprevention for PCa becomes a possible concept.[2] Especially, many phytochemical-
rich foods are suggested to lower the risk of cancer, such as tea, garlic, ginger, berries, and lycopene.[3,4]
Among these foods, green tea has been widely used as a PCa preventative.
Green tea is produced from fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis by steaming or drying without fermenting.
Polyphenols mainly composed of catechins are the main functional extracts from green tea,[5] and the
major green tea polyphenol is (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) accounting for more than 50% of
total polyphenols.[6] Many in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that green tea and its components,
especially EGCG, could affect the incidence and the progression of PCa by suppressing proliferation,
encouraging apoptosis, preventing invasion and metastasis, and others.[7–10] However, controversy
exists among clinical trials. Some epidemiological evidences[11,12] showed protective effect of green tea
intake on PCa, while others[13,14] presented null findings with 1 study[15] even showing a tendency of
increased PCa risk. Also, previous meta-analyses presented inconsistent findings. A systematic review
and meta-analysis by Zheng et al[16] published in 2011 suggested that green tea consumption had a
borderline significant decrease of PCa risk for Asian populations. In contrast, another 2 meta-analyses by
Lin et al[17] and Fei et al[18] published in 2014 showed no association of green tea intake with PCa.
However, these meta-analyses mainly focused on the comparison of highest green tea intake with the
lowest or nondrinkers. In fact, the range of green tea intake differed among these studies and the
inconsistency might result from different exposure levels and variable content of major functional
component EGCG in different green tea.[3] In addition, black tea contains much lower EGCG relative to
green tea but most of the previous studies especially some dose–response meta-analyses[19] did not
take this into account and focused on the relationship between total tea consumption and PCa risk
without further analysis on tea type. Moreover, no systematic review and meta-analysis on the
association between EGCG and PCa risk was performed previously. Therefore, we conducted this
systematic review to determine the association of green tea intake and PCa risk, with emphasis on the
shape of the dose–response curve and relationship between EGCG and PCa risk.

Go to:

2. Method

2.1. Data sources and searches

We conducted this study based on the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE).
We performed database searches of Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Sciencedirect Online from the date
of database inception to February 2016 for all relevant papers published with the following keywords in
combination with both medical subject headings terms and text words: green tea or polyphenol or
catechin or (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate plus prostate cancer or prostate neoplasm or prostate tumor
or prostate carcinoma. There was no limitation on language. Reference lists of the included studies were
manually checked to identify additional articles.

2.2. Inclusion criteria

Studies were included if they met the following criteria: cohort or case–control studies or randomized
controlled trials (RCTs) were included and analyzed accordingly; the intake of green tea or extracts were
recorded; the outcome of study should be an incidence of PCa diagnosed by histology, pathology, or
histopathology; patients in the case group must be diagnosed as PCa and free of PCa in the control group
or the noncase group; the relative risk (RR), odds risk (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence
interval (95% CI), and the number of cases and noncases were reported; and there were at least 3
quantitative categories of green tea in observational studies, and there was no limitation of quantity for
RCTs about green tea catechins and PCa risk.

2.3. Exclusion criteria

Repeat publications and studies without classification of the type of tea were excluded.

2.4. Selection of studies

Three investigators (HX, QM, and KKZ) independently screened the titles and abstracts of each article
retrieved using a standardized approach to remove duplicate references, reviews, comments,
experimental studies, and single case reports. Then 2 independent investigators (YMG and PC) screened
the full-text papers for further assessment if the study fulfilled the inclusion criteria and did not meet
the exclusion criteria. Any disagreement was resolved through open discussion.

2.5. Quality assess

The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale[20] was used to evaluate methodological quality of observational studies,
which consisted of 9 items. When met 1 item, the study got 1 score. In addition, the RCTs were assessed
with the Cochrane Collaboration bias appraisal tool. The following factors were evaluated particularly:
Adequate sequence generation? Allocation concealment? Binding? Incomplete outcome data
addressed? Free of selective reporting? Free of other bias? Where disagreement in opinion existed, they
were resolved through open discussion.

2.6. Data extraction

Data were extracted independently by 3 reviewers (YMG, FZ, and PC) using a standard data collection
guideline to ensure a consistent approach. The following data were extracted for each included study:
first author, publication year, study design, study location, age, duration of follow-up, the numbers of
cases/noncases, person-years, intervention, dose categories, adjusted or crude RR, OR, or HR with 95%
CI, and adjusted variables. If the data were unavailable from the article, we would contact with the
author. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion.

2.7. Statistics analysis

STATA version 12.0 (Stata Corp LP, College Station, TX) was applied to analyze the data. RR and 95% CI
across categories of green tea intake were measured as effect size for all studies. HR and OR were
approximated to RR because of the low absolute incidence of PCa.[21] The adjusted RR and relevant 95%
CI for highest versus lowest category of green tea intake or green tea catechins were pooled, and dose–
response analysis was conducted with the method described by Greenland and Longnecher[22] to
estimate dose–response trend derived for each study. Then, we estimated the overall RR by combining
these trends derived from each study. In addition, we also tested linear and nonlinear associations
between green tea intake and PCa risk using restricted cubic splines which was estimated with a
generalized least squares regression, with 3 knots at fixed centiles (10%, 50%, and 90%) of the
distribution.[23] To derive a linear dose–response curve, the distribution of cases and person-years or
noncases and exposure levels in each category of green tea intake was required. For studies just
reported the total number of cases or person-years without distribution for exposure categories, we
estimated the distribution based on definitions of the quantiles. One study reported green tea intake by
cups per month or cups per week, and we regarded these exposure categories as 1/30 or 1/7 cups per
day, respectively. If the study did not report the median of each category, we used the mean value of the
upper and lower boundaries of each category as calculated midpoint to estimate assigned dose. For the
lowest category, lower boundary was assumed to be 0 if it was not provided. For the open-ended upper
category, the assigned dose was evaluated as the cut point multiplied by 1.5.[24]

Heterogeneity among studies was assessed with the Q test and the I2 index statistic. If P < 0.1 and I2 > 
50%, it was considered that heterogeneity existed among studies and a random-effect models should be
applied. If P > 0.1 and I2 < 50%, fixed-effect models would be applied. Sensitive analysis and subgroup
analysis were performed to evaluate the source of heterogeneity and verified the stability of results. In
the sensitive analysis, 1 study was omitted at each turn to evaluate the influence of each study on the
results. Subgroup analysis was performed by stratifying study type, region, study quality score, and
maximum category. Contour-enhanced funnel plots with Egger linear regression test and Begg rank
correlation test were used to evaluate the potential publication bias.

Because all the data used for analyses were extracted from the published studies, the ethical approval
and informed consent were not necessary.

Go to:

3. Result

3.1. Characteristics of included studies

Using database search strategy, a total of 1474 records were retrieved from Cochrane Library, PubMed,
and Sciencedirect Online. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, 1447 articles were excluded and 27
articles were further assessed by reviewing the full-text. Finally, 10 articles about the relationship
between green tea and PCa risk were included, consisting of 4 cohort studies,[11,13–15] 3 case–control
studies,[25–27] and 3 RCTs.[6,28,29]Figure Figure11 shows the search process. The observational studies
which investigated the association between green tea intake and PCa risk included 1435 cases among
96,332 individuals and the 3 RCTs studied the relationship between EGCG and PCa incidence included 87
volunteers in EGCG arms of 179 individuals. Most of the included studies were performed in Asia
including 1 from Singapore,[13] 4 from Japan,[11,14,15,26] and 1 from China.[27] The rest studies were
from other regions including 2 from Europe,[6,29] 1 from North America,[28] and 1 from Africa.
[25]Tables Tables11 and and22 described details of the included studies.
An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

Object name is medi-96-e6426-g001.jpg

Figure 1

Flowchart of literate searches.

Table 1

Characteristics of studies on tea consumption and prostate cancer risk and quality assessment of eligible
studies in meta-analysis.

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Table 2

Characteristics of studies on green tea catechins and prostate cancer risk.

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3.2. Quality assess

The quality of observational studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the quality of RCTs
was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration bias appraisal tool. As shown in Table Table1,1, all the
observational studies are high quality evidences with a score of 7 or 8 except 1 case–control study with a
score of 5. All the 3 RCTs did not provide detailed allocation methods, and only 1 study reported the
randomization method. Blinding assessment for all the RCTs was judged as positive. For the assessment
of incomplete outcome data, only 1 study did not report withdrawal information or reasons. In the
assessment of selective reporting and other bias, all 3 RCTs got positive because none risk was detected
in both aspects.

3.3. Green tea intake and risk of PCa

A total of 7 observational studies including 4 cohort studies and 3 case–control studies investigated the
relevant risk of PCa with green tea intake. As shown in Fig. Fig.2,2, the overall pooled RR of the highest
versus lowest category of green tea intake was 0.75 (95% CI 0.53–1.07) for all studies, 0.977 (95% CI
0.80–1.19) for cohort studies, and 0.453 (95% CI 0.25–0.82) for case–control studies. There was no
statistical significance in the comparison of the highest versus lowest category. Because of the high
heterogeneity (I2 = 70.3%, P = 0.003), sensitivity analysis was performed. Most studies did not influence
the result when excluded sequentially, except 1 case–control study conducted by Jian et al.[27] After this
study was excluded, the pooled RR for all studies changed to 0.92 (95% CI 0.77–1.11) with no
heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P = 0.46) and the RR for case–control studies became 0.623 (95% CI 0.368–1.056).
However, no statistical significance was found either.

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Figure 2

Forest plot for the association of highest versus lowest category of green tea intake and PCa. The
association was indicated as RR with the corresponding 95% CI. The RR estimate of each study is marked
with a solid black square. The size of the square represents the weight that the corresponding study
exerts in the meta-analysis. The CIs of pooled estimates are displayed as a horizontal line through the
diamond. RR < 1 indicates decreased risk of PCa. CI = confidence interval, PCa = prostate cancer, RR = 
relative risk.

Dose–response meta-analysis was further carried out. As shown in Fig. Fig.3,3, each 1 cup/day increase
of green tea intake decreased the risk of PCa with RR 0.954 (95% CI 0.903–1.009) for all studies, 0.989
(95% CI 0.957–1.023) for cohort studies, and 0.893 (95% CI 0.796–1.002) for case–control studies. No
statistical significance was found with the dose–response RR estimates. And high heterogeneity (I2 = 
71.2%, P = 0.002) was found for all studies. Again, there was no longer any significant heterogeneity (I2 = 
0%, P = 0.44) after removing the study by Jian and the pooled RR changed to 0.977 (95% CI 0.951–1.003,
P = 0.080) with borderline significance for all studies. Moreover, the pooled dose–response estimate (RR
0.956, 95% CI 0.916–0.998) for case–control studies became statistically significant without study of Jian
but there was no change for the result of cohort studies.

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Figure 3

Forest plot for the association of each 1 cup/day increase of green tea intake and PCa. The association
was indicated as RR with the corresponding 95% CI. The RR estimate of each study is marked with a solid
black square. The size of the square represents the weight that the corresponding study exerts in the
meta-analysis. The CIs of pooled estimates are displayed as a horizontal line through the diamond. RR < 1
indicates decreased risk of PCa. CI = confidence interval, PCa = prostate cancer, RR = relative risk.
The linear test indicated there was a linear relationship (P = 0.01) between green tea intake and risk of
PCa, which demonstrated green tea consumption might reduce the incidence of PCa with a linear dose–
response effect. And no evidence of a potential nonlinear relationship (P = 0.57) was found. The
approximate RRs of each dose of green tea intake were as follows: 0.95 (95% CI 0.81–1.10) for 3 cups,
0.88 (95% CI 0.74–1.04) for 5 cups, 0.81 (95% CI 0.67–0.97) for 7 cups, 0.74 (95% CI 0.59–0.93) for 9
cups, and 0.56 (95% CI 0.35–0.92) for 15 cups. As shown in Fig. Fig.4,4, the risk of PCa decreased dose
dependently with the increase of green tea intake and there was statistically significant decrease of PCa
risk with higher green tea consumption (more than 7 cups/day). Subgroup analysis was further
performed by study type, region, study quality score, and maximum category. When stratified by study
type, the case–control studies indicated a protective effect of green tea intake against PCa for both
highest versus lowest category (RR = 0.453, 95% CI 0.249–0.822) and each 1 cup/day increase of green
tea (RR = 0.893, 95% CI 0.796–1.002, P = 0.054). However, the pooled RR did not differ substantially in
other subgroups (Tables (Tables33 and and44).

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Figure 4

Dose–response analysis of green tea consumption and the risk of PCa. The solid black line and 2 dotted
black lines are the restricted cubic spline for the published RRs and 95% CIs; the short dash straight line
is the linear fitting curve used for linear and nonlinear analysis. CI = confidence interval, PCa = prostate
cancer, RR = relative risk.

Table 3

Study subgroup analysis of pooled risk estimates for highest versus lowest green tea intake and PCa.

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Table 4

Study subgroup analysis of pooled risk estimates for each 1 cup/day increase of green tea intake and PCa.

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3.4. Green tea catechins and risk of PCa

Only 3 RCTs were included to investigate the association of green tea catechins with the risk of PCa. And
the study populations were patients with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) or
atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). PCa incidence was the main outcome of these studies. The I2
standing for heterogeneity was 2.9% which indicated there was no heterogeneity among the included
trials, and a fixed-effect model was used. As shown in Fig. Fig.5,5, green tea catechins had a significant
effect on the reduction of PCa risk compared to placebo with an RR of 0.38 (95% CI 0.16–0.86, P = 0.02),
indicating green tea catechins could reduce the PCa risk in patients with HGPIN or ASAP significantly.
Because of the insufficient quantity of the studies, neither subgroup analysis nor dose–response analysis
was conducted in these RCTs of green tea catechins and PCa risk.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.

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Figure 5

Forest plot for the association of green tea catechins and PCa. The association was indicated as RR with
the corresponding 95% CI. The RR estimate of each study is marked with a solid black square. The size of
the square represents the weight that the corresponding study exerts in the meta-analysis. The CIs of
pooled estimates are displayed as a horizontal line through the diamond. RR < 1 indicates decreased risk
of PCa. CI = confidence interval, PCa = prostate cancer, RR = relative risk.

3.5. Publication bias

No obvious publication bias was detected in our studies by Begg rank correlation test and Egger linear
regression test in the meta-analysis of highest versus lowest category green tea intake (P for Begg test = 
0.23, P for Egger test = 0.26), dose–response meta-analysis of each 1 cup/day increase of green tea (P for
Begg test = 0.74, P for Egger test = 0.88), and the meta-analysis of green tea catechins and PCa risk (P for
Begg test = 0.45, P for Egger test = 0.60).

Go to:

4. Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of green tea catechins consumption and PCa incidence.
Also, we conducted a dose–response meta-analysis to systematically and quantitatively evaluate the
association of green tea intake with PCa risk. Our novel data demonstrated green tea consumption might
reduce the incidence of PCa with a linear dose–response effect and more than 7 cups/day intake
significantly decreased the PCa risk and green tea catechins might be effective for preventing PCa.

Although previous meta-analyses found no association between PCa risk and green tea intake,
limitations in these studies might affect the conclusion. First, among the included studies in these meta-
analyses, the highest green tea consumption level varied from “ever drunk” to “more than 10 cups/day.”
The inconsistent exposure levels probably would bias the results. In addition, catechins content in black
tea is approximately a 3rd of that in green tea due to the process of fermentation, which might lead to
different effect on PCa. However, the dose–response meta-analysis conducted by Fei et al[18] did not
take this into account. Finally, our study has appended 2 additional articles compared with previous
meta-analysis by Zheng et al,[16] which would strengthen the current conclusion.

Consistent with pervious meta-analyses by Lin et al[17] (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.43–1.14) and Fei et al[18]
(RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.52–1.02), no significant inverse association was found between green tea intake and
PCa risk when comparing the highest with the lowest dose. Moreover, no statistical significance was
found for the dose–response meta-analysis of each 1 cup/day increase of green tea intake on PCa risk of
the 7 included observational studies. However, significant heterogeneity existed and sensitivity analysis
showed the heterogeneity mainly caused by the study of Jian et al,[27] which was carried out in China in
the population drinking green tea longer than 40 years and indicated a significant decrease of PCa risk
with green tea intake. But most studies did not provide the duration of tea consumption. After removing
the study of Jian, there was no longer any significant heterogeneity and dose–response analysis
demonstrated a trend that each 1 cup/day increase of green tea intake decreased PCa risk by 4.5% (P = 
0.08). In addition, our dose–response meta-analysis indicated more than 7 cups/day green tea
consumption could significantly reduce the risk of PCa in a linear style, which was in contrast with
previous dose–response meta-analyses[18,19] on the association of PCa risk and total tea consumption
without distinguished tea type. Although more green tea intake accounted for lower PCa risk, increased
hepatotoxicity was reported with increased green tea intake in a fasting state animal model.[30]
Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration restricted EGCG (the major functional extracts of green
tea) to 400 mg per day.[28] The ideal daily intake of green tea is unknown, although pharmacokinetic
studies suggested 9 to 16 cups per day to be safe and well tolerated.[31] Additionally, in the subgroup
analysis stratified by the study type, the 3 case–control studies presented statistically significant inverse
association between PCa risk with green tea intake, while the 4 cohort studies showed null effect. But
the association did not differ substantially between subgroups stratified by region, study quality, and the
maximum category.

As the size of cup and the quantity of green tea leaves used per batch differed, long-term green tea
intake cannot be accurately estimated. Green tea catechins, the main bioactive constituent of green tea,
[5] significantly affected the ability of green tea on cancer prevention and their content varied
considerably among different kinds of green tea. Different studies[32,33] reported the content of
catechins varied from 14 to 31 g in 100 g green tea. Therefore, catechins might provide a more accurate
estimation of green tea intake. Indeed, EGCG (the major functional extracts of green tea) could reduce
near 60% risk of PCa in men with ASAP or HGPIN which is a premalignant lesion of PCa. As there were
only 3 green tea catechins RCT included in current review and only 1 quantitative category was used in
each RCT, subgroup and dose–response analysis were not performed.

The mechanisms of EGCG anticancer activity have been investigated widely. Many studies[34,35]
indicated EGCG treatment reduced PCa cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro through androgen and
insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway. Ren et al[34] found EGCG acted on androgen receptor promoter,
decreasing androgen receptor expression and inhibiting cell growth in LNCaP cell. Similar results were
observed in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate mice prostate.[35] EGCG also inhibited
the critical enzyme 5α-reductase, leading to growth inhibition of prostate tumor.[36] In addition, IGF-1
and IGF-1 receptor expression reduced in EGCG treated animals[35,37] and IGF-induced growth of PCa
cells was inhibited by EGCG treatment.[38] Apoptosis in PCa cells is also regulated by EGCG. Kazi et al[39]
found EGCG phosphorylated B-cell lymphoma-extra large, leading to cytochrome C release and caspase
activation in PCa cells. EGCG reduced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65
expression and negative regulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells
activity triggered a change in Bax-Bcl-2 ratios and resulted in PCa cell apoptosis.[40,41] EGCG also
reduced matrix metalloproteinases which contribute to PCa metastasis.[42] Additionally, vascular
epidermal growth factor expression was observed decreased by EGCG treatment in PCa cells,[43]
transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate mice,[44] and PCa cell xenografts in nude mice,[45]
indicating angiogenesis required for tumor growth, survival, and metastasis is regulated by EGCG.
Moreover, cell-cycle arrest and proteasome inhibition are involved in anticancer perspective of EGCG.
The included studies consist of 4 cohort studies, 3 case–control studies, and 3 RCTs. The overall quality is
acceptable. The studies of Berroukche et al and Sonoda et al[25,26] did not adjust the RR with age which
was considered as a relevant risk factor of PCa. This might lead to bias. Although the protective effect of
green tea on PCa risk might be related to the stages of PCa, the further analysis was limited because only
1 cohort study in Japan reported the RR of PCa based on different stages. In addition, the duration of tea
consumption might also affect the risk of PCa. But most studies did not provide the duration of tea
consumption and more evidences would be needed to further analyze and draw a conclusion.

Heterogeneity was observed in the meta-analysis of observational studies, and sensitivity analysis
showed the heterogeneity was mainly caused by the study of Jian et al.[27] This study was performed in
China where green tea consumption is higher and more regular among participants. And the cup used in
China was generally larger than other countries and the size of cup varied widely. Furthermore, genetic
variability in the metabolism of green tea catechins might lead to the difference. A study[46] in Shanghai,
China showed men with homozygous for low-activity associated catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype
had significant 44% lower urinary level of tea polyphenols than men with homozygous for high-activity
catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype. Other possible reasons for the heterogeneity might be different
infusion temperature of tea, different drinking behavior (with or without milk and sugar), and varied
duration of green tea consumption.

Several limitations in our study should also be concentrated. Detailed information on cup size, quantity
of tea leaves used per batch, tea drinking duration, and PCa stages were not provided in most studies,
which probably would influence the protective effect of green tea. In addition, potential confounding
factors could not be completely avoided in observational studies, especially in retrospective studies.

Go to:

5. Conclusion
In summary, our meta-analysis indicated green tea intake might reduce the incidence of PCa with a linear
dose–response effect and decrease PCa risk significantly with over 7 cups/day. This was further
confirmed by the potential protective effect of green tea catechins on PCa. Further prospective study
with accurate measurement of green tea intake is required to substantiate these conclusions.

Go to:

Acknowledgements

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and potent catechin found in green tea
responsible for these cancer prevention effects.” ... In this study, men receiving the green tea extract had
a decrease in PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, which is an indicator of reduced prostate cancer risk.

Both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health. ... Studies show that green
tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate
cancer. Studies show that green tea can also benefit men with BPH and prostatitis.

Can green tea help your prostate?

If you’re worried about your prostate, science says the polyphenols in green tea may help. Find out how,
and if they could benefit your prostate health

Want an easy way to look after your prostate? Try drinking green tea every day. The benefits of green tea
are multiple, and it’s rich in polyphenols that are thought to be important for prostate health.1,2

Polyphenols are chemicals that occur naturally in certain fruit and veg – including berries, citrus fruits,
apples, broccoli, tea, coffee and chocolate – which have been shown to have an antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect on the body.3,4

What is the prostate?

It’s a small gland found just under the bladder in men, surrounding the urethra. The prostate produces
fluid that’s mixed into semen, which helps sperm to swim. It also converts the male hormone
testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a form the body can use more easily.5

How do polyphenols support prostate health?

The prostate is thought to absorb polyphenols more easily than other parts of the body, making it more
receptive to their health-giving benefits.6 A 2006 study published in The Journal of Nutrition reported
that tea polyphenols were found in the prostates of men who had been drinking green or black tea.7
Green tea and an enlarged prostate

As you age, you may encounter prostate problems, as your prostate can grow and press on the urethra,
causing urinary issues. This condition is called an enlarged prostate or, in medical terms, benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH). It’s very common in men aged over 50.8,9

But green tea is rich in a particular type of polyphenols called catechins that are thought to help an
enlarged prostate, in particular the potent epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).10 A 2017 study published
in Life Sciences found that EGCG reduced the over-production of cells which happens during the
development of an enlarged prostate.11

How green tea can support prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, is another prostate condition that could be
soothed by a polyphenol in green tea – this time the bioflavonoid quercetin.12,13

A study published in 1999 in Urology found that around two thirds of men with prostate problems like
chronic prostatitis who took quercetin every day saw their symptoms improve by at least 25%.14

5 healthy reasons to drink green tea

There’s nothing better than a refreshing cup of tea, unless that cuppa could also give your wellbeing a
boost!

Apart from tasting great, green tea is one of the healthiest brews around; numerous studies have
confirmed it has a positive effect on our health, but exactly how could it help?

What is green tea?

All types of tea – black, green, oolong, white – come from the camellia sinensis plant, or tea bush. But
it’s how the leaves are processed that produces the different varieties of tea.

Black tea is made from fermented leaves, so they are cut and then exposed to oxygen. Whereas green
tea leaves are steamed or roasted to prevent oxidation, meaning they keep their green colour and fresh
flavour.
This process also preserves the tea’s powerful antioxidants, particularly a compound called
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the one that experts think may be the most helpful.

It could help you lose weight

Recent research by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge revealed that green tea could help you lose
weight when combined with exercise.

Scientists found people taking an EGCG capsule, who also cycled for an hour three times a week, lost
more weight and burned more fat than those who only cycled.

It can help fight wrinkles

Green tea could also be an anti-ageing beauty secret. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition,
people who drank green tea every day for three months had smoother, more ‘elastic’ skin, than those
who stuck to a traditional brew.

It’s thought the antioxidants in the tea not only protect against damaging free-radicals, but boost blood
flow to the skin, delivering key nutrients that help improve your complexion.

It’s a natural allergy remedy

Suffering from hay fever? Swap your morning latté for a cup of green tea.

Japanese researchers discovered EGCG can block the release of histamines – chemicals that trigger
allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and a runny nose – in response to pollen, dust mites and pet dander.

It helps keep your heart healthy

A Greek study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation found
people drinking green tea had better cardiovascular function after just 30 minutes, reducing their risk of
heart disease.

Other studies have found green tea also has a positive effect on lowering both cholesterol and blood
pressure.
It could give your brain a boost

UK scientists found a green tea preparation rich in antioxidants may help protect nerve cells from
damage associated with diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Once men find themselves facing any kind of prostate health issue, whether it is prostate cancer,
enlarged prostate due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis, they immediately want to
know what they can do. While the best plan is to prevent prostate problems through a healthy lifestyle,
the good news is that there are actually many natural ways that a man can promote better prostate
health even if he already has symptoms or a diagnosis of a problem.

It makes sense that a man’s lifestyle, exercise habits, and diet have a tremendous impact on his prostate
health. Good habits can help prevent and lower risk factors for prostate disease and conditions just like it
can for other areas of the body. If a man already is experiencing prostate troubles, these natural changes
can help keep these conditions from getting worse, help relieve symptoms, and even help cure them.

In the case of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which is a difficult-to-treat and often-
painful inflammatory condition, traditional treatments, such as antibiotics, do not work. Often, changing
diet and lifestyle and trying alternative and natural treatments such as stress-relieving techniques is the
only successful approach to symptom relief.

Drink tea

Both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health. Both types of tea contain
potent antioxidants. Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may
also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer. Studies show that green tea can also benefit men
with BPH and prostatitis.

It is important to choose caffeine-free sources of tea, though. Caffeine can irritate both the prostate and
the bladder. A study found that men who consumed 234 mg or more of caffeine each day were 72
percent more likely to experience urinary incontinence compared to men who drank the least amount of
caffeine. If you have urinary or pain symptoms due to prostatitis, caffeine can make these symptoms
worse. If you have BPH or prostatitis, make an effort to reduce your caffeine intake by cutting back on
coffee, soda or energy drinks. Avoiding caffeine can make a big difference in your urinary health.

Another important drink for you prostate is water. Stay hydrated, and do not try to drink less to reduce
your urine.
Exercise and lose weight

Exercising and losing weight are some of the best things you can do to promote prostate health. Many
studies show that moderate or vigorous exercise reduces risk of BPH and urinary tract symptoms and
helps with prostatitis as well. Exercise also benefits your cardiovascular health and can help prevent
other health and sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.

If you are overweight, losing weight is one of the most important natural changes you can make in
improving your prostate health, whether your concerns are cancer, BPH or prostatitis. A study published
in the Journal of Urology found that overweight men, especially men with a high amount of abdominal
fat, have an increased risk of BPH. If you are looking to shrink the prostate, losing weight can help you
reduce your prostate size and help relieve annoying and frustrating urinary symptoms. On top of that,
weight loss can reduce your risk for prostate cancer and help relieve prostatitis, too.

Follow a prostate-friendly diet

There are many prostate-friendly foods that can help prevent cancer and slow the growth of prostate
cells and cancerous cells. Some of the best foods for prostate health include oily fish that are high in
omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, and foods high in healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olives. Foods that
help fight prostate cancer include Asian mushrooms, tomatoes, pomegranate juice and walnuts.

In areas of the world where men have lower prostate cancer rates, they all have something in common:
elements of their diet. They eat fish and plant-based sources of protein. They do not eat a lot of the
sugar or processed foods, which are so easily found in an American diet. The best diet for prostate health
is one that is low in sugar, processed foods and saturated fats. The Mediterranean diet is one diet worth
looking into because it is also a lifestyle and healthy way of eating that you can follow for the rest of your
life.

Take supplements

Sometimes, you cannot get it all through diet and in consistent therapeutic quantities. Also, you might
know something is good for you but it just doesn’t agree with you or you just can’t bear to eat it
regularly. That is why many men who are looking to make a big difference in their prostate health take a
daily supplement. Many different natural supplements can help manage better prostate health.

Reduce stress

Stress negatively affects prostate health. In fact, some men unknowingly tighten their pelvic muscles
when stressed. This chronic tightening can create pelvic floor muscle problems and can be one of the
causes of chronic prostatitis.
Stress can also affect men with BPH. Stress can worsen symptoms such as urinary urgency, urinary,
frequency and pain.

Having a prostate problem can also increase your stress and anxiety, which can make your condition
worse because stress impairs that immune system’s ability to fight the illness. That is why it is important
to manage your stress level, release tension and take care of your emotional health. Techniques that may
be worth looking into include therapy, meditation, deep breathing, or activities like exercise, yoga or tai
chi. Do not isolate yourself when it comes to your prostate health. It is important to maintain social
relationships and to have someone you can talk to you about your frustration, fears and pain.

Making changes

Following these five natural guidelines for better managing your prostate health can have a great impact
on your health. They do not cost a lot of money, and they are things you can start doing today. You do
not need to get a prescription for better health.

Once you realize that better prostate health is tied to your diet, weight and lifestyle, you can start living
with a goal of better prostate health. This will help improve your mental health and provide benefits for
your general health as well. Some things are beyond your control, but you can control the factors that
lower your risk and give your body the best tools for fighting illness.

7. Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed)

Pumpkin seeds contain beta-sitosterol, a compound similar to cholesterol and found in some plants.
Preliminary studies have shown that beta-sitosterol may improve urine flow and reduce the amount of
urine left in the bladder after urination.

Some studies recommend taking 10 g of pumpkin seed extract daily for BPH symptoms.

10. Green tea

Green tea has a lot of antioxidants called catechins that have been shown to enhance the immune
system and potentially slow the progression of prostate cancer.

It is important to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the bladder and
cause a sudden urge to urinate, potentially worsening BPH symptoms
Foods that may help

Several types of foods and nutrients can reduce or trigger BPH and its associated symptoms.

Foods that may be beneficial to BPH include:

fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, legumes, beans, and dark, leafy greens

fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, usually dark red, yellow, and orange varieties

foods rich in zinc, such as eggs, most types of seafood, and nuts

products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy foods, chickpeas, alfalfa, and fava beans

Making dietary changes may help manage or prevent an enlarged prostate and any resulting symptoms.

foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including most fish and some nuts and seeds, such as hemp and chia

Foods people with BPH, or those at risk of developing it, should avoid or limit include:

caffeine

How Much Green Tea Should You Drink Per Day?

Green tea is a popular beverage consumed worldwide.

In recent years, it has also gained popularity as a health drink.

Green tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and comes in several varieties.

It can be enjoyed hot, cold or even in powdered form, and it’s recognized for its high antioxidant content
and health benefits.

But how much green tea should you drink to achieve these benefits? And could drinking too much be
dangerous?
This article dives into the research to find out how much green tea you should drink.

Green Tea Is Linked to Many Health Benefits

Green tea is loaded with nutrients and plant compounds that can have positive health effects.

This includes potent antioxidants called catechins, which may help protect against cancer.

In fact, multiple studies show that people who drink green tea are significantly less likely to get many
types of cancer, compared to those who don’t drink it (1, 2).

The cancers that green tea may help protect against include prostate and breast cancer, which are the
two most common cancers in men and women, respectively (3, 4Trusted Source).

What's more, several studies indicate that green tea may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
and heart disease (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7, 8).

And drinking green tea may even help you lose weight.

The caffeine and catechins it contains have been shown to boost your metabolism and increase fat
burning (9, 10Trusted Source).

Overall, studies indicate that consuming green tea can help you burn an additional 75–100 calories per
day (11Trusted Source).

Although this may seem like a small amount, it can contribute to significant weight loss over the long
term.

Other possible benefits of drinking green tea include immune system support, improved brain function,
improved dental health and a lower risk of arthritis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (12Trusted
Source, 13, 14Trusted Source).
SUMMARY:

The compounds in green tea can have powerful effects on health, including a decreased risk of cancer,
diabetes and heart disease.

How Much Green Tea Is Optimal?

Studies that explore the benefits of green tea show conflicting evidence about exactly how much you
should drink each day.

Some studies show health benefits in people who drink as little as one cup per day, while other studies
deem five or more cups per day to be optimal (15, 16Trusted Source).

Green tea may help lower the risk of several diseases. However, the optimal amount to drink may
depend on the disease.

Oral cancer: In a large observational study, women who drank three to four cups of green tea daily were
the least likely to develop oral cancer (17Trusted Source).

Prostate cancer: A large observational study found that men who drank five or more cups of green tea
daily had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to those who drank less than one cup per
day (18Trusted Source).

Stomach cancer: Another large observational study showed a reduced risk of stomach cancer in women
who consumed five or more cups of green tea per day (19Trusted Source).

Breast cancer: Two observational studies showed reduced recurrences of breast cancer in women who
drank more than three cups of green tea daily (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).

Pancreatic cancer: One observational study found that drinking five or more cups of green tea per day
was linked to a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer (22Trusted Source).

Diabetes: In a retrospective observational study, people who consumed six or more cups of green tea
daily had a 33% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to those who consumed less than
one cup per week (23Trusted Source).

Heart disease: An analysis of nine studies found that people who consumed one to three cups of green
tea daily had a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, compared to those who drank less than one cup
(24Trusted Source).

Based on the above studies, it’s optimal to drink three to five cups of green tea per day.
However, it's important to note that some studies did not find any association between drinking green
tea and disease risk, so these effects may vary from person to person (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted
Source).

One thing most studies have found is that green tea drinkers are in better health than those who do not
drink tea at all.

SUMMARY:

The amount of tea required for health benefits varies greatly among studies. Drinking a minimum of
three to five cups of green tea per day seems to work well, but the optimal amount may vary from one
person to the next.

Possible Side Effects of Drinking Green Tea

The caffeine and catechins in green tea are well known for their health benefits, but they can also cause
side effects for some people, especially in large doses.

Effects of Caffeine

Consuming too much caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety, interfere with sleep and cause stomach
upset and headaches in some people (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source, 30Trusted
Source, 31Trusted Source).

Consuming large amounts of caffeine while pregnant may even increase the risk of birth defects and
miscarriage (32Trusted Source).

Based on current research, everyone, including pregnant women, should not consume more than 300
mg of caffeine daily (33Trusted Source).

However, one review looked at over 400 studies and found that healthy adults who consumed up to 400
mg of caffeine per day did not experience adverse effects (34Trusted Source).

The amount of caffeine in one cup of green tea varies depending on the amount of tea used and the
length of time the leaves steep.
One study found that the caffeine content of 1 gram of green tea ranged from 11–20 mg (12Trusted
Source).

A single serving is usually measured at 1 tablespoon (2 grams) of tea leaves per 1 cup (240 ml) of water.
Assuming each cup of tea is approximately 1 cup (240 ml), this means the average cup of green tea
contains about 22–40 mg of caffeine.

Catechins May Reduce Iron Absorption

The catechins in green tea may reduce your ability to absorb iron from foods (35Trusted Source).

In fact, consuming catechins in large quantities may lead to iron deficiency anemia (36Trusted Source).

While regularly drinking green tea isn't a concern for most healthy individuals, those at risk of iron
deficiency should consider drinking tea in between meals and waiting at least one hour after eating
before drinking tea (37Trusted Source).

Infants, young children, women who are pregnant or menstruating and individuals who have internal
bleeding or are undergoing dialysis are all at an increased risk of iron deficiency.

The catechins in green tea can also interfere with certain medications and decrease their effectiveness.

For example, studies indicate that green tea may inhibit the effectiveness of certain heart and blood
pressure medications (12Trusted Source).

Drinking green tea may also decrease the effects of certain medications used to treat anxiety and
depression (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).

Toxic effects are most common when people take green tea supplements, which have a much higher
concentration of catechins than green tea itself (40Trusted Source).

SUMMARY:
When consumed in moderation, green tea is safe for most people. You may want to limit or avoid it if
you have iron deficiency or are pregnant, nursing or taking medications for anxiety disorders or heart
conditions.

The Bottom Line

Green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds.

Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including
diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Drinking three to five cups of green tea per day seems to be optimal to reap the most health benefits.

Very high doses may be problematic for some, but generally, green tea's benefits far outweigh its risks.

In fact, drinking more green tea may greatly improve your health.

Can green tea help your prostate?

If you’re worried about your prostate, science says the polyphenols in green tea may help. Find out how,
and if they could benefit your prostate health

Want an easy way to look after your prostate? Try drinking green tea every day. The benefits of green tea
are multiple, and it’s rich in polyphenols that are thought to be important for prostate health.1,2

Polyphenols are chemicals that occur naturally in certain fruit and veg – including berries, citrus fruits,
apples, broccoli, tea, coffee and chocolate – which have been shown to have an antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect on the body.3,4

What is the prostate?

It’s a small gland found just under the bladder in men, surrounding the urethra. The prostate produces
fluid that’s mixed into semen, which helps sperm to swim. It also converts the male hormone
testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a form the body can use more easily.5

How do polyphenols support prostate health?

The prostate is thought to absorb polyphenols more easily than other parts of the body, making it more
receptive to their health-giving benefits.6 A 2006 study published in The Journal of Nutrition reported
that tea polyphenols were found in the prostates of men who had been drinking green or black tea.7

Green tea and an enlarged prostate

As you age, you may encounter prostate problems, as your prostate can grow and press on the urethra,
causing urinary issues. This condition is called an enlarged prostate or, in medical terms, benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH). It’s very common in men aged over 50.8,9

But green tea is rich in a particular type of polyphenols called catechins that are thought to help an
enlarged prostate, in particular the potent epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).10 A 2017 study published
in Life Sciences found that EGCG reduced the over-production of cells which happens during the
development of an enlarged prostate.11

How green tea can support prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, is another prostate condition that could be
soothed by a polyphenol in green tea – this time the bioflavonoid quercetin.12,13

A study published in 1999 in Urology found that around two thirds of men with prostate problems like
chronic prostatitis who took quercetin every day saw their symptoms improve by at least 25%.14Green
tea for prostate cancer

Monday 22 June 2009

“A chemical found in green tea appears to slow the progression of prostate cancer,” BBC News has
reported. According to its website, previous studies have shown that drinking green tea has health
benefits, including some positive findings related to prostate cancer.

The news comes from the results of a small trial, in which men with prostate cancer were given daily
doses of pills containing polyphenols, a class of chemicals found in green tea. Taking the Polyphenon E
capsule led to a significant reduction in the blood levels of certain chemicals that are considered to be
markers of the severity of the disease. The authors suggest that this change in chemical levels may
reflect a slowing down of the progression of disease.

However, an actual slowing of the disease’s progression has yet to be proven as this study did not assess
clinical outcomes of the patients but only changes in the levels of these chemicals. The changes were
modest in some cases and the researchers call for further studies into the effects of green tea extracts.
This initial study is likely to be followed by a larger trial, in which patients are randomly assigned to
receive either Polyphenon E or a placebo dummy pill. The results from larger, more robust study designs
should hopefully prove more conclusive.

Where did the story come from?

Dr Jerry McLarty and colleagues from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Overton
Brooks VA Medical Center, Louisiana, carried out this study. The research was funded by the Polyphenon
Pharma pharmaceutical company, which supplied the drug used in this trial. The study was published in
the peer-reviewed medical journal Cancer Prevention Research.

What kind of scientific study was this?

This was an open-label trial which assessed the effect of the Polyphenon E pill in 26 men with prostate
cancer who were scheduled to undergo a radical prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate gland).

Polyphenon E is a capsule that contains polyphenols (catechins), a family of chemicals which are
naturally found in green tea. The researchers say that they may have potential as a cancer therapy.

Previous research has shown that high levels of tea polyphenols in urine were associated with an
improved prognosis of breast cancer and a reduced risk of gastric cancer in people drinking five or more
cups of green tea a day. Green tea consumption has also been linked to a reduced risk of lung cancer and
prostate cancer. However, overall data on the subject is inconclusive as some studies found no effect on
cancer risk.

The Polyphenon E pill contains a number of different polyphenols, but the researchers have previously
shown that two of them (known as EGCG and ECG) have an effect on breast and prostate cancer cells in
vitro (in the laboratory), inhibiting a particular biochemical pathway (the HGF/c-Met pathway) that is
associated with disease severity.

In this new experiment, the researchers investigated whether taking Polyphenon E orally would reduce
the blood and tissue levels of a number of specific ‘biomarkers’ (chemicals that indicate the severity of
the disease). These biomarkers were hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), prostate-specific antigen (PSA),
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and IGF binding protein-3
(IGFBP-3).

In this study, men were asked to take a daily dose of four capsules along with a meal. Each pill contained
200mg of Polyphenon E. The safety of the drug was monitored through liver function tests. Blood
samples were taken before the study began and before prostate surgery, with a positive response
defined as a 50% or greater change in tissue biomarkers. The length of treatment with Polyphenon E
varied because participants were only treated during the period between their prostate biopsy and
prostate surgery (an average of 34.5 days).

What were the results of the study?

The study found that levels of the biomarkers HGF, VEGF, PSA, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 (which may be
indicators of prostate cancer severity) reduced significantly during the study.

What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results?

The researchers concluded that their results show a significant reduction in serum levels of chemicals
that indicate the severity of the disease. This was not accompanied by an increase in liver enzymes,
which would have indicated toxicity of the drug. They say that the findings support a “potential role for
Polyphenon E in the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer”.

What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study?

This small open-label study has found that Polyphenon E had an effect on the serum levels of various
chemicals that indicate the severity of prostate cancer. Average concentrations of HGF, VEGF, PSA, IGF-I
and IGFBP-3 all reduced significantly in the period between the two blood tests.

When analysing their data, the researchers took into account some of the factors, including age, race
and length of treatment, which may have been linked to the reductions in biomarker chemicals. These
factors did not have an effect on changes in these biomarkers.

Overall, it is difficult to interpret the clinical significance of the reductions in biomarkers. As the
researchers point out, it is possible that even small reductions in HGF levels could indicate a large
biological effect on prostate cancer progression. However, this study did not assess the clinical outcomes
of patients, only the changes in their biomarker levels.
Rightly, the researchers say that “additional longer-term studies will be needed to determine if lowering
VEGF and HGF serum levels actually translates into more favourable clinical outcome.”

The authors note that, in particular, there was only a modest change in PSA levels (average change of
1.12ng/ml), which they say should be interpreted with caution. PSA levels can change for reasons that
are not related to cancer progression. Similarly, the relationship between serum levels of IGF-I and
IGFBP-3 and prostate cancer is unclear. A further limitation of this study is that it did not have a control
group, meaning it could not establish the effects of Polyphenon E in relation to the natural chemical
fluctuations that may occur without polyphenol intake.

Large, randomised controlled studies (phase III trials) are the likely next step for the study of this green
tea extract. The researchers say that their findings should be verified by larger, placebo-controlled
clinical trials and note that the effects of different doses, long-term administration and combination with
other drugs remain to bffect of Tea On Testosterone

JERRY BRAINUM

SHARETWEETPIN$100,000 FOR GIVING UP YOUR BAD HABITSFAT-LOSS SOLUTIONS

7204-anabolicGreen tea extracts are known to provide a host of health benefits, including protection
against cardiovascular disease, by helping to reduce the oxidation of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol,
known as the “bad cholesterol” because of its link to heart disease. Other studies show that green tea
may help prevent various types of cancer, again through its potent antioxidant effect.

Green tea helps with fat loss because it inhibits an enzyme needed to break down dietary fat. It also
blocks another enzyme that degrades norepinephrine, a hormone that stimulates a fat-cell enzyme
called hormone-sensitive lipase to release fat from fat cells. Most of the so-called fat-loss supplements
on the market today work by promoting the release of norepinephrine. Caffeine, which does that, is a
common ingredient in such supplements. Green tea helps extend the activity of norepinephrine,
providing an independent thermogenic effect that helps to speed the loss of excess bodyfat.

The key elements found in green and other types of tea are various catechin, or polyphenol, compounds,
the most potent of which is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. A recent study showed that older people
who drink about four cups of green tea daily are less frail than seniors who don’t drink tea.

As noted, green tea is a popular ingredient in various fat-loss supplements and is also sold alone as a
concentrated extract. Green tea extract supplements can provide as much active ingredients as about
four cups of green tea just from one capsule.
So green tea can modify the effects of hormones like norepinephrine, but what does it do to other
hormones? A study published a few years ago showed that it may be able to block the activity of
aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens, such as testosterone, into estrogen. The effect was
mild, however, and not comparable to those produced by drugs used for the same purpose.

Other studies showed that green tea may inhibit another enzyme, 5-alpha reductase, which converts
testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. DHT, as it’s known, has earned a reputation of being evil because
it’s linked to male-pattern baldness, acne and prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Some
bodybuilders and athletes who are on high-dose anabolic steroid regimens use drugs such as finesteride
to block 5-alpha reductase activity and prevent the side effects described above. Luckily, while DHT
interacts with far greater affinity than testosterone at the androgen cell receptor, it is not the primary
androgen in muscle—testosterone is.

Another study published a few years ago suggested that green tea could lower testosterone by
interfering with a pathway involved in testosterone synthesis. The problem: It was an in vitro, or isolated-
cell, study and involved exposing animal cells to amounts of green tea far greater than someone could
ever drink. As such, the study was of questionable validity.

A recent study, also in vitro, found the opposite effect: In this case green tea boosted testosterone1. Not
only that, but it did so in a way that would affect the usual lab test for detecting testosterone use in
athletes.

In order to understand how this is possible, some background information is necessary. The usual test for
illicit testosterone use involves comparing the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone. In the past it was
decreed that a ratio of 6-1, testosterone-to-epitestosterone, pointed to the use of supplemental
testosterone, but more recent tests use a 4-to-1 ratio. So, if your testosterone is greater than four times
the epitestosterone, that’s a positive result for testosterone use. Since the test involves urine samples, it
actually analyzes a breakdown product of testosterone.

When T is metabolized in the liver, the liver attaches it to two substances that convert the normally fat-
soluble testosterone into a water-soluble version that can be more easily excreted. The water-soluble
version is mainly testosterone glucuronide, and the drug test involves separating the testosterone from
the glucuronide to determine the actual amount of testosterone in the urine sample.

The main enzyme involved in that is UGT2B17, or, simply, UGT (although there are other UGT enzymes
involved in testosterone breakdown in the liver, it is by far the most active). Regular readers of this
column may recall a study that was published a while back implicating a genetic lack of UGT in cases
involving kidney damage in high-dose-steroid users. The enzyme is also commonly lacking in men of
Asian decent, which means that they can use testosterone shortly before an event yet test negative for
it.

How does all that relate to tea? It turns out that the recent study examined the effects of both green and
white tea on testosterone metabolism and showed that both blocked the effect of UGT. That, in turn,
would increase testosterone in its free, or active, form in the blood as well as obscuring the results of a
drug test for testosterone.

A previous study showed that using common pain-killing drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatories also inhibited UGT. Although one of them, ibuprofen, is often used by athletes to treat
muscle and joint pain, there is as yet no indication that it has ever affected any athletic test for
testosterone use.

The UGT enzyme that adds the glucuronide to testosterone also does that to other anabolic steroids and
drugs. Again, it is a way for the body to rapidly and safely excrete the drugs through the kidneys by
making them water-soluble. UGT does not do that to glucuronidate epitestosterone, so the usual drug
test for testosterone could definitely be affected.

In the new study, green and white tea definitely inhibited UGT—by 18 percent and 30 percent,
respectively. The green tea was provided as a liquid, while the white tea was a concentrated powder
extract, which explains the difference in potency. When the individual polyphenol compounds in the tea
were tested, however, the potency rose considerably—epicatechin showed an 85.91 percent inhibition
of UGT, while EGCG showed a 79.52 percent inhibition. It should be noted, however, that tea
polyphenols are rarely absorbed orally in such great amounts; instead only a small percentage is actually
absorbed. If tea polyphenols were completely absorbed, all “testosterone-boosters” would be full of
them. Still, there is enough in tea to affect the functioning of UGT and, consequently, the results of a
testosterone drug test.

The study found that tea’s effect on UGT was greatest at lower concentrations of testosterone, meaning
that it likely wouldn’t affect athletes who are using massive doses of anabolic steroids. Those taking
smaller doses of testosterone might be affected if they drank green tea or used green tea extracts. Using
lower doses of testosterone in an attempt to circumvent drug testing is common in some sports, such as
cycling.

Although green tea may boost bioactive, or free, plasma testosterone, you would not want to load up on
excessive amounts of it. Some studies show that taking larger doses of green tea supplements may hurt
liver function in some people. In addition, larger doses may have a paradoxical effect by reducing, rather
than, boosting testosterone.

Editor’s note: Jerry Brainum has been an exercise and nutrition researcher and journalist for more than
25 years. He’s worked with pro bodybuilders as well as many Olympic and professional athletes. e seen.

ATHLETES who cheat by doping themselves with testosterone may be able to mask their actions by
drinking green tea. Large quantities might even provide a legal performance boost by raising levels of
testosterone in the blood.

“Green tea alone may also boost performance by raising blood levels of natural testosterone”

Abuse of testosterone is hard to spot because the steroid hormone is found naturally in men and
women. Tests rely on detecting an unusual ratio of testosterone to a hormone called epitestosterone in
urine.

In lab tests, Declan Naughton and colleagues at Kingston University London discovered that compounds
called catechins, found in tea, inhibit an enzyme called UGT2B17. This enzyme attaches glucuronic acid
to testosterone, making it more likely to be excreted in urine (Steroids, DOI:
10.1016/j.steroids.2012.02.023).

Catechins are present in green and white tea but not in black. “Levels from a strong cup of green tea
match those we used in our experiments,” Naughton says.

Athletes dosing themselves with testosterone may be able to reduce the amount of hormone entering
their urine by drinking green or white tea. Tea alone may also boost circulating levels of testosterone by
blocking its excretion.

The researchers have informed the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal, Canada, of their findings. If
the same effect occurs in human bodies, one answer would be to test athletes’ blood, rather than urine.

WADA is aiming to add regular checks of blood steroids to its “biological passports”, which monitor
athletes for suspicious changes in their physiology. That should foil any attempt to fool the urine test,
says Olivier Rabin, WADA’s science director.

Rabin also doubts that tea alone will have much effect on performance, compared with the big boosts in
testosterone seen in doping cases. “It would be fairly modest,” he says.