Previous studies have found that the major polyphenol in green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may protect internal organs against cancer. The effects of EGCG are so powerful, the results of a new study suggest that EGCG will soon be used to treat esophageal adenocarcinoma; one of the fastest-growing cancers in western countries.
A team from the Harvard Medical School has reported that EGCG inhibited the growth and reproduction of cancer cells (SEG-1 and BIC-1) associated with Barrett’s esophagus; a condition caused by stomach acid creeping back up from the stomach. The acid damage causes the cells lining the esophagus to change, and this raises the risk of esophageal cancer by 30 to 40 times.
The results of this research suggest that supplementation with EGCG may not just be a valuable compound that helps protect against cancer, it may also be used to treat some forms of cancer. Don’t forget that other studies have shown that EGCG also enhances fat metabolism.
EGCG is an amazing compound that every health-conscious person should incorporate into their nutrition program.
