Tea lovers now have more reasons to rejoice as a recent study published in the journal Anticancer Research has found oolong tea extracts to be beneficial for overall health and may also help stave off breast cancer. Apart from preventing diabetes, this Chinese tea is known to be heart-healthy and brain-healthy as well. The researchers of the study analysed the rates of breast cancer and deaths from the disease across China. The findings revealed that regions with high oolong tea consumption had generally lower rates of the disease. The laboratory tests conducted on this Chinese tea also showed that it stopped the growth of breast cancer cells and the extract hampered the DNA of the cancer cells, inhibiting the growth and progression of tumours.
Oolong tea is also known to promote fat burn in the body
In the study, black and dark tea were found to have little effects on the cells; whereas, green tea showed a similar pattern like oolong tea.
From our results, oolong tea, much like green tea, plays a role in inhibiting breast cancer cell growth, proliferation and tumour progression, said one of the researchers from St. Louis University in Missouri.
Oolong tea, same as green tea, can induce DNA damage and cleavage, play an inhibitory role in breast cancer cell growth, proliferation and tumorigenesis. It has great potential as a chemopreventive agent against breast cancer, the team added.
According to the researchers, the incidence of breast cancer was 35 per cent lower than the national average in the Fujian province. It was further revealed that the death rate of high consumers of oolong tea in Fujian was 68 per cent lower than the national average.
"The lower incidence and mortality in regions with higher oolong tea consumption indicate that the tea has great potential for its anti-cancer properties," said lead author Chunfa Huang, Associate Research Professor at the varsity.
Prevention and early diagnosis was key to improving future health prospects, the study said.
Here Are Few Other Benefits Of Drinking Oolong Tea:
May Help Promote Weight Loss:
Oolong tea is replete with catechins that are known to promote fat burn in the body. Consuming this tea once a day could help you go a long way in meeting your weight loss goals.
Detox Properties:
Oolong tea stands out to be a perfect bet for people who are on detox diet. It helps in flushing out toxins from the body.
May Promote Heart Health:
Being incredibly rich in antioxidants, oolong tea could help promote heart health and may also lower down bad cholesterol in the body.