The Power of Green Tea

In a review written by Chung et al. (2010) the cancer preventative mechanisms of green tea polyphenols are discussed in detail.  The polyphenolic structure found in green tea is a reactive oxygen scavenger acting as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Research cited in this review has demonstrated the inhibitory effects of green tea on lung, intestinal, and prostate tumor growth.  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is decreased as a result of inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling with administration of green tea polyphenols in vivo.  Large human trials with tea polyphenols are underway and are likely to provide further evidence of cancer preventative effects of green tea.

Yang, C. S., & Wang, X. (2010). Green tea and cancer prevention. Nutrition and Cancer, 62(December 2012), 931–937. doi:10.1080/01635581.2010.509536

Mediterranean Diet

A meta-analysis of international prospective cohort studies, spanning 1995-2008, completed by Sofi et al. (2008) examined adherence to a Mediterranean diet and associated health status.  Mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and risk of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease were included in the meta-analysis.  Results of the study showed that those that adhered to the diet had statistically significant reduction in mortality (RR=0.91, CI= 0.89, 0.94) in addition to reduced mortality in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Sofi F, Cesari F, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and health status: meta-analysis. BMJ. 2008;337:a1344. doi:10.1136/bmj.a1344.

Association of Dietary Patterns with Cancer Recurrence

The association of dietary patterns with cancer recurrence and survival in patients with colon cancer was demonstrated in a prospective observational study completed by Loehrer (2008). Patients included in the study had a diagnosis of stage III colon cancer and were undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.  Two dietary patterns were examined in addition to covariates that included, physical activity, and medication use, smoking and family history.  Results of the study demonstrated a statistically significant association between colon cancer recurrence and mortality and the western dietary pattern.  In contrast, the prudent dietary pattern showed no association between recurrence, and mortality in colon cancer patients.

Loehrer PJ. Association of Dietary Patterns With Cancer Recurrence and Survival in Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer. Yearb Oncol. 2008;2008(7):236-237. doi:10.1016/S1040-1741(08)79025-0.