July 19, 2005

More Clues on Potential Anti-cancer Properties of Green Tea

Researchers looking at the effects of green tea on the spread of bladder cancer have identified a biochemical mechanism through which green tea extracts confine and localise cancer cells, thereby improving prognosis and response to treatment. The results were published in the 15 February 2005 issue of Clinical Cancer Research by Rao et al. The researchers cautioned that this study was conducted on in-vitro cell environments, and more research is needed to determine exactly how green tea extract would act in human cancer cases.

****************************************

Diet High in Fibre, Soy and Vegetables Effective in Reducing Cholesterol

Researchers tested a 'portfolio' diet, which was high in soy protein, almonds, and cereal fibre as well as plant sterols, and compared results with those resulting from low-fat diet, and a normal diet plus a common cholesterol-lowering statin drug. The portfolio diet resulted in nearly 30% reduction in LDL cholesterol. This compared to 33% reduction in those following normal diet + statins, and less than 9% reduction in those on low-fat diet.
The results were published by Jenkins et al, in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 81, No 2, pp380-3.