Researchers in Japan have said drinking green tea may be an important health resource to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
The study appearing in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests drinking five or more cups of the antioxidant-rich beverage can reduce the risk of developing blood cancer by 42 percent. The same amount of green tea was also associated with a 48 percent lower risk of lymph system cancer, according to Reuters.
Researchers followed 19,749 men and 22,012 women with no previous history of cancer over a period of nine years for the study.
WebMD notes that previous research has linked the tea to fighting heart disease, lowering cholesterol and preventing diabetes and dementia.
“Taken altogether, the evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health. Its not going to cure anything and it shouldnt be consumed as a drug, but it can complement the rest of the diet,” Tufts University scientist Dr. Diane McKay tells WebMD.
Researchers involved with this study say further work is needed to confirm the health benefits of drinking green tea, and to determine whether daily consumption might prevent certain cancers.