Recently, a self-media article titled “Tea, Can Actually “Deal With” So Many Diseases That Haunt People” stated that studies have shown that tea polyphenols contained in tea have obvious Drinking green tea regularly can reduce the incidence of cancer by more than 60%. In addition, the article also lists a variety of diseases that tea can treat: reducing symptoms of diabetes, effectively blocking HIV, killing cold viruses, and so on.
Screenshot of online article
Is tea really a magic cure for all ailments? The “Science Science China” official account has previously published an article saying that the rumors that tea can fight cancer and AIDS on the Internet have obviously exaggerated ingredients, and relevant research does not prove that the ingredients in tea have anti-cancer effects.
Popular Science China pointed out that tea polyphenols are one of the main components with physiological functions in tea, and its most important characteristic is anti-oxidation. Cell and animal studies have shown that tea polyphenols have antithrombotic, antibacterial, and lipid metabolism-regulating effects, and have preventive and inhibitory effects on senile dementia, diabetes, and breast cancer, and even in wound healing and oral disease prevention. etc. also play a role. In addition, alkaloids in tea can have cardiotonic, diuretic, refreshing effects, and can also promote gastric acid secretion; There are certain pharmacological effects.
However, the fact that the ingredients in tea have some antioxidant effects does not mean that they can treat cancer.
Scientific research on cell and animal experiments shows that although tea polyphenols have certain preventive and control effects on lung cancer and colon cancer, there is still a lack of convincing direct evidence in humans. Epidemiological studies at home and abroad Findings from surveys and intervention studies have been inconsistent. In addition, the content of tea polyphenols in tea leaves is limited, so tea polyphenols are useful for some cancers, but it does not mean that drinking tea can fight cancer.
As for the claim that drinking tea can effectively block HIV, although EGCG and theaflavins in tea can inhibit the binding of influenza virus to the host cell membrane, in general, catechins such as EGCG Its chemical properties are not stable, it is easier to metabolize, and its membrane permeability is poor, which affects its biological activity. Therefore hoping to stop the spread of AIDS through tea is extremely dangerous.
In addition, Popular Science China also refuted the long-running argument that drinking tea “regulates acid-base constitution”:
First of all, there is no scientific research based on “acid-base constitution” in the medical field. Change the concept, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and so on.
Human blood pH is generally maintained between 7.35-7.45. The human body forms a strong buffer system through metabolism and respiration to maintain blood pH stability.
The effect of ordinary diet on the acidity and alkalinity of the human body environment is basically negligible. It is more scientific to use the acidity and alkalinity of food to guide the diet than reasonable food matching.
There is also a long-standing tradition that drinking tea can protect cardiovascular and lower blood sugar. Although there is certain laboratory research support, the current epidemiological data is still insufficient, and the results are not consistent, and there is still a lack of enough evidence.
Therefore, Scientific and appropriate tea drinking has a certain protective effect on the human body, but tea is definitely not a “cure for all diseases”. If you feel unwell, you should go to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible, so as not to delay the best treatment time.
(The content is referenced from “Science Science China”)
【Reporter】Wu Yang
【Author】Wu Yang
[Source] Southern Media Group Southern+Client