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ew findings presented by the CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition at the
inaugural Australian International Symposium on Tea and Health in Sydney
today have shown that tea may contribute significant protection against
development of skin cancers caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
 The latest research with mice
found those given tea (with milk) experienced a reduction in the development
of skin cancer of 50 per cent and a reduction in the development of
papillomas of 70 percent.
Australia has the highest
rate of skin cancer in the world. Currently two out of three Australians
develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
Ultraviolet radiation is
present in the sun's rays throughout the year. The level of UV varies from
day to day, and even on a clear day in September or April it is strong
enough to burn your skin.
Tea is a rich source of
special antioxidants called flavonoids, considered to be some of the most
potent antioxidants in nature. Scientists believe antioxidants in the diet
have an important role to play in the fight against diseases including
cancer.
The important new CSIRO study
examined the effect of providing tea with 10% milk, (compared to just 10%
milk or just water) as the sole drinking fluid on UVA+B induced skin cancer
in mice. The key finding was a significant reduction in the development of
skin cancers in mice drinking tea with milk.
"These findings are
significant because initially it was thought milk may bind to the flavonoids,
and impact on the antioxidant properties and potential health benefits of
tea. The most recent findings would suggest that the protective role of the
flavonoids is enhanced in the presence of milk," said Dr. Ian Record of CSIRO
Division of Human Nutrition.
"Intensive research is
currently underway into tea flavonoids and how they may help protect the
body from potentially harmful substances called free radicals. UV rays
generate free radicals in the skin, which in turn inflict damage on the skin
cells -- causing some cells to become cancerous," he added.
The researchers sounded a note
of caution that, so far, the effects of tea as an anti-cancer agent has only
been explored in mice, and the implications of their findings for humans will
require further investigation.
The International Symposium
on Tea and Health, hosted by CSIRO and supported by the Lipton Tea Centre,
brings international researchers, nutritionists and health experts together
in Australia for the first time to discuss the emerging evidence surrounding
the potential health benefits of tea. Other research to be presented at the
Symposium includes tea and the possible role it may play in protecting
against cardiovascular disease, in addition to potential prevention of other
forms of cancer.
- As reported by ScienceDaily
April 30, 1998
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