6. Green Tea
Tea contains hundreds of chemical compounds and one class of compounds known as catechins are responsible for the amazing anticancer properties of green tea. Although green tea contains several catechins, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate ) is the catechin with the most powerful anticancer activity.[10][11]
Studies have shown that EGCG inhibits the growth of cancerous cell lines in vitro. Studies have shown that green tea prevents the developing of many tumours as a result of carcinogens, primarily breast cancers, skin cancers, lung cancers, colorectal cancers and oesophageal cancers.[12][13]
The catechin content of green tea varies greatly depending on the area of cultivation and other factors, but Japanese green teas generally contain far more EGCG than do Chinese teas.
Research has also shown that green tea steeped in bottled water contains more antioxidants in comparison to tea steeped in tap water. The green tea had almost twice the amount of the EGCG antioxidant when steeped in bottled water, making it more bitter compared to tea steeped in tap water.[14]
Image Source: Total Health Institute