Fight Prostate Cancer With Quercetin And Green Tea

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, and it most often develops in men older than age 65. The disease involves abnormal cell division in the prostate tissue and rarely gives warning signs that the disease is developing. Men over 50 should depend on regular physical exams and become familiar with prostate cancer symptoms to get an early start on fighting the disease.

Symptoms can include:

• Problems with urination.
• Pain in the in the pelvis or genitals.
• Frequent urinary tract infections.
• Traces of blood in the urine or semen.

Other, more general symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, fatigue or pain in the lower back. Physicians will discuss the procedures fordetecting and diagnosing prostate cancer, if they suspect the presence of cancer in the prostate.

Quercetin And Green Tea For Prostate Cancer

Healthcare providers may recommend surgery to remove diseased tissue in patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Further recommendations may include a diet that includes antioxidants, such as theProstate Diet for prostate cancer, loaded with foods known to aid in the fight of the disease. These foods have been shown to slow the disease process; a diet loaded with quercetin and green tea may be just what the doctor orders.

A number of recent studies have demonstrated that quercetin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer and cell lines, and it destroys cancer cell cycles. Research also shows that quercetin has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy benefits as well.

In one important study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota showed that quercetin reduced or prevented the growth of human prostate cancer cells. “By blocking activity of androgen hormones, quercetin may provide a non-hormonal approach to combatting prostate cancer.”

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant found in several common foods and prostate supplements. The “apple a day” should be your first step at putting more quercetin in your diet. Other readily available foods, including red grapes, onions, garlic, peppers, cruciferous vegetables, pomegranates, watermelon and tomatoes, are also known to be great sources of quercetin. [1]

Tea Time!

Another proven weapon in the fight against prostate cancer consists of green tea consumption. The catechins (plant chemicals) found in green tea are known to be potent antioxidants. Various studies show that these chemicals, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are significant in lowering the risk of a variety of health problems, including cancers.

One study demonstrated how green tea slows the growth of prostate cancer cells. Another showed that men who drank five or more cups of green tea per day reduced their risk for advanced prostate cancer. Researchers have also demonstrated that even three cups of green tea per day produce desirable effects.

Maximizing Benefits

A research team from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) investigated the benefits of teaming quercetin and green tea for fighting prostate cancer. They suspected that quercetin could stimulate EGCG for maximum effects in fighting the growth of cancer cells in the prostate. [2]

They discovered that “a combination of quercetin and EGCG synergistically inhibited cell growth and spread, interfered with the cell cycle, and induced cell death in prostate cancer cells.” The cancer fighting EGCG abilities found in the tea were significantly amplified by quercetin, delivering a powerful attack on the cancer cells.

Studies have consistently shown value in the combination of quercetin and green tea for lowering prostate cancer risk. A diet high in these substances provides a strong weapon for fighting cancers, and both quercetin and green tea supplements are available in therapeutic dosages to supplement diets.

In addition to fighting cancer cells, both quercetin and green tea have many health benefits, including weight loss assistance, fighting infections and boosting the immune system. Family meal plans should include generous quantities of quercetin every day, and green tea should be a beverage staple.