Green Tea May Lower Risk Of Some Cancers In Women, Study Suggests

Incorporating a cup of green tea into your routine could help you lower your risk of cancer, a new study suggests.

The research, first reported by Reuters and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shows an association between regular green tea consumption -- at least three times weekly -- in older women and a lower risk of colon, throat and stomach cancers.

The study drew from data from the Shanghai Women's Health Study, which included 69,310 nonsmoking, non-drinking Chinese women (all of whom were middle or older age) who entered the study between 1996 and 2000. After 11 years, there were 1,255 cases of cancer of the digestive system.

Researchers found an association between green tea consumption and cancer risk, with those reporting regular green tea consumption having a 14 percent lower risk of developing cancer of the digestive system. And their risk of cancer only went down with the more green tea they reported drinking, and the longer they reported drinking tea regularly.

However, Reuters noted that the association may have to do with the type of women who regularly drink green tea -- those who reported heavy green tea consumption were also more likely to exercise, eat produce and work in high-paying jobs, compared with those who drank less green tea. All of these factors could also make a difference in cancer risk.

Even though this study only showed a link between cancer risk and green tea consumption, other studies have also suggested the brew can have positive effects on health (after all, the tea is chock-full of antioxidants). For more potential health benefits of green tea, click through the slideshow: