Green tea is not only a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, studies show that it may also decrease your risk for certain cancers. Studies among populations who regularly drink green tea indicate that the antioxidants in the tea may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, a chemical used in the manufacture of tea bags is a carcinogen, and may actually increase your risk of cancer.

Antioxidants in Green Tea May Inhibit Cancer Cells

Similarly to other antioxidant rich foods such as chocolate, red wine, and berries, green tea’s catechins (certain types of antioxidants) help to reduce the number of free radicals in your body. These free radicals can be destructive to your body, causing damage to DNA and helping to cause health problems such as cancer and cardiovascular problems. Green tea’s catechins are more concentrated than those in fermented teas — unlike black teas that are fermented and roasted, giving them that characteristic dark color and roasted taste, green tea leaves are simply dried and consumed.

Despite the presence of these catechins however, it is still debated whether green tea has a significant effect on cancer. While in the lab, green tea’s antioxidants have been shown to inhibit cancer growth and kill cancer cells, these results have yet to be substantiated by enough human studies to make it certain that drinking green tea prevents cancer. There are a few human studies that seem promising — studies in Japan and China suggested that patients who drank green tea daily had a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence, and a lower risk of developing certain cancers, including stomach, esophageal, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Although the evidence at this point is not yet compelling, people may reap health benefits from having a cup or two of green tea every day as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Green tea has many other benefits, including potentially lowering cholesterol and helping improve circulation.

Hidden Cancer Risk of Tea Bags

Although tea itself is considered to be good for you, the tea bag it comes in may not be. Many tea drinkers are unaware that many paper tea bags are manufactured with a chemical called epichlorohydrin, which is used to strengthen the wet paper. This is a chemical that is also used in the manufacture of plastics and resins, and when it comes into contact with water, becomes a carcinogen. This cancer-causing substance is not only used in many tea bags, but also in some coffee filters. Not all tea bags have epichlorohydrin in them — certain brands of tea pride themselves on using all-natural, biodegradable materials in their tea bags, and do not contain the chemical.

For people who want to reap the health benefits of green tea but are wary of the potential health threat of epichlorohydrin used in tea bags, loose leaf tea may be the best way to go. Loose tea leaves are generally of better quality and more flavorful than tea bags, and will produce a better cup of tea. You can buy a small mesh strainer in the shape of a spoon that you can use to steep your tea, or use an Asian-style cup with a built-in strainer. Alternatively, make sure the tea company you are using does not use epichlorohydrin in their tea bags.