A new study said that sipping green tea can be beneficial for health. It said that compounds present in green tea boosts protein’s tumour-suppressing activity.
The popular beverage also helps in increasing levels of a natural anti-cancer protein. This protein is well known for its ability to repair DNA damage or destroy cancerous cells.
The study involved the direct interaction between the anti-cancer protein p53 and the green tea compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The study pointed to a new target for cancer drug discovery. EGCG is natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.
It also reduces the formation of free radicals in the body and protects cells and molecules from damaging.
The study said that EGCG is able to boost p53’s anti-cancer activity as it preserves the protein from degradation. It also paves the way for developing drugs with EGCG-like compounds.
The protein p53 has several well-known anti-cancer functions. It halts cell growth to allow for DNA repair and initiate programmed cell death in case the damaged DNA cannot be repaired.
The study said that EGCG helps to undo the near constant damage caused by using oxygen metabolism. It is also packaged as an herbal supplement.