Cups Of Tea Could Cut Cancer Risk

Three cups of tea a day could help keep breast cancer at bay among younger women, researchers have found.

A US study discovered an increased intake of tea reduced the risk among ladies under the age of 50 by up to 37%.

The threat of another type of tumour, affecting the lobes deep inside the breast tissue, was cut by two thirds, the researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Centre in Florida found.

Britain's favourite drink may not help older generations fight the disease though.

The study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention found senior drinkers to be unaffected.

The results have prompted theories that tea can help fight tumours common among young women.

Researchers compared the lifestyles of 5,000 women with breast cancer to a similar number without the disease.

The results will be welcomed by the 41,000 women, and around 300 men, who are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year.

Tea, particularly green tea, contains plant-based disease fighting polyphenols, which are believed to account for the cancer protection.

And that is not the only health benefits daily tea consumption brings.

Previous studies have found these to include a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, a lower cholesterol level, improved blood pressure management and alleviation of symptoms for common illnesses.