Gardening Articles: Care :: Pests & Problems
Green Tea Takes on Dioxin
by Charlie Nardozzi
Dioxin is a carcinogenic byproduct of many industrial processes, such as waste incineration, chemical and pesticide manufacturing, and pulp and paper bleaching. Unfortunately, dioxin is ubiquitous in the environment, and low levels are even found on the foods we eat. Researchers in Japan have experimented with using green tea extracts to block the cancer-causing effects of dioxin on cells. They uncovered a number of different compounds that are effective in combating this toxin.
The amount of green tea that was needed to affect the dioxin levels is higher than most people drink, but even small amounts of tea can have a healthful effect. You can also get some of the dioxin-blocking compounds by eating foods such as green apples, kale, and spinach.
Go to Our Stolen Future at www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/oncompounds/dioxin/2003/2003-0805palermoetal.htm for more information on this research.
Photo courtesy of USDA.