A study published recently in Cancer Research points to the fact that Green Tea Polyphonols (the anti-oxidants present in green tea) might help in prevention of Prostate cancer by blocking the growth of blood vessels to the tumor.

In an animal model the scientists have been able to demonstrate that the Green Tea Polyphenols block IGF-1 (Insulin like Growth Factor) pathway by reducing the levels of IGF-1 in the tumor cells. This in turn slows down the proliferation of tumor cells and the growth of blood vessels that fuel the growth of tumor cells.

Since elevated IGF-1 levels is a key characteristic of several forms of cancer, it is hypothesized that reduction in the levels of IGF-1 would beneficially assist in control of the tumor cells growth.

Here is the link to the article abstract.