How Tea Polyphenols Support Cellular Health, Reduce Oxidative Stress, Counteract Damage from Processed Foods, and Reduce Cancer Risks

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world—and one of the most researched. Green tea, matcha, and black tea all come from the Camellia sinensis plant, yet each offers unique anticancer benefits thanks to differences in processing, polyphenol content, and antioxidant potency.

For people with cancer and caregivers looking for simple, daily habits that support an anticancer lifestyle, tea is a powerful, evidence-supported place to start.

Why Tea Matters for Cancer Prevention

Tea is rich in polyphenols, plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage—three biological processes closely linked to cancer development.

The most studied polyphenols include:

• Catechins (especially EGCG) in green tea
• Theaflavins and thearubigins in black tea
• Concentrated catechins + chlorophyll in matcha

Thes...