We love chamomile tea. It’s a delicious decaf option that makes for a great nightcap. It’s great hot or on ice, helps reduce stress and can even settle your stomach if you’re feeling nauseated. Loose leaf chamomile, like the three varieties we’re carrying, is easy on the eyes, too. There’s something special about brewing these little dried up flower heads, whether they come with a bit of a lemon-flavored pick-me-up, a refreshing touch of mint, or are of a more traditional variety.
Now, a new report suggests that there may be even more good reasons to make your next cuppa a chamomile. According to researchers from Ohio State University, a chemical found in chamomile may have the ability to severely limit the lifespan of breast cancer cells.
When dealing with cancer, curtailing the rapid spread of cancer cells is essential to preserving the life of patients. A chemical that can halt cancer cells from replicating is a potentially invaluable tool, especially if present in something as easily available as chamomile.
The chemical is called apigenin and is also found in other foods like celery and parsley. A cancer cell has the ability to temporarily evade death, an attribute that makes it harder for doctors who are trying to treat patients. Apigenin has the ability to restore a cancer cell’s regular functions so that it expires as quickly as a normal cell would. You can cread the full study here.
Lots of other factors can contribute to how your body reacts to cancer including genetics, what you eat and other habits like smoking. This new study illuminates new potential pathways for researchers to uncover.
Make tea part of a wider strategy towards living a healthy lifestyle, with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. And remember, the best medical advice always comes straight from your doctor!
