A report published in the Journal of Nutrition describes protective benefits of green tea polyphenols against ultraviolet light – induced skin damage, as well as an ability to improve skin elasticity and density.
Sixty women were assigned a green tea beverage or a control beverage daily for twelve weeks. Before the treatment period and at six and twelve weeks, participants received a dose of irradiation to the skin from a solar simulator.
Ultraviolet – induced reddening of the skin was reduced by 16% after six weeks and 25% at 12 weeks compared to pretreatment responses among those who received green tea, indicating increased photoprotection. Skin Elasticity, density, hydration, blood flow, and oxygen saturation increased in those who received green tea, while roughness, volume, and scaling declined.
“These observed skin changes werr probably an outcome associated with long-term consumption of green tea polyphenols and not likely a transitory response,” the author.
Editor’s note: The authors remark that, “The mechanisms underlying photoprotective effects of flavonoids in human have not been elucidated; however, they are efficient antioxidants contributing to photoprotecton In plants.”
Apigenin May Help Protect Against Synthetic Hormone Replacement Risk:
A flavonoid found in celery, apples, and other plant foods could help decrease the likelihood of developing breast cancer experienced by women using progestins: synthetic hormones which have been associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Salman M. Hyder and colleagues describe their findings in an article published in Cancer Prevention Research. They evaluated the effect of apigenin in a rat model of progestin-accelerated mammary cancer in which tumors were induced by the carcinogen DMBA. Three weeks following injection with DMBA, rats received apigenin or a control substance daily for one week, followed by implantation with the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate or a placebo.
The researchers observed a delay in the development of tumors as well as a reduction in their incidence and multiplicity among animals that received apigenin compared with those that did not receive the compound. Dr. Hyder believes the finding could benefit women who currently use progestins in combination with estrogen as hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms.
Editor’s note: Dr. Hyder noted that, “It appears that keeping a minimal level of apigenin in the bloodstream is important to delay the onset of breast cancer that progresses in response to progestins such as MPA. It’s probably a good idea to eat a little parsley and some fruit every day to ensure the minimal amount. However, you can also find this compound in pill supplements in the health food section of many stores”, This study corroborates the carcinogenic effect of synthetic progestin drugs and provides further rationale to use natural progesterone instead.
English (United States) 
