IANS: Thiruvananthapuram: Drink green tea to
get over the nicotine urge, say Chinese researchers -- and this is a finding
that medical professionals in Kerala have reacted positively to.
A recent study titled `A Revolutionary Approach for the Cessation of
Smoking`, published in Science China Life Sciences, a peer-reviewed
open-access journal, cites how researchers used custom-developed cigarettes
with components of green tea as filters in a bid to treat addiction to
smoking.
Phinse Philip, a lecturer in the Community Oncology Division of the Malabar
Cancer Centre, said pharmacotherapy such as nicotine replacement therapy had
generally been found effective in getting smokers to give up the habit.
"A majority of users smoke as it purportedly gives them some form of
relaxation. The oral intake of the amino acid L-Theanine, uniquely found in
green tea, is known to have anti-stress effects and acts as a relaxing
agent. The study conducted in China shows that green tea may be an
alternative to quit this addictive habit," Phillip said.
Even though there has been a nationwide ban on smoking in public since 2008,
it continues to be rampant in public places in Kerala, including bus stops
and cinema halls.
Around 21.9 per cent of Kerala`s population is addicted to smoking and in
the process, makes itself vulnerable to a wide variety of diseases such as
cancer, heart ailments and osteoporosis.
Thomas Varughese, head of surgical oncology and
reconstructive surgery at Kochi`s Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre,
said drinking green tea after quitting smoking completely could contribute
to reversing the possibility of lung cancer.
"Green tea, which is rich in antioxidants, can help in restoring the
oxidant/antioxidant imbalance among those who have quit tobacco-use
completely, both smoking and smokeless, provided they have used it long
enough to cover the impact of the period of use," said Varughese.
He also pointed out that smokers typically have low levels of vital
nutrients like Vitamins C and E, zinc, calcium, folate and the Omega-3
essential fatty acid which are vital for the human body`s immune system and
proper metabolic activity.
"Consumption of green tea can boost the body`s immune system by fighting
free radicals and can reduce the risk from damage caused by toxins in
cigarette smoke," Varughese added.
Courtesy: http://zeenews.india.com/
