A recent research by a group of researchers in China has revealed that drinking green tea could reduce the urge of nicotine in a person. The medical professionals in Kerala have supported the findings also.
The study titled 'A Revolutionary Approach for the Cessation of Smoking', shown how researchers used custom-developed cigarettes with components of green tea as filters in a bid to treat addiction to smoking. The findings were published in a journal named Science China Life Sciences.
Pharmacotherapy like nicotine replacement therapy has been found quite effective for the smokes to leave the habit, said Phinse Philip, a lecturer in the Community Oncology Division of the Malabar Cancer Centre.
"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.
Though, the government has imposed a nationwide ban on smoking at public places since 2008, but it's still quite often in many public places in Kerala, which also includes bus stops and cinema halls.
Approximately 21.9 per cent of total population in Kerala are indulged in
smoking making themselves vulnerable to number of diseases including cancer,
heart ailments and osteoporosis.
Regular habit of drinking green tea after quitting smoking could reverse the
possibility of lung cancer among the smokers, said Thomas Varughese, head of
surgical oncology and reconstructive surgery at Kochi's Lakeshore Hospital and
Research Centre.
"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 said the smokers lack in vital nutrients like Vitamins C and E, zinc, calcium, folate and the Omega-3 essential fatty acid to a great extent that are essential for proper growth and functioning of human body's immune system and 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.
-With inputs from IANS
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