Green tea does not diminish the risk of lung cancer

While tobacco remains the primary cause of lung cancer, other factors like diet, including tea consumption, have attracted attention. Green tea, rich in polyphenolic compounds like epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is believed to offer health benefits, including potential protection against cancer, though findings are inconsistent.

A recent study utilized Mendelian randomization, leveraging genetic variants to investigate the relationship between green tea intake and lung cancer risk. Analyzing data from the UK Biobank, researchers examined the association between small-cell and non-small cell lung cancer.

Contrary to previous observational studies, Mendelian randomization found no protective association between green tea consumption and lung cancer risk. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results, highlighting the method's ability to mitigate confounding factors.

While prior research suggested green tea's benefits, this study underscores the importance of rigorous methodologies like Mendelian randomization in clarifying causal relationships.