A new study published in the European Journal of Public Health has found that regular consumption of some herbal teas may prevent thyroid problems, including thyroid cancer.
In particular, the study found that consuming chamomile tea regularly, and for a longer duration, reduced the risk of thyroid cancer and benign thyroid disease, as compared to those who do not drink the chamomile tea. Specifically, those who drank chamomile tea two to six times a week over 30 years reduced the risk of thyroid cancer and other thyroid problems by as much as 80 percent. There was a protective effect, though weaker, for sage and mountain tea.
The researchers concluded that "drinking herbal teas, especially chamomile, protects from thyroid cancer as well as other benign thyroid diseases."
Bottom Line?
Researchers have not identified which components of chamomile tea may be thyroid-protective, and more studies will likely explore the hows and whys of chamomile tea's qualities. But in the meantime, why not include a cup of chamomile tea in your daily routine?
Source: Riza E, et. al. "The effect of Greek herbal tea consumption on thyroid cancer: a case-control study." European Journal of Public Health, 2015 Apr 4. Abstract
