Tea Consumption Causes Epigenetic Changes In Women

Environmental and lifestyle factors such as exposure to chemicals and food choices can lead to changes in gene activity. Epigenetic changes are modifications that turn genes on or off without changing the genetic code. Diet can play a significant role in epigenetically influencing our health. Drinking tea and coffee have been previously linked to altering gene activity. A new study suggests that tea consumption can lead to epigenetic changes in women.

A genome-wide DNA methylation study was performed to investigate if DNA methylation in whole blood is associated with tea and coffee consumption. Interestingly, the data suggests that tea consumption in women, not men, leads to epigenetic changes in genes that are associated with cancer and estrogen metabolism. Twenty-eight regions were methylated differently in female tea drinkers compared to those who did not. However, there were no epigenetic effects detected from coffee consumption. This highlights an interesting role for the ingredients found in tea that could potentially lead to drug development. This being said, the study does not ascertain that drinking tea is healthy and protects from cancer development. Further research is needed to understand how epigenetic changes from drinking tea can alter health.

For more information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28535255

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