Green tea has long been known for its cancer-preventing and cancer-fighting properties. But with more scientific research coming in every year, we're finding out that drinking green tea is a much more potent fighter in the war against cancer than previously thought.

There have been dozens of research studies that have linked drinking green tea regularly to both a preventative and fighting effect on cancer cells in the body. Scientists believe that it is the high number of the antioxidants epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), flavonoids and polyphenols that help to prevent the formation of cancer cells, kill existing cancer cells and stop the progression of cancer cells.

Breast cancer. Studies on animals suggest that the polyphenols in green tea slow the growth rate of breast cancer cells. In a study of 472 women with varying degrees of breast cancer, scientists found that those who drank the most amount of green tea had the least spread of cancer

Prostate cancer. Researchers in Southeast China found that the risk of prostate cancer declined with an increase in green tea consumption.

Lung cancer. The polyphenols in green tea have been found to slow the growth of human lung cancer cells in laboratory test tubes.

Colorectal cancer. Various studies have concluded that drinking 1.2-4.5 cups of tea per day results in a significantly reduced risk of both colon and rectal cancers - in some studies the risk was dropped by 60%.

Ovarian cancer. Studies have found that 1) there is a distinct correlation between an increase of tea consumption and a decrease in the risk of ovarian cancer, 2) women who drank at least one cup of green tea per day lived longer with existing ovarian cancer.

Skin cancer. Studies have found that EGCG and polyphenols in green tea have certain anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that may help to prevent the formation and growth of skin tumors.

Stomach cancer. Controlled laboratory studies using test tubes found that the polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of stomach cancer cells.

Bladder cancer. One study found that women who consumed green tea had a lower risk of developing bladder cancer. Another study revealed that bladder cancer patients (particularly male) who drank green tea had a substantially better five-year survival rate than those who did not drink green tea.

Esophageal cancer. In animal testing, studies have found that green tea polyphenols slowed the growth rate of esophageal cancer cells.

Pancreatic cancer. Researchers have found that a direct link exists between drinking green tea and a lowered risk of pancreatic cancer. For women, those who drank the most green tea were 50% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Men who drank the most green tea were 37% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

As studies continue be conducted with findings pointing towards a positive link between drinking green tea and a reduced risk of cancer, there seems to be no doubt among researchers that green tea is the most healthy drink on Earth.