You may have heard that green tea is a fantastic addition to your diet, especially for its anticancer effects. But, there is a little-known trick that research shows can multiply the beverage’s cancer-fighting ability by 100 TIMES. That’s 10,000 percent.
Green tea is well-known for its anti-cancer compounds like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) but according to research in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, you can boost its cancer-fighting ability by 100 times with the addition of just one other ingredient.*
The scientists discovered that a compound found in chili peppers or dried chilies had a potent synergistic effect when combined with EGCG. Chilies contain little-known compounds known as vanilloids. They are similar to the better-known compounds in chilies known as capsaicin yet most people have never heard of them. When vanilloids from chilies combine with green tea’s EGCG, the scientists found that it significantly magnifies the beverage’s anticancer activity.
The researchers used a 25:1 ratio of green tea concentrate to vanilloids. In the laboratory, they found this blend “exhibited efficacy in the killing of cancer cells in culture 100-times that of green tea on a weight basis.”
Obviously, more research is needed, particularly human trials using this blend. But, while you wait for further research, you might want to try adding some freshly-minced chili pepper or crushed dried chili to your green tea to boost the beverage’s anticancer properties. Obviously, this drink is not for the faint of heart or those who struggle with spicy food. Your tea will definitely have some kick. The combination makes an excellent beverage hot (temperature, that is, because we already know it’s going to be spicy when served heated or cooled) or iced. I add a bit of fresh lemon juice and the naturally-sweet herb stevia for a delicious iced tea with a kick.
Excerpted from The Cancer Files. For informational purposes only. The information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. ©Copyright 2026 Michelle Schoffro Cook. All rights reserved.
Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD is an award-winning, best-selling, and 25-time published author, whose books include: The Cancer Files, 60 Seconds to Slim, Pain Erasers, and The Ultimate pH Solution. She is the recipient of a Gold Foreword Indies and a Silver Nautilus award. Her work has been featured in Woman’s World, WebMD, Reviews.com, Yahoo!, Yoga Magazine, and Mother Earth News. Her book, Pain Erasers, was selected by Woman’s World as the “Best New Book.” She is the publisher of the popular free newsletter at DrMichelleCook.com.
*Morre DJ, Morre DM. "Synergistic Capsicum-tea mixtures with anticancer activity" Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2003;55(7):987-994. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12906756/.
Available in
eBook/Digital Download $16.95 USD (for immediate download in pdf format--you'll receive a link to download after payment.)
Paperback Amazon $19.99 USD (you'll be redirected to Amazon to complete your paperback purchase)
