A hot drink that sounds utterly odd could be extremely good for your health. And it’s Christmas themed – so what better time to start drinking it?
The notion of eating pine needles might not immediately appeal to, well, anyone. However, specialists have highlighted that what is almost entirely seen simply as Christmas tree decor could in fact contain properties that combat cancer.
Pine needle tea, recognised for its potential health benefits, has been a staple historical and medicinal drink in nations such as China, Korea, and Japan. The needles from numerous pine species are surprisingly rich in vitamin C, essential for bone development.
Researchers have gone beyond just traditional uses, exploring how pine needles might impart health advantages through different forms of consumption. Notably, a 2006 study by scientists from Seoul National University identified a ‘pine needle ethanol extract’ as a promising suppressor of cancerous cell growth.
Their findings commended the extract’s significant ‘antioxidant’ effects, which serve to regulate the body’s ‘free radicals’, WebMD explains. An uncontrolled presence of these free radicals can lead to serious ailments including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
“Pine needles (Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zuccarini) have long been used as a traditional health-promoting medicinal food in Korea,” declared the researchers. “[Our] results demonstrate that pine needles exhibit strong antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells and also antitumor effects in vivo and point to their potential usefulness in cancer prevention,” reports Surrey Live.
A 2022 study spearheaded by the University in Poznan, Poland, suggested that European Christmas tree needles contain ‘high amounts of luteolin’ – a substance believed to combat cancer cells. Yet, it’s evident that more research is necessary to fully grasp its effects, as there have been limited studies on the subject.
“Few scientific studies have looked into the effects of pine needle tea on human participants,” say experts at WebMD. “Most research has focused on identifying the molecules in pine needles and evaluating their properties in test-tube and animal experiments.”
Pine needle tea is available for purchase from various retailers, including Amazon for £8.24 and the UK Loose Leaf Tea Company for £5.75 – or about 11p a drink.
While homemade pine needle tea is an option, one critical error must be avoided – ensuring the use of edible pine needles, since not all varieties are safe to ingest. WebMD recommends consulting with a healthcare provider before incorporating pine needle tea into your diet, especially if you have existing health conditions.