Driving into Taiwan's capital of Taipei, one would think that green space is non-existent among the vast city sprawl and car exhaust. With horns honking and a skyline marked by decaying and modern buildings poking up everywhere, the chances of finding pure organic teas looks grim. Nonetheless, finding such rare teas was our reason for going to Taiwan.

Digging into my pocket, I pull out a small crumpled piece of paper. Scribbled on it is a barely legible name, Mr. Lee, and a long phone number with many dashes and zeros. I cling to it with my life, as this person cultivates prized organic tea.

The Guide

The next day my husband and I wake up and meet our interpreter, a stout lady with a very determined demeanor. She can take us to a place where the best Oolongs and green teas are raised�she's sure of this and I, in turn, now have faith.

Enzyme from tea could build cancer buffer

Results of an early phase clinical study released in August by the Arizona Cancer Center indicate that green tea may help prevent cancer in humans.

The research shows that in some people, high doses of the green tea component epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) increase the activity of a detoxification enzyme called glutathione S-transferase.

"This particular detoxification enzyme is responsible for getting rid of toxic chemicals - carcinogens," said Dr. Sherry Chow, research associate professor at the Cancer Center and principal investigator for the study.

Prior studies on animals have demonstrated green tea's detoxification properties, Chow said.

In the new study, 42 people were recruited and asked to refrain from consuming tea, she said.