How Dr. William Li studies angiogenesis: Can matcha and green tea help “starve” cancer?

Angiogenesis —the process of creating new blood vessels— plays a key role in many diseases, including cancer. Dr. William Li is one of the most recognized researchers in this field and promotes the idea that certain foods can modulate angiogenesis to support health. In this article, we explain his most relevant findings, how they relate to the consumption of matcha and green tea, and what practical implications they have for your daily diet.

What is angiogenesis?

Angiogenesis is the biological process by which new blood vessels are formed from existing ones. Under normal conditions, the body carefully regulates this growth (for example during wound healing), but in diseases such as cancer, pathological angiogenesis is triggered, allowing the tumor to feed, grow, and metastasize.

Dr. William Li’s approach

Dr. William Li, founder of the Angiogenesis Foundation and author of Eat to Beat Disease, argues that certain foods act as natural regulators of angiogenesis. According to his studies, up to 50% of the foods tested show effects comparable to or even greater than drugs in experimental systems.

Among them, green tea and matcha stand out, rich in catechins such as EGCG, which can inhibit pro-angiogenic pathways like VEGF or MMP-9.

Matcha and green tea: anti-angiogenic benefits

  • Antioxidants and polyphenols: neutralize free radicals and inhibit pro-angiogenic signals.
  • Reduction of tumor signaling: inhibition of VEGF and bFGF in animal models.
  • Metabolic effect: help control weight, inflammation, and glucose levels.
  • Concentrated matcha: more polyphenols per cup since the whole leaf is consumed.
  • Synergistic effect: enhanced when combined with other anti-angiogenic foods like berries, turmeric, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, or citrus.

How to incorporate them

Include 1–3 cups of green tea or one teaspoon of matcha daily. Avoid water that is too hot (70–80 °C / 160–175 °F) to preserve polyphenols. Combine with berries, cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, or garlic. Remember: there is no miracle food, but rather a consistent anti-angiogenic dietary pattern.

Precautions

Green tea may cause insomnia in people sensitive to caffeine or digestive discomfort. Consult your doctor if you have chronic conditions, take anticoagulants, or other specific treatments.

Conclusion

Dr. William Li’s proposal invites us to see food as a weapon against biological processes that promote disease. Matcha and green tea can be strategic allies in a healthy diet, complementing habits like exercise and rest. Rather than relying on a “magic food,” it’s about building a nutritionally intelligent lifestyle.

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