Daily Consumption of These Two Beverages Might Really Lower Cancer Risk: Research Data Reveals the Answer

 In the hustle and bustle of daily life, a cup of tea or coffee has become an indispensable ritual for many. Some drink tea for its refreshing qualities, while others rely on coffee for a mental boost. But have you ever considered that these seemingly ordinary beverages might also have a connection to “cancer prevention”?

The latest research presents a surprising finding: consistently drinking a moderate amount of sugar-free tea or coffee daily might not only boost your health but also reduce the risk of cancer.

New Research Unveils: 2 Cups of Sugar-Free Tea or Coffee Significantly Reduce Risks

In March 2024, a large epidemiological study by Harbin Medical University was published in “The Journal of Nutrition,” involving over 180,000 participants and spanning 8.8 years. The study focused on the relationship between daily beverage choices and cancer incidence and mortality rates.

The results were clear:

Drinking 2 cups of sugar-free coffee daily reduced overall cancer incidence by 5% and mortality by 11%.

Drinking 2 cups of sugar-free tea daily led to a 6% decrease in overall cancer incidence and a 16% drop in mortality.

Even replacing one sugary drink with one cup of sugar-free tea or coffee could lower cancer risk and mortality by 1% to 5%.

However, it’s important to note that these benefits apply only to the “sugar-free” versions. The study also found that drinking 2 cups of sugary coffee or tea daily could increase cancer incidence by 6% and raise mortality by up to 25%!

Why Do These Beverages Help Lower Cancer Risk?

Scientists propose three possible mechanisms in the study:

1、Rich in Antioxidant Polyphenols: Both tea and coffee contain a high amount of polyphenolic compounds, which are natural antioxidants that can reduce free radical damage to cells, inhibit chronic inflammation, and lower the risk of cancerous mutations.

2、Regulation of Gut Microbiota: Polyphenols also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, improving the gut microbiome and enhancing the immune system’s defensive capabilities.

3、Stabilization of Blood Sugar and Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Sugar-free tea and coffee help regulate blood sugar levels, indirectly reducing inflammation caused by high blood sugar and thereby lowering the risk of cancer.

Which Cancers See the Most Significant Risk Reduction? The Study Provides Specific Answers

Not only does the “total cancer risk” decrease, but these beverages also have significant preventive effects on specific cancers:

1、Respiratory Cancers

Studies have shown that these cancers (such as lung cancer) benefit the most. Daily consumption of sugar-free tea or coffee is associated with a 22% to 41% reduction in incidence.

2、Head and Neck Cancers

A 2024 study published in the “Cancer” journal revealed:

Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee daily can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer, oral cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer by 17%, 30%, and 22%, respectively.

Drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer by 41%.

Even decaffeinated coffee can reduce the risk of oral cancer by 25%.

Those who drink 0 to 1 cup of tea daily also see a 9% and 27% reduction in the risk of head and neck cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer, respectively.

3、Breast Cancer

A 2021 study published in the “British Journal of Cancer” indicated that drinking more than 3 cups of coffee daily after a breast cancer diagnosis can reduce the risk of death by 25%.

Furthermore, a 2019 study in “Cancer Research and Treatment” found that breast cancer patients who regularly drank tea had a 36% lower recurrence rate, with those drinking green tea experiencing a more significant drop of 67%.

4、Colorectal Cancer

A 2024 study in the “International Journal of Cancer” pointed out that coffee consumption can help lower the recurrence rate of colorectal cancer and the risk of all-cause mortality.

Additionally, a 2020 study published in “Advances in Nutrition” also demonstrated that tea consumption has a preventive effect on various cancers, particularly notable in oral cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and biliary tract cancer.

Want to Use Tea and Coffee for Health? Don’t Overlook These 3 Details

While tea and coffee offer many benefits, improper consumption can have adverse effects. Here are three points to remember before you drink:

1、Control Your Intake

Coffee: 1 to 3 cups per day is recommended, with a caffeine intake not exceeding 400 mg.

Tea: 3 to 4 cups per day is considered a safe range to avoid excessive consumption.

2、Avoid Adding Extra Sugar

Sugar-free is key! Adding sugar or using beverages with artificial sweeteners can increase health risks. If you need to flavor your drink, opt for natural plant-based milk or a small amount of soy milk as alternatives.

3、Avoid Drinking Too Hot

The World Health Organization notes that beverages above 65°C may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. No matter how tempting, don’t drink it “hot”; let it cool down a bit for safer consumption.

Conclusion

Drinking tea and coffee is not just a simple pleasure for mental alertness; it might also be a “healthy investment” in reducing cancer risk. But the premise is — drink in moderation daily, choose sugar-free, and don’t drink it too hot.

Science has provided us with strong evidence. The choice is now yours: will it be tea or coffee for your morning cup tomorrow?