Drinking tea and coffee has long been associated with cozy mornings and late-night study sessions, but did you know these beverages might also help reduce the risk of certain cancers? A new study suggests that your daily brew could offer more than just a caffeine boost. It might lower the chances of developing head and neck cancers.
Scientists have discovered that drinking more than four cups of caffeinated coffee a day is linked to a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancers. Sure! The research doesn’t definitively prove that tea and coffee themselves are protective. But it opens a fascinating door to understanding how these drinks interact with our health.
What the Study Found About Coffee Drinkers?
If you are someone who can’t start their day without a steaming cup of coffee, here’s some good news: It might be doing more than waking you up. Researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 participants. This included nearly 10,000 individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancers.
However, what is even more intriguing is that decaffeinated coffee also showed benefits, although to a lesser extent. It was linked to a reduced risk of oral cavity cancer. Thus, this suggests other compounds in coffee, like antioxidants, might play a role.
However, moderation is key! And the findings don’t mean you should suddenly start chugging coffee by the gallon.
The Relationship Between Tea and Cancer Risk is Complicated
When it comes to tea, the picture is a bit more nuanced. Drinking a cup or less per day was associated with a 9% lower risk of head and neck cancers, particularly those in the lower throat.
Drinking more than one cup a day seemed to increase the risk of laryngeal cancer by 38%.
Why the discrepancy? Experts believe it could be linked to tea’s potential to cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that increases cancer risk in the larynx. The findings don’t mean you should ditch your tea habit. But they do suggest moderation and balance are essential.
Apart From Drinking Tea and Coffee, Lifestyle Factors Play Pivotal Role
It is not just about drinking tea and coffee itself. The study accounted for lifestyle factors like age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet. These elements can significantly influence cancer risk. For example, smokers and heavy drinkers are at a much higher risk of developing head and neck cancers, and their beverage choices might not offset that risk.
The antioxidants and bioactive compounds in these drinks might help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to cancer.
What Does This Mean for Your Daily Cup?
So, should you start guzzling coffee or tea to stave off cancer? Not so fast. While the findings are exciting, they come with limitations. The research relied on self-reported data, which is not always reliable. Plus, the type of tea or coffee was not specified.
This leaves questions about whether green tea, black tea, espresso, or filter coffee might have different effects.
Likewise, it is also worth noting that excessive consumption of anything – even something as comforting as coffee or tea – can have downsides. Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and even heart issues. Similarly, tea drinkers who overload on sugar or cream might negate any potential health benefits.