Drinking Tea and Coffee Can Reduce Cancer Risk, New US Study Finds

Islamabad:If you’re looking for ways to protect yourself from deadly diseases like cancer, incorporating beverages like coffee and tea into your daily routine may be a simple but effective habit to adopt, according to a new study conducted in the United States.

Researchers at the University of Utah have found that regularly drinking tea or coffee may lower the risk of developing specific types of cancer. The study analyzed data from 14 research reports involving 9,500 cancer patients, shedding light on the potential cancer-preventive benefits of these popular hot beverages.

**Reduced Risk of Head and Neck Cancers**

The study found compelling evidence that drinking coffee could significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers. Specifically, it was revealed that drinking four or more cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of head and neck cancers by as much as 17%. The research also showed that regular coffee consumption lowers the likelihood of throat cancer by 22% and mouth cancer by 30%.

**Tea Also Offers Cancer Protection**

In addition to coffee, the study found that drinking as little as one cup of tea per day could reduce the risk of these types of cancer by 9%. This suggests that both beverages may have protective effects against cancer, although the research highlights the need for further studies to fully understand the mechanisms behind these benefits.

**The Role of Biological Compounds in Tea and Coffee**

While the exact reasons for the protective effects of tea and coffee against cancer are not yet fully understood, researchers suggest that the biological compounds found in these beverages, such as antioxidants and polyphenols, may help slow down the spread of cancer cells. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to the development of cancer.

**The Need for Further Research**

Although the findings are promising, the researchers stress that more research is needed to confirm the connection between hot beverage consumption and cancer prevention. They noted that the study had some limitations, as the data was based on self-reported information from the participants about their drinking habits, which could introduce biases.

Despite these limitations, the study’s results suggest that drinking tea and coffee regularly could be a simple lifestyle change with significant health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of certain cancers.

The study’s findings were published in the *Journal of Cancer Research* and have sparked interest in the potential health benefits of these widely consumed beverages.

**Conclusion**

While the research highlights the potential cancer-fighting properties of tea and coffee, experts advise that drinking these beverages should not be seen as a cure-all for cancer prevention. However, incorporating them into a balanced, healthy diet could contribute to overall health and well-being, with possible long-term benefits for reducing cancer risk. Further studies will continue to explore the extent of these protective effects and their role in cancer prevention.