Mug-nificant news!
Most Americans drink coffee or tea – both can help with mood, concentration, metabolism, weight maintenance and… high blood sugar.
A new scientific review finds that grabbing a cup of either brew can also reduce the risk of head and neck cancer – in some cases significantly.
Head and neck cancer – which also includes mouth and throat cancer – is the seventh most common form of cancer worldwide. Nata Bene – stock.adobe.com
“Although previous research has been done on the consumption of coffee and tea reduced risk of cancer,” said senior study author Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, “this study highlighted its differential effects on different sub-locations of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had a positive impact.”
Head and neck cancer – which also includes mouth and throat cancer – is the seventh most common form of cancer worldwide.
Lee’s team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute reviewed 14 studies, involving a total of 9,500 patients with head and neck cancer and nearly 15,800 people without cancer, comparing their consumption of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea.
Here’s a look at the findings published Monday Cancera peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.
Caffeinated coffee
Authors of a new study linked three or four cups of caffeinated coffee per day to a 41% lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer, which occurs when malignant cells form in the lower part of the throat. volff – stock.adobe.com
The US Food and Drug Administration recommends this limiting daily caffeine intake to 400 milligrams, which is about four or five 8-ounce cups of coffee.
The cancer researchers linked three or four cups of caffeinated coffee per day to a 41% lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer, which occurs when malignant cells form in the lower part of the throat.
Overall, those who drank more than four cups had a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancer, a 30% lower risk of oral cavity cancer and a 22% lower risk of developing throat cancer.
Coffee contains antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The drink also contains compounds, such as cafestol and kahweol, that protect against DNA damage.
One analysis speculated that these substances could detoxify the mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat.
Caffeine-free
Decaf may not be as beneficial as regular coffee when it comes to lowering the risk of certain head and neck cancers, but it’s unclear why. Jacob Lund – stock.adobe.com
Decaf has been linked to a 25% lower risk of developing oral cavity cancer, so it may not be as beneficial as caffeinated coffee.
One study which examined the cancer-fighting benefits of decaffeinated versus caffeinated coffee, reported that decaffeinated drinkers tend to exercise less and smoke more than regular coffee lovers, suggesting there may be other lifestyle choices that influence cancer risk.
Tea
Researchers discovered some benefits and some harms of tea consumption and called for more research. New Africa – stock.adobe.com
Tea contains flavonoidsnatural substances known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Tea has long been praised for its ability to lower cholesterol, strengthen bones and promote heart health, but tea was a mixed bag in this new study.
Drinking one cup or less per day was associated with a 9% lower risk of head and neck cancer overall and a 27% lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer.
But drinking more than one cup was linked to a 38% higher risk of laryngeal cancer, a form of cancer that affects the vocal cords.
“Coffee and tea habits are quite complex,” Lee said, “and these findings support the need for more data and further research into the impact coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk.”
Dr. Michael Blascodirector of head and neck oncology and reconstruction at Staten Island University Hospital, told The Post that the answer could lie in “whether heavy coffee and tea drinkers smoke, or whether coffee and tea users have some genetic affinity for those drinks that have certain genetic characteristics have in common”. protection against head and neck cancer.”
How to choose the best drink
Stephanie Schiffa registered dietitian nutritionist Northwell Huntington Hospitalshared with The Post some tips for selecting affordable coffees and teas.
- Choose organic coffee to help reduce exposure to pesticides. If you buy tea in bags, look for an organic label.
- Please note caffeine content — reduce your consumption if you suffer from jitters, higher than normal blood pressure or sleep disorders.
- The closer to black, the healthier the coffee. Adding sugar, flavors, artificial sweeteners and/or cream reduces the health benefits.