Cancer prevention starts with smart lifestyle choices, and diet plays a key role in reducing risk. Cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and more. Some common risk factors include smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and exposure to harmful substances. Today, it’s one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
While certain foods—such as leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables—are known for their cancer-fighting properties, some common drinks can also offer protective benefits. Believe it or not, simple beverages like water, tea, and coffee contain compounds that support cellular health, combat inflammation, and help the body detoxify.
We checked in with Dr. Bo Cicak, a wellness professional, educator, speaker, and MD at Neurogan, to learn about how these three common drinks can help keep your body in top shape and reduce cancer risk. Read on for all his insights!
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1. Water
Staying well-hydrated aids in kidney and liver function, which helps flush out harmful substances that could otherwise accumulate and potentially contribute to cancer risk.
Cicak says, "This important compound of H2O offers completely natural detoxification and purifying powers. It is also integral in cell growth, regeneration, and sustainment." He further notes, "The human body is already 60% water, so a daily refilling of our in-body supply is necessary to keep our systems disease-free and at top efficiency."
2. Coffee
Now before you go order yourself a latte, the coffee that’s being discussed here is the one that’s ideally without excessive sugar or cream. Studies suggest that the antioxidants in coffee can help protect cells from damage that might lead to cancer. Plain coffee has been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, likely due to protective compounds that contribute to cellular health.
Cicak elaborates on this and adds, "Other than a morning jolt, coffee is also full of cell-protecting and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Different cancers reportedly affected by coffee consumption include liver, skin, bowel, and oral cancers."
3. Tea
Green tea has been praised as a healthy beverage for decades now. It turns out that it may also support cancer prevention due to its rich concentration of antioxidants called catechins and polyphenols, specifically EGCG in green tea. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and may lead to cancer over time. What’s even better is that tea is an anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting beverage that could slow the growth of abnormal cells.
"Tea is full of antioxidants, and not all flavors are created equally. Green and black tea are known to contain the most antioxidant power (green contains larger amounts at almost 440 mg of antioxidants). These healthy substances keep cells alive and damage-free, as well as promote healthier biological systems," Cicak says.
The bottom line
According to Cicak, water is the “most beneficial” cancer-fighting drink on the list. “It serves as nature's best filtering option (no matter a person's age). Dehydration has been linked to insomnia, poor blood pressure, lethargy, and organ death. Just do yourself a hydrated favor and proactively cover all health bases with 64 ounces of water daily,” he reveals.
Incorporating these beverages into your daily routine is an easy, proactive way to support your health and reduce cancer risk. Remember to keep these drinks plain to maximize their benefits.
However, these beverages alone won't protect you from cancer, which is why it’s always important to keep in mind early detection and proactive preventative lifestyle choices such as a healthy, clean diet and regular screenings.
