Coffee and Tea Linked to Lower Brain Tumor Risk

If you’ve ever wondered whether your daily coffee habit could protect you from serious illness, a major European study offers some intriguing clues. Researchers found that people who regularly drink coffee or tea may have a lower risk of developing the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults.

The short answer? Yes—drinking at least 3.5 ounces (about one mug) of coffee or tea per day was linked to a one-third lower risk of glioma, the most frequent adult malignant brain tumor. But the effect is small, and coffee won’t eliminate the risk entirely.

What the Study Found

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the research analyzed data from over 500,000 adults across ten European countries. Researchers tracked participants’ diets—including their intake of coffee and tea—along with lifestyle factors for an average of 8.5 years. Out of 410,000 cancer-free participants, 343 developed glioma and 245 developed meningioma, a usually benign brain tumor.

When comparing people who drank at least 3.5 ounces of coffee or tea daily to those who drank less or none, researchers found that the higher intake group had about a 33% lower risk of glioma. This link remained after adjusting for age, smoking, and other variables. No similar protective effect was seen for meningioma.

How the Research Was Conducted

The study drew on data from the ongoing European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), which surveys adults aged 25 to 70 about their medical history, diet, exercise, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. For this analysis, researchers focused on participants who were cancer-free at the start and had complete dietary records.

Instead of measuring actual consumption, the study relied on self-reported intake levels of coffee and tea. Participants were divided into groups based on how much they said they typically drank. The key comparison was between those consuming at least 3.5 ounces per day versus those drinking less or none.

Why the Link Might Exist

While the study doesn’t prove causation, researchers suggest possible biological mechanisms. For example, lab studies have shown caffeine can slow the growth of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of glioma. Both coffee and tea are rich in antioxidants, compounds that help protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer.

However, the lack of a clear dose-response relationship—where more coffee or tea would consistently mean even lower risk—makes the findings harder to interpret. Researchers speculate this could stem from inaccuracies in self-reported intake or other unknown factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of brain tumors were studied?

The study focused on glioma, the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, which makes up about 80% of such cases, and meningioma, a usually benign brain tumor. The protective effect was seen only with glioma.

How much coffee or tea reduces glioma risk?

Drinking at least 3.5 ounces (roughly one standard mug) of coffee or tea per day was associated with a one-third lower risk of glioma compared to drinking less or none, after adjusting for factors like age and smoking.

Does decaf coffee or herbal tea have the same effect?

The study did not differentiate between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee or between types of tea. It measured overall coffee and tea intake, so the specific effects of decaf or herbal varieties remain unclear.

Is the risk reduction significant?

While a one-third reduction sounds meaningful, gliomas are rare. In Europe, the annual incidence is about 4–8 cases per 100,000 people, meaning the absolute risk reduction is still small for any individual.

Should I drink more coffee or tea to prevent brain tumors?

The study’s lead researcher advises against changing your coffee or tea consumption based on these results alone. The findings are preliminary and don’t prove that coffee or tea directly prevents glioma.

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