Drinking 5 Cups of Coffee or Tea Daily Cuts Brain Tumor Risk

Concerned about your risk of developing a brain tumor? New research from the UK suggests your morning coffee or tea habit might offer more than just a wake-up boost—it could significantly reduce your chances of developing one of the most common types of brain cancer.

If you drink at least five cups of coffee or tea every day, your risk of developing glioma—a type of brain tumor that typically originates in the brain tissue—could be 40% lower than those who drink less, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

What the Study Found

Conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, the study analyzed data from over 300 men and women diagnosed with glioma. When comparing their caffeine habits with those of a healthy control group, researchers discovered a clear pattern: individuals who consumed five or more cups of coffee or tea daily had a 40% reduced likelihood of developing the tumor.

Why Caffeine Might Protect Against Glioma

While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, one prevailing theory is that caffeine may reduce blood flow to the brain. This decrease in circulation could limit the oxygen and nutrients available for potential tumor growth, effectively starving early-stage tumors. Notably, this protective effect appears to be stronger in men, though researchers haven’t pinpointed why. Importantly, decaffeinated versions of coffee or tea don’t offer the same benefit, indicating that caffeine itself is likely the key factor.

The Role of Daily Coffee and Tea Consumption

The threshold for risk reduction was five or more cups per day—whether coffee or tea, caffeinated. This level of consumption was consistently linked to the 40% lower glioma risk across the studied population. The type of drink didn’t alter the outcome as long as it delivered the necessary caffeine dose. Decaf coffee and tea, however, showed no protective effect, reinforcing the hypothesis that caffeine plays an active role in tumor prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of coffee or tea reduce brain tumor risk?

Drinking at least five cups of caffeinated coffee or tea per day is associated with a 40% lower risk of developing glioma, according to a UK study. Both beverages count toward the total as long as they contain caffeine.

Does decaf coffee or tea help prevent brain tumors?

No, decaffeinated coffee or tea does not reduce the risk of glioma. The study found that only caffeinated versions of these drinks show a protective effect, suggesting caffeine is the active component.

Is the reduced brain tumor risk the same for both men and women?

The protective effect is present in both genders, but it appears stronger in men. Researchers haven’t determined why men experience a greater benefit from high caffeine intake in relation to glioma risk.

What type of brain tumor did the study focus on?

The study focused on glioma, a type of brain tumor that usually starts in the brain’s glial tissue. It is one of the more common forms of primary brain cancer.

How does caffeine protect against glioma?

One theory is that caffeine may reduce blood flow to the brain, limiting the oxygen and nutrients tumors need to grow. This could hinder early tumor development, although the exact biological pathways remain under investigation.

Can I get the same benefit from other sources of caffeine?

The study specifically looked at caffeine from coffee or tea. It did not examine other caffeine sources like energy drinks or soda, so no conclusions can be drawn about those.

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