Drinking 5 Cups of Coffee or Tea Daily May Lower Brain Tumor Risk

If you’ve ever wondered whether your daily coffee habit could actually protect you from cancer, a major UK study offers some compelling evidence—especially when it comes to brain tumors.

According to research from Imperial College London, drinking at least five cups of coffee or tea per day is linked to a 40% lower risk of developing glioma, a common type of brain tumor. That’s not just a vague health claim—it’s based on data from over 300 diagnosed patients compared with non-patients.

What the Study Found

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, the study focused specifically on glioma, a tumor that typically originates in the brain’s glial cells. Researchers analyzed the daily beverage habits of more than 300 men and women who had been diagnosed with this form of brain cancer. When comparing them with a control group who did not have glioma, a clear pattern emerged: those who consumed five or more cups of coffee or tea daily had a significantly reduced risk—40% lower—of developing the disease.

Why Caffeine Might Matter

The protective effect was notably stronger in men, though researchers haven’t yet determined why. One leading theory suggests that caffeine may reduce blood flow to the brain, limiting the oxygen and nutrients available for tumor growth. This mechanism would help explain why only caffeinated beverages showed the benefit—decaffeinated coffee and tea did not produce the same protective effect.

How Much Is Enough?

The threshold appears to be five cups per day. That’s not an unusually high amount for regular coffee or tea drinkers, especially in regions where multiple cups are part of the daily routine. Importantly, the type of drink—whether coffee or tea—didn’t change the outcome, as long as it was caffeinated and consumed at that minimum frequency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does decaf coffee or tea offer the same protection against brain tumors?

No. The study found that only caffeinated coffee and tea were associated with a reduced risk of glioma. Decaffeinated versions did not show the same protective effect, likely because the key factor—caffeine—is absent.

How many cups of coffee or tea per day were linked to lower glioma risk?

Drinking at least five cups of caffeinated coffee or tea daily was associated with a 40% lower risk of developing glioma, based on the study’s findings with over 300 brain tumor patients.

Was the reduced cancer risk stronger in men or women?

The protective effect of consuming five or more cups of coffee or tea daily was more pronounced in men, although the reason for this gender difference remains unclear.

What type of brain tumor did the study focus on?

The research specifically investigated glioma, a type of brain tumor that usually begins in the glial cells of the brain, making it one of the more common forms of primary brain cancer.

Does the type of caffeinated drink matter—coffee or tea?

No. The study found that as long as the beverage was caffeinated—whether coffee or tea—and consumed at least five times a day, the lowered glioma risk was similar across both types.

Why might caffeine reduce the risk of brain tumors?

One theory is that caffeine may decrease blood flow to the brain, thereby restricting the oxygen and nutrients that tumors need to grow. This could help prevent tumors from developing or expanding.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Lovers

For those enjoying multiple cups daily, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright citrus and floral notes, while Yirgacheffe delivers juicy berry and stone fruit layers—both ideal for frequent brewing. If you prefer a richer profile, their PWN Golden Mandheling provides heavy body with chocolate and spice. All three are expertly roasted for consistent flavor across multiple cups. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.