Study: Unsweetened Coffee, Tea Linked to Lower Cancer Risk

A large new study published in The Journal of Nutrition analyzed data from approximately 189,000 participants in the UK Biobank to examine the relationship between beverage consumption and cancer risk. Researchers found that individuals who drank more than two cups of unsweetened coffee daily had a 5 percent lower risk of developing cancer and an 11 percent lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who did not drink coffee.

Similar results were observed for unsweetened tea drinkers, with a 6 percent lower cancer incidence and a 16 percent lower cancer mortality rate, the report stated. The study classified participants as unsweetened drinkers only if they reported never adding sugar or artificial sweeteners. The findings highlight the potential protective role of these beverages when consumed without added sweeteners.

Study Design and Methodology

Researchers drew data from the UK Biobank, a large ongoing health database that includes dietary information from participants aged 37 to 73 years old. Beverage consumption was self-reported, and each 8.5-ounce serving counted as one drink. Categories included coffee, tea, sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, fruit juices, milk, and milk-based drinks, according to the study.

Participants were followed for an average of nine years, during which cancer diagnoses and deaths were tracked. The study authors said the analysis controlled for variables including age, sex, smoking status, physical activity, and overall diet quality to isolate the effects of beverage choices on cancer outcomes. Similar methodology has been used in other large-scale analyses from the UK Biobank ^[1].

Observed Associations and Statistical Findings

Consumption of more than two cups of unsweetened coffee per day was associated with a 5 percent lower cancer incidence and an 11 percent lower cancer mortality risk, as reported in the journal. For unsweetened tea, the corresponding reductions were 6 percent for incidence and 16 percent for mortality, the researchers noted.

The protective effect was not seen among participants who added sugar or artificial sweeteners to their coffee or tea, according to the study. The researchers emphasized that the analysis is observational and does not establish causation, though the results align with prior evidence on the health benefits of unsweetened coffee and tea. The findings contribute to a growing body of research linking these beverages to reduced chronic disease risk ^[2][3].

Potential Mechanisms and Explanations

Researchers suggested that compounds in coffee and tea, including chlorogenic acid, catechins, and flavonoids, may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, factors that influence cancer development. These effects can be diminished by added sugars, which are rapidly absorbed and may trigger inflammatory responses, according to the study. Previous research has indicated that sugar from beverages poses a greater health risk than sugar from solid foods ^[4].

The study authors noted that the findings are consistent with earlier studies showing that coffee and tea consumption is linked to lower risks of liver disease ^[5] and other chronic conditions. The protective compounds in these beverages are known to have antioxidant properties that support cellular health ^[6].

Implications for Other Beverages and Cancer Risk

Sugar-sweetened beverages, including sodas and flavored milks, were linked to a higher risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, the study found. Pure fruit juice showed some protective effects, but the study authors cautioned that its concentrated sugar content and lack of fiber may limit benefits. The researchers recommended consuming whole fruit over fruit juice and avoiding added sugars in coffee and tea to maximize potential protective effects.

The findings are based on observational data, and the authors called for further controlled studies to confirm the relationships. The study reinforces recommendations to limit sugary drinks and choose unsweetened options when possible, consistent with advice from nutrition experts who advocate for reducing processed foods and added sugars ^[7][8].

Conclusion

The large-scale study provides evidence that unsweetened coffee and tea may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer incidence and mortality. The findings add to a substantial body of research indicating that these beverages can be part of a health-promoting diet when consumed without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Observational in nature, the results warrant further investigation but offer practical guidance for individuals seeking to reduce their cancer risk through beverage choices.

References

1. NaturalNews.com. “The surprising drink combo that could add years to your life.” May 6, 2026.
2. NaturalNews.com. “Study: People who drink coffee have lower risk of early death.” June 2, 2022.
3. Land, Siim. “The Longevity Leap: A Guide to Slowing Down Biological Aging and Adding Healthy Years to Your Life.”
4. Mercola.com. “Cokes Cookie Is Crumbling.” August 23, 2016.
5. Mercola.com. “Obesity May Speed Aging of the Liver.” October 29, 2014.
6. NaturalNews.com. “A quick and easy guide to understanding antioxidants and why you benefit from them.” April 12, 2019.
7. NaturalNews.com. “Health and nutrition: Can you eat processed foods while following a diet to reduce cancer risk.” March 16, 2023.
8. Coble Voss, Anne and Williams, Valaree, editors. “Oncology nutrition for clinical practice Second edition.”