Despite offering several potential health benefits, including improved cognitive function, boosting energy levels, improving mood, and aiding in weight management – coffee often gets a bad press. Although drinking excessive amounts of coffee can lead to a variety of side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and an increased heart rate, it is far from the concern that a few caffeine shots can increase one’s cancer risk.
At least, Dr. Nichole Andrews, the oncology dietitian, says so.
What does the expert suggest?
An oncology dietitian, Nichole (known on TikTok as oncology.nutrition.rd), recently pointed out that beverage choices can significantly influence cancer risk, highlighting a common misconception regarding certain drinks, Express UK reported. Contrary to popular belief, Nichole emphasizes that coffee does not increase cancer risk. In her recent video, she reassures viewers that coffee can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, noting that while it’s wise to avoid high sugar and fat content, moderate coffee consumption is acceptable and may even offer health benefits.
Which drink can spike your cancer risk?
In contrast, Nichole draws attention to alcohol as a drink that has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, all types of alcohol can contribute to cancer risk. While not everyone who consumes alcohol will develop cancer, reducing alcohol intake can decrease this risk. The dangers associated with alcohol consumption extend beyond cancer; limiting alcohol can also help prevent accidents, high blood pressure, and liver disease.
Alcohol has been associated with seven different types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth, various throat cancers, and liver cancer. The NHS provides guidelines to help maintain good health regarding alcohol consumption. They advise that both men and women should limit their intake to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to distribute their alcohol consumption over three or more days and to incorporate drink-free days into their routine, with 14 units equating to approximately six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine.
Does alcohol increase your cancer risk?
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher their risk. As per studies, even moderate drinking has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. All types of alcohol, regardless of the specific drink, contribute to this increased risk.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Mechanism: Alcohol breaks down in the body, producing a substance called acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer.
Specific cancers:Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, breast, and stomach.
Dose-response: The more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk. Heavy drinking is associated with a greater risk of developing cancer than light to moderate drinking.
No safe level: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption that completely eliminates the risk of cancer.
Beyond cancer: Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk of other health problems like liver disease and accidents.
