Brain cancer is a disease that affects thousands of individuals every year. While traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used to treat brain cancer, these options often come with negative side effects.

Fortunately, research shows that consuming certain beverages can help you reduce your risk of developing brain cancer, and in some cases, may even help in treating it. This article will explore the top beverages that have been linked to a lower risk of brain cancer.

Green Tea

Green tea has been touted for its numerous health benefits over the years. It contains antioxidants like EGCG that have been shown to improve brain function and reduce the risk of brain cancer.

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer showed that green tea extract decreased the growth of brain tumors in rats. Another study published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology found that green tea reduced the aggressiveness of brain tumors in patients and improved survival rates.

Coffee

Studies show that coffee can protect against brain cancer. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that caffeine consumption was associated with a reduced risk of glioma, a type of brain cancer.

Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that drinking three to five cups of coffee a day was linked to a 22% decrease in the risk of glioma. However, it’s important to note that excessive coffee consumption can have negative effects on sleep patterns, which can indirectly affect brain function.

Red Wine

Red wine is high in antioxidants like resveratrol, which has been shown to have protective effects against cancer. A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that moderate red wine consumption was associated with a lower risk of glioma.

Another study published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology found that resveratrol inhibited the growth of brain tumors. However, it’s important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on overall health.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is high in antioxidants and has been shown to activate a specific gene associated with tumor suppression. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that pomegranate juice inhibited the growth of brain tumors in rats.

Another study published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology found that pomegranate extract induced apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in brain tumor cells. However, it’s important to note that many commercial pomegranate juices contain added sugars, which can have negative effects on overall health.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants like flavanols and has been shown to have protective effects against cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry found that dark chocolate decreased tumor cell viability and increased apoptosis in brain cancer cells. Another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that consuming dark chocolate was associated with a lower risk of glioma.

However, it’s important to note that chocolate is often high in sugar and fat, which can have negative effects on overall health.

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is high in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to have protective effects against cancer. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that lycopene consumption was associated with a lower risk of glioma.

Another study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that high lycopene intake was associated with a lower risk of brain tumors. However, it’s important to note that many commercial tomato juices contain added sugars and sodium, which can have negative effects on overall health.

Black Tea

Black tea is high in antioxidants and has been shown to have protective effects against cancer. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that black tea consumption was associated with a 34% decrease in the risk of glioma.

Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that black tea consumption was linked to a lower risk of brain tumors. However, it’s important to note that excessive black tea consumption can have negative effects on sleep patterns, which can indirectly affect brain function.

Ginger Tea

Ginger contains a compound called 6-shogaol, which has been shown to have anti-cancer effects. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that ginger extract decreased the growth of brain tumors in mice.

Another study published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology found that ginger extract induced apoptosis in brain tumor cells. Ginger tea is a great way to incorporate ginger into your diet and reap its numerous health benefits.

Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is high in caffeine and antioxidants like EGCG. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that matcha tea decreased the growth of brain tumors in rats.

Another study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that matcha tea reduced the risk of oxidative stress-induced brain damage. However, it’s important to note that excessive caffeine consumption can have negative effects on sleep patterns, which can indirectly affect brain function.

Lemon Water

Lemon water is a refreshing beverage that provides numerous health benefits. Lemons contain antioxidants and have been shown to have protective effects against cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that lemon extract decreased the growth of brain tumors in mice. Another study published in Scientific Reports found that lemon extract had cytotoxic effects against brain tumor cells. Lemon water is a great way to stay hydrated and imbibe the numerous health benefits of lemons.