Alcohol, hot drinks, and sweeteners linked to cancer risk, WHO warns
2:04 PM EDT, August 12, 2024
When we think about drinks that increase cancer risk, alcohol most often comes to mind. Meanwhile, more and more research indicates that other beverages can also contribute to the development of life-threatening conditions. Interestingly, their temperature is also significant. Analysis by WHO and IARC leaves no doubt in this regard.
The most carcinogenic drink is alcohol. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is enough evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans. Research indicates a strong link between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cancers such as:
- oral cancer,
- throat cancer,
- esophageal cancer,
- laryngeal cancer,
- liver cancer,
- breast cancer,
- colon and rectal cancer.
these drinks promote cancer
Many of us are aware of the negative impact of excessive alcohol consumption, but few people know that other popular drinks can also be harmful to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that one of the most carcinogenic drinks is a sugary drink rich in aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
Studies published in the "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health" found that some sweeteners can be genotoxic, meaning they can damage DNA and lead to cancers.
Aspartame, a popular sweetener, is widely used in soft drinks. Dr. Bartosz Fiałek, a rheumatologist and medical knowledge promoter, notes research showing that consuming aspartame can lead to the production of genotoxic substances in the body. Dr. Hanna Stolińska, a clinical dietitian, emphasizes that aspartame can have excitotoxic effects, meaning that excessive consumption can damage the central nervous system.
Impact of drink temperature on carcinogenicity
The temperature of a drink can also affect its carcinogenicity.
In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of WHO, published a report highlighting the potential risks of drinking very hot beverages. According to their assessment, regular consumption of drinks with a temperature exceeding 149 degrees Fahrenheit can be carcinogenic to humans (category 2A). Such habits can damage the mucous membrane of the esophagus, which in turn increases the risk of cancer in that area.
In countries where drinking very hot tea or coffee is popular, such as Iran and China, higher rates of esophageal cancer are recorded.
WHO does not classify specific non-alcoholic beverages as carcinogenic, but it recommends avoiding excessive consumption of drinks high in sugar, artificial additives, and those served at very high temperatures to reduce cancer risk.
