Three “Healthy” Drinks That Could Raise Your Cancer Risk, Oncologist Warns

By Olivia Martinez, Health Editor | April 28, 2026

For years, she followed a strict wellness routine: no smoking, no alcohol, and a diet rich in whole foods. Yet at 40, a woman was diagnosed with cancer—leaving her and her oncologist searching for answers. The likely trigger, according to the physician treating her, wasn’t what she ate, but what she drank.

Dr. Ji-Ting Liao, a leading oncologist in Taiwan, recently highlighted a troubling trend among his patients: seemingly healthy beverage choices that may, over time, create an environment where cancer thrives. In a widely shared video, he identified three common drinks that many consider harmless—or even beneficial—but could pose serious long-term risks.

The Hidden Dangers in “Healthy” Drinks

Cancer doesn’t always stem from obvious vices like smoking or heavy drinking. Often, it’s the small, daily habits—ones we assume are safe—that quietly set the stage for disease. Dr. Liao’s warning focuses on three beverages that, while not inherently toxic, may contribute to cancer development when consumed regularly over years.

1. Fresh-Squeezed Juice: A Sugar Bomb in Disguise

Many people turn to fresh juice as a quick way to boost their vitamin intake, but Dr. Liao cautions that the process of juicing strips away a critical component: fiber. Without it, the natural sugars in fruit are absorbed rapidly, causing blood sugar spikes that the body wasn’t designed to handle.

“Eat the whole fruit—don’t drink it,” he advises. “Three apples might fill you up, but three apples’ worth of juice can be downed in seconds, flooding your system with liquid calories.” Over time, this can lead to fatty liver disease and chronic inflammation—conditions that create an ideal environment for cancer cells to grow.

The case of the 40-year-old woman who drank juice daily underscores the risk. Despite her otherwise healthy lifestyle, her habit may have silently fueled the disease.

2. Scalding Hot Drinks: A Slow Burn for Your Esophagus

Whether it’s coffee, tea, or soup, the temperature of your drink matters more than you might think. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified beverages hotter than 65°C (149°F) as a potential cause of esophageal cancer. The reason? Repeated thermal injury.

“High temperatures act like sandpaper on your esophagus,” Dr. Liao explains. “Your body repairs the damage, but constant irritation increases the chance of cellular errors—errors that can lead to cancer.” His advice is simple: let your drink cool for a couple of minutes before sipping.

3. Alcohol—Even Red Wine: A Known Carcinogen

Despite persistent myths about red wine’s heart benefits, Dr. Liao is unequivocal: “Alcohol is not a wellness product. It’s a risk.” The IARC classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there’s sufficient evidence linking it to cancer in humans.

Research shows alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of mouth, liver, and breast cancers—and there’s no safe threshold. Even small amounts may elevate risk over time. “If you’re drinking for health, stop,” Dr. Liao says. “There are better ways to protect your heart.”

Why Small Choices Matter

Cancer often develops over decades, shaped by habits we don’t even question. The drinks Dr. Liao highlights aren’t inherently toxic in moderation, but their cumulative effects can be profound. A daily juice, a perpetually hot cup of tea, or a nightly glass of wine might seem harmless—until they’re not.

Public health experts emphasize that awareness is the first step toward prevention. “Many people focus on avoiding processed foods or sugary sodas, but overlook these ‘healthy’ alternatives that can be just as damaging,” says a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. “Understanding the risks—even in seemingly benign habits—can aid people make more informed choices.”

What You Can Do

Dr. Liao’s recommendations are straightforward:

• Choose whole fruits over juice. The fiber in fruit slows sugar absorption and promotes satiety.
• Let hot drinks cool. Waiting just two minutes can reduce thermal damage to your esophagus.
• Rethink alcohol. If you drink, do so mindfully—and consider non-alcoholic alternatives for daily consumption.

The woman in Dr. Liao’s case didn’t smoke, didn’t drink excessively, and ate well. Yet her cancer diagnosis serves as a reminder: health isn’t just about what you avoid—it’s similarly about what you unknowingly invite in.