Shocking Secret: These Two Popular Drinks Are “Foods” That Feed Cancer Cells

Many people often think that drinking water is a simple habit that shouldn’t be a concern. However, the reality is that not paying attention to how we drink water can negatively impact our health and even cause cancer.

Is it safe to boil water or leave it overnight?

The question of whether boiled or overnight water causes cancer has been thoroughly investigated by experts. After a series of experiments, they found that the nitrite content in water was still very low, only about 0.038 mg/l, even after the water had been boiled up to 20 times. This proves that nitrites are present in water from the very beginning and are not formed during the boiling process. Therefore, repeated boiling of water does not lead to the production of carcinogenic substances.

According to Associate Professor Fan Zhihong of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at China Agricultural University, nitrites—carcinogens—are only formed in the presence of nitrates. Most bottled or purified water we use daily does not contain nitrates, so leaving it overnight does not pose a cancer risk.

Two Types of Water That Actually “Feed” Cancer Cells

Contrary to popular belief, water repeatedly boiled or left overnight does not directly cause cancer. Instead, consider the following two types of water:
1. Water that is too hot

Water that is too hot (above 50–60°C) for an extended period can severely damage the lining of the esophagus. This constant stimulation can lead to hyperplasia of the lining of the esophagus, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer. To ensure safety, wait until the water temperature drops to approximately 18–30°C before drinking.

2. Unboiled tap water