What you may have heard
Over a decade ago, a claim circulated on social media that drinking cold water after a meal causes cancer. The basis of the claim is that cold water supposedly solidifies fats in the stomach, creating a “sludge” that lines the intestines, eventually turning into fat deposits and causing cancer.
What the science tells us
There is no scientific evidence behind this claim. Drinking cold water does not harm digestion or increase cancer risk. For most people, the temperature of the water consumed has little effect on digestion. The most important thing is to stay hydrated and ensure that you are drinking enough water.
Epidemiological Evidence
No epidemiological studies have linked cold water consumption to a higher risk of cancer.
How to reduce your risk
Choose water instead of sugary drinks and avoid alcohol to help lower your risk.
Bottom line
Drinking cold water after a meal does not cause or increase your risk of cancer. Ensuring that you consume enough water is important for staying hydrated and maintaining overall health.
To learn more about healthy drinks, check out the Healthy Drinks section of The Nutrition Source, an initiative of the Harvard School of Public Health Department of Nutrition, and watch “Healthy Hydration: Beverage Choices and Cancer Risk,” co-hosted by the Zhu Center for Global Cancer Prevention and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Office of Communications.