Very hot tea and coffee can increase the risk of cancer; know what the new research says?

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Many people have the habit of drinking tea and coffee very hot. However, you shouldn't do this. Recent research has shown that this can increase the risk of cancer.

Do you also like to drink very hot coffee and tea? If drinking tea or coffee by blowing on it immediately after pouring it into the cup is one of your habits, then you need to be a little careful. A recent research has revealed shocking information. According to this research, drinking extremely hot beverages can increase the risk of esophageal cancer (cancer of the food pipe). We also talked to expert Dr. Adi Rakesh Kumar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Therapeutic Endoscopist & Endosonologist, Yashoda Hospitals regarding this. Let us give you complete information about this.

Very hot beverages may increase the risk of cancer

A recent study in Britain revealed that people who drink very hot tea or coffee have an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Let's explain what the research revealed.

  • This research shows that people who drink very hot tea or coffee have almost three times more risk of cancer than those who drink lukewarm tea or coffee.
  • This research of Oxford University has been published in the International Journal of Cancer.
  • In fact, when such a hot beverage travels through our esophagus to our stomach, it can damage cells along the way. However, the chances of developing this type of cancer are generally low.

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What do experts say about this?

We spoke with experts to understand this research and its implications. Let's find out what they had to say.

  • Experts say that according to this research, repeatedly drinking very hot tea or coffee (65°C or more) can significantly increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (a type of food-pipe cancer).
  • According to this 14-year study of nearly one million adults in the UK, people who liked to drink their drinks very hot were at higher risk.
  • Extremely hot liquids can cause repeated thermal damage to the lining of the esophagus, which can lead to dangerous changes, such as cancer, over time.

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  • Actually, this danger is not due to the drink, but due to its temperature.
  • Importantly, the overall risk of developing this cancer is still low for most people, and the study found no association with esophageal adenocarcinoma.
  • However, this increased risk is significant for people who regularly drink a lot of hot drinks, especially six or more cups a day.
Always drink tea and coffee lukewarm
  • Experts say that before drinking tea or coffee, let it cool for a few minutes.
  • If it feels too hot on the lips or tongue, its temperature is probably above the safe limit.
  • Always drink tea, coffee or any hot beverage lukewarm.

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