If you are fond of having your cup of tea or coffee very hot, there may be some reason for you to worry.
A recent study published in PubMed discovered a link between the consumption of hot beverages such as hot water, tea, and coffee and the risk of oesophageal cancer.
For a long time, alcohol had a bad reputation for raising fat and blood pressure levels and increasing the risk of deadly diseases. However, it has been discovered that even tea and coffee are associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer in humans.
The findings
The oesophagus is a hollow tube that transports liquids, saliva, and chewed food from your mouth to your stomach. Oesophageal cancer is caused by the growth of tumor cells in the oesophagus or a change in the lining of the oesophagus.
Drinking extremely hot beverages such as hot water, tea, or coffee may increase your risk of developing oesophageal cancer. Tea and coffee, while generally regarded as healthy beverages when consumed in moderation, may increase disease risk due to their caffeine and antioxidant content. However, drinking the brew too hot can damage the oesophagus and triple the risk of cancer. Allow the drink to cool before taking the first sip to reduce your risk.
People who preferred warm brews had a 2.7 times higher risk of cancer, while those who preferred very hot brews had a 4.1 times higher risk.
Very hot beverages are likely to cause oesophageal lining damage, making it vulnerable to the entry of other cancer-causing substances such as alcohol and cigarette smoke.
Other risk factors of oesophagal cancer
Hot tea or coffee does not cause cancer on its own. In addition to drinking hot tea or coffee on a regular basis, if you have other risk factors such as drinking alcohol and smoking, you may be at a higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Tips to reduce cancer risk
To reduce your risk of certain cancers, it is critical to make a number of lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and, of course, allowing beverages to cool before drinking.
A healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation are also known to reduce your risk of disease.
