What’s your go-to morning drink? If your answer is tea, you’re not alone. About 2 billion people around the world drink tea every morning. That doesn’t even count the consumption of “nighttime” teas like chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm. However, if you love nothing more than sipping on a cup of piping hot tea, you might want to take it easy.
According to a 2019 study, drinking super hot tea doubles the risk of esophageal cancer.
The study, which was published by the International Journal of Cancer, involved more than 50,000 people in northeastern Iran. Researchers wanted to examine the relationship between tea drinking temperature and esophageal cancer risk. And while past studies have already reported a link between hot tea and risk of esophageal cancer, no study has involved specific tea temperatures.
Researchers looked at two factors: tea temperature and amount consumed.
After all was said and done, the scientists found that people who consumed tea hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) and drank more than 700 milliliters of tea each day had a greater risk of esophageal cancer.
(To put things into perspective, 700 milliliters is about 2.9 cups of tea.)
Specifically, the risk is 90 percent higher compared to folks who drink cooler and less tea.
If you love hot tea, this doesn’t mean you need to give it up.
In an article on CNN, Dr. Farhad Islami — the study’s lead author — mentions that it’s wise to let tea cool down before drinking it.
Plus, it’s crucial to note that the study examined drinking very hot tea as a risk factor.
This is not the same as “cause and effect.”
In other words, occasionally drinking very hot tea doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop esophageal cancer.
Besides, accidentally drinking super hot tea happens to the best of us!
But the study’s findings are still worth noting.
The Mayo Clinic also states that a steady habit of drinking very hot liquids is associated with esophageal cancer risk.
So, if you drink a lot of tea, be mindful of the temperature.
Esophageal cancer is the most seventh-most common cancer in the world.
Avoiding a habit of drinking very hot tea is just one way to reduce your risk.
It’s also important to avoid smoking cigarettes.
Limiting alcohol consumption is a smart move, too.
Basically, you can still drink hot tea. Don’t worry!
Take a tip from Dr. Islami and let your tea cool before enjoying it.
Does this mean you need to use a thermometer to make sure it’s under 140 degrees Fahrenheit?
Well, not necessarily.
Just make sure it’s not piping hot.
Your tongue and mouth will be glad you did.
And ultimately, you will be, too.
