Hot brew could lead to a cold end. How drinking hot tea might raise your esophageal cancer risk
Scientists from around the globe have frequently studied the properties of tea and its effects on our health. The research has shown that this commonly consumed beverage is rich in vitamins, minerals, theine, and other valuable substances. These components are known to have stimulating effects, improve circulation, regulate blood pressure, aid digestion, protect the digestive system against bacterial growth, and guard the oral cavity against the development of caries.
The study also aimed to explore the effects of tea drinking temperature. The results were published in the medical journal, "International Journal of Cancer".
The nearly decade-long study, conducted from 2004 to 2017, collected data from over 50,000 individuals aged between 40 and 75. Throughout their observation, the team of scientists, led by Dr. Farhada Islami from the American Cancer Society, recorded 317 new esophageal cancer cases.
We found that drinking hot tea is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, even among individuals who neither drink alcohol nor smoke. This suggests that this association is not dependent on these two significant risk factors for esophageal cancer - asserted the lead researcher.
The study suggests that consuming at least 23.67 ounces (roughly two cups) of tea at a temperature above 140 degrees Fahrenheit elevates the chances of developing esophageal cancer by as much as 90%. Dr. Farhada Islami stresses that for the sake of our health, it's advisable to let freshly brewed tea cool down before drinking it.
