Drink hot tea or coffee … more dangerous than expected

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Drinking tea or coffee can increase the risk of cancer more than twice, according to a recent study.

People who regularly consume tea at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher are at increased risk of esophageal cancer, suggests the study.

But drinking a cup of hot tea or coffee after a little cold is considered healthier.

The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, focused on drinking habits among people aged 40 to 70 years old.

The researchers found this result after 5045 people followed for 10 years.

During follow-up, 317 new cases of oesophageal cancer were identified.

The researchers compared those who drank less than 700 milliliters of tea a day to less than 60 degrees Celsius and drank 700 milliliters a day or more at 60 degrees Celsius or more. The drink was found to be very hot, associated with a 90% increase in esophageal cancer.

Most study participants reported enjoying coffee and tea.

The American Cancer Society advises waiting for hot drinks to cool before drinking in order to avoid various health risks.