Study: Excessive Consumption of Very Hot Beverages Increases Risk of Esophageal Cancer

SadaNews - A research study has revealed that excessive consumption of very hot beverages increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer identified very hot beverages as those that exceed 65 degrees Celsius, stating they are "probably carcinogenic" to humans, similar in risk to exposure to wood smoke or overconsumption of red meat.

A recent study conducted in the UK, involving nearly half a million people, found that excessive consumption of very hot drinks like tea or coffee is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

The study published on the website "Medical Express," which specializes in medical research, concluded that a person who drinks eight or more cups of very hot tea or coffee has a sixfold increased risk of developing esophageal cancer compared to those who do not consume very hot beverages.

The study explained that very hot beverages damage the cells that form the lining of the esophagus. Researchers believe that weakening this lining increases the likelihood of the esophagus being harmed by acid reflux from the stomach. Over time, this increases the chances of cancerous cells forming in the esophagus.

The research team found that a single sip (20 milliliters) of a hot drink, such as coffee, raises the internal temperature of the esophagus by more than 12 degrees Celsius, and that a continuous increase in temperature could lead to damage to the cells of the inner lining of the esophagus.

An American study found that the ideal temperature for coffee or tea, in order to maintain the good taste of the drink without affecting the esophagus, should not exceed 57.8 degrees Celsius. Researchers advised waiting for the beverage to cool, noting that the temperature usually drops by an average of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius within just five minutes.