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We are Indians and of course love hot tea and hot samosas. If that means burning our tongues, then so be it. For Indians, food means love and food is better served hot than cold. But what if we told you that this popular habit of consuming hot drinks and food could be secretly harming us? The risk is particularly associated with esophageal cancer. So are people who eat hot food and drinks at risk? Although the chemical composition of the drink itself does not directly contribute to the development of cancer, its extreme temperature is the biggest concern. This meta-analysis found that hot tea drinkers had a significantly increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but no significant association was observed for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
We clearly know that repeatedly drinking hot tea, coffee or other liquids (temperature is important) can definitely increase the risk of esophageal cancer and other diseases, but we don't know the exact mechanism yet. This is a review. When we drink or eat something hot enough to burn, the lining of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) absorbs most of the heat. Over time, repeated exposure to such high temperatures can lead to chronic inflammation and cell damage, ultimately increasing the risk of cancer. This risk is thought to be caused by thermal damage to the esophageal lining, which can cause cellular changes over time. This process progresses gradually as repeated exposure to high temperatures leads to chronic inflammation and damage, ultimately increasing the likelihood of malignant changes in the affected tissues. Although drinking hot beverages does not cause cancer immediately, the cumulative effects of long-term exposure to high temperatures can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer over time.
The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified drinks consumed at temperatures above 65°C as "probably carcinogenic to humans". Esophageal cancer takes years of drinking very hot drinks. Drinking hot tea or coffee in particular is unlikely to cause cancer, as are years of regular drinking, smoking and a non-vegetarian diet rich in saturated fats, say experts. It has also been reported that the combination of alcohol can cause cancer. Smoking, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity are the main risk factors for esophageal cancer.
It is important to understand that tea, coffee or foods are not directly related to cancer risk - the temperature at which they are consumed is critical. Consuming hot foods or drinks consistently can damage your esophagus over time, but small changes can significantly reduce this risk. Let it cool: Let the tea or coffee cool for at least a minute or two before drinking. Check the temperature: drinks should be warm and not boiling. Also consider other risk factors: stop smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce your overall risk of esophageal cancer.
