Dubai, United Arab Emirates – A research study revealed that excessive consumption of very hot drinks increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has defined very hot drinks as those with a temperature exceeding 65 degrees Celsius.
She stated that it is “most likely a cause of cancer”, for humans. This is with the same degree of risk of exposure to wood burning smoke or eating a lot of red meat.
A recent study, conducted in Britain and involving nearly half a million people. It found that excessive consumption of very hot drinks such as tea or coffee is linked to esophageal cancer.
The study was published by the Medical Express website, which specializes in medical research. It found that drinking 8 or more cups of very hot tea or coffee significantly increases cancer risk. Specifically, they are 6 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer. In comparison, those who do not drink very hot drinks have a lower risk.
The study showed that very hot drinks destroy the cells that make up the membrane lining the esophagus.
The possibility of damage to the esophagus
Researchers believe that the weakness of this membrane increases the possibility of damage to the esophagus. This is due to acid reflux from the stomach.
Over time, the chances of cancer cells forming in the esophagus increase.
The research team found that one sip (20 milliliters) of a hot drink, such as coffee, raises the internal temperature of the esophagus. It increases the temperature by more than 12 degrees Celsius.
He added that the constant rise in temperature can lead to damage to the cells of the inner membrane of the esophagus.
An American study found that the ideal temperature for coffee or tea should not exceed 57.8 degrees Celsius. This temperature is ideal to maintain the good taste of the drink without hitting the esophagus.
The researchers advised waiting until the temperature of the drink drops.
Note that the temperature usually drops at a rate ranging between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius in just 5 minutes.
