JAKARTA - Drinking hot tea or coffee is a habit for many people. In addition to warming the body, it also feels soothing. However, there is an important thing that is often not realized, namely the impact on health.
Turns out, drinking too hot drinks can be risky for the body and even linked to certain cancers.
Hot drinks are not proven to be related to throat cancer, and their relationship with stomach cancer is still unclear. However, research shows a link between very hot drinks and esophageal cancer.
In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that the habit of drinking beverages with temperatures above 65°C includes 'possibly causing cancer'. The danger is not the type of drink, but the temperature.
Reported by the CNA website, this finding is supported by various studies in South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. One of them is related to the traditional drink maté which is usually drunk very hot.
A large study in the UK also found that people who drink very hot tea or coffee in large quantities have a higher risk of esophageal cancer. In fact, those who drink eight cups or more per day are almost six times more at risk than those who don't.
Drinking too hot drinks can damage the lining of the esophagus. If it happens continuously, this damage can trigger cell changes that lead to cancer.
Animal studies show that water at around 70°C can accelerate the appearance of precancerous signs in the esophagus. Heat can also weaken the protective layer of the esophagus, making it more vulnerable to stomach acid.
Risk is not only determined by temperature, but also how to drink. Drinking large amounts at once or sipping too much can increase the risk of heat injury.
A study shows that large gulps are more dangerous than just the temperature of the drink. Large gulps of hot coffee can significantly raise the temperature in the esophagus and damage the tissue if it happens often.
Occasionally drinking hot coffee with a small sip is usually not harmful. However, the habit of drinking very hot drinks in the long term can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Hot drinks, especially takeaway coffee, are often served at very high temperatures, even around 90°C. Research suggests a safer drinking temperature for coffee while still being tasty is around 58°C.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Hot Drinks
To be safer, you can do the following:
1. Wait a few minutes before drinking so that the temperature drops
2. Stir and blow the drink before drinking
3. Open the lid of the takeaway drink glass
4. Add milk or a little cold water
5. Drink in small sips, don't drink a lot at once
Hot drinks can still be enjoyed, as long as they are not too hot and drunk in a safe way. That way, you can still enjoy the taste without sacrificing health.
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