In winters, we love nothing more than to cuddle in our warm blankets and have a cup of steaming hot tea. But in getting this small pleasure, are we endangering our lives?
The experts at Capitol Hospital, best healthcare in our region will shed some light on this very peculiar topic.
IARC (International Agency for research on cancer), cancer agency of WHO (World health organization) has concluded that very hot drinks above 65 degree Celsius (or above 149 degrees Fahrenheit) as a probable carcinogen to humans.
But coffee has been removed from this list after rigorous evaluation by scientists around the globe. Other beverages like tea, hot chocolate etc. should be had at temperatures lower than 65 degree Celsius.
The conclusion of this research was done when around 23 international scientists analyzed and examined the data on the carcinogenicity of coffee and other hot beverages like tea.
In America, people don’t usually consume these hot drinks but in the areas of Asia, Africa tea is consumed at very high temperatures.
Hot beverages like tea, hot chocolate above the temperature recommended (above 65 degree Celsius) can burn your esophagus and this can result in the start of cancer. The burns can result in the damage to the esophageal cells.
However, more research is needed to determine exactly how the process happens in the human body. But for now, above 65 degree Celsius is dangerous territory.
Many studies which have been done on animals also prove that very hot water may increase the risk of cancer, because of the damage to the tissues of the esophagus. This damage can affect the other parts of our body by the process of metastasis.
Although IRAC has removed coffee from their 2A category of probable carcinogen but it is best to have it below the 65 degree Celsius range.
This research doesn’t mean that we can no longer have our favorite drink of tea or a soothing cup of hot chocolate. Just that we should let the temperature be a little lower before we indulge ourselves.
If making a small change in our routine helps us reduce the risk of cancer, we should do it and live a healthy life.
