Hot Coffee Linked to Increased Esophageal Cancer Risk, Study Finds
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
A large British study found that drinking beverages hotter than 65°C triples the risk of esophageal cancer, though experts emphasize coffee itself is not carcinogenic and moderate consumption at cooler temperatures may be beneficial.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hot beverages above 65°C triple esophageal cancer risk.
- Study involved nearly one million participants.
- WHO guidance warns against extreme temperatures.
- Coffee itself is not carcinogenic.
- Moderate consumption may reduce mortality and heart disease risk.
Drinking coffee or other hot beverages at temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit) triples the risk of developing esophageal cancer, according to a large-scale British study involving nearly one million participants. The comprehensive research examined participants' drinking habits and the health effects of hot beverages, establishing a direct link between high liquid temperatures and damage to esophageal tissues caused by burns.
Professor Eitan Friedman, director of the Genetic Institute for Early Detection at Assuta Ramat HaChayal, explained in an interview that individuals who reported drinking their coffee "very hot and not just hot" had a threefold higher risk of developing this specific type of esophageal cancer. These findings align with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the dangers of consuming beverages at extreme temperatures and the impact of burns on the tongue and tissues.
Despite the concerning data, experts are quick to reassure hot beverage enthusiasts, clarifying that coffee itself does not cause cancer. On the contrary, drinking three to four cups of coffee or tea daily at a reasonable temperature has been found to reduce overall mortality and the risk of heart disease. The primary message is not to avoid the popular drink, but to wait for it to cool slightly. As experts put it, "They are not saying don't drink coffee, they are saying don't drink scalding coffee."