Many of us enjoy a warm cup of tea, especially during colder seasons or stressful days. It’s comforting, relaxing, and often associated with various health benefits. However, drinking very hot tea may carry serious health risks that are often overlooked. It’s important to understand how the temperature of your tea can impact your body—particularly your esophagus, the tube that carries food and drink from your mouth to your stomach.
Can Hot Tea Be Dangerous?
Recent scientific findings suggest that drinking tea when it is too hot may be linked to serious health problems. One of the most concerning issues is its potential association with neoplasms—abnormal tissue growths that can be benign or, more alarmingly, malignant tumors.
The primary concern lies in the esophageal lining. When you drink very hot liquids, the delicate tissues in your esophagus can suffer burns or micro-injuries. Over time, repeated damage to these tissues can cause inflammation, which may lead to the abnormal development of cells. These cells, under constant stress and injury, may begin to divide uncontrollably, increasing the risk of cancer.
What the Research Says
A team of researchers led by Dr. Farhad Islami conducted an extensive study involving over 50,000 participants, closely monitoring their tea-drinking habits over a span of ten years. These individuals consumed significant amounts of tea daily—more than 700 milliliters (roughly 3 large cups).
The goal of the study was to determine whether the temperature of the tea had any connection to the risk of developing esophageal cancer. The findings were alarming: those who drank tea at temperatures above 60°C (140°F) were found to have a 90% higher risk of developing malignant tumors in the esophagus compared to those who consumed cooler beverages.
Why Temperature Matters
Boiling water typically reaches temperatures between 80°C and 95°C (176°F to 203°F). Drinking tea at this temperature level can cause thermal damage to the tissues it touches. Scientists believe that such repeated exposure to high temperatures creates a hostile environment in the esophagus, making it more susceptible to cellular mutations and cancer formation.
When you drink tea that is extremely hot, your esophageal lining may not have enough time to heal between exposures. This chronic irritation may trigger a rapid regeneration of cells, which is a key risk factor in cancer development.
Enjoying Tea Safely
It’s important to note that tea itself is not the problem—it’s the temperature at which it’s consumed that poses a risk. Many types of tea, including green, black, and herbal teas, are rich in antioxidants and can be beneficial for overall health when consumed properly.
So, what is the safe temperature to drink tea? Experts recommend waiting for your tea to cool to below 60°C (140°F) before drinking, especially if you consume it frequently. If you’re drinking more than 500 milliliters of tea per day, the temperature becomes even more important to monitor.
Here are a few practical tips to reduce the risk:
- Let your tea sit for 4–5 minutes after boiling before drinking.
- Use a thermometer if you’re unsure of the temperature.
- Sip slowly and avoid gulping large quantities of hot liquid.
- Pay attention to any burning sensations in your throat or chest.
Final Thoughts
While tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world and often associated with health benefits, it’s essential to drink it at a safe temperature. Ignoring this simple precaution could lead to serious health issues, including a significantly increased risk of esophageal cancer. By making small adjustments in how and when you drink your tea, you can continue to enjoy this comforting drink without putting your health at risk.
