We are Indians, and of course, we love our Tea Hot and our samosas were spicy. If that means burning our tongues, so be it. Food is a major love language for Indians and it is better served hot than cold. But what if we tell you that this much-loved habit of consuming hot drinks and food can be silently harming us?

Studies show that consumption of excessively hot beverages such as tea or coffee is associated with a possible increase in cancer risk, especially with regard to esophageal cancer. So, does this pose a threat to people consuming hot food and beverages?

Let’s find out!

what does the research say

Studies have evaluated the association between consumption of very hot beverages and esophageal cancer. Although the chemical composition of beverages does not directly contribute to carcinogenicity, extreme temperatures are of primary concern.

This meta-analysis showed that people who drank hot tea had a significantly increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but no significant association was found for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Dr. Anandamoy Dutta, Founder and Consultant, AMD Clinic & Healthcare, South Kolkata, says, “It has been found quite clearly that frequent/repeated/repeated consumption of hot tea or coffee or any liquid (temperature significantly ) Drinking can definitely increase the risk. about esophageal cancer and other conditions, but the exact mechanism is still under survey.”

Why does temperature matter more than you think?

When we drink or eat something spicy, the lining of our esophagus – the tube that connects our mouth to our stomach – is affected by the heat. Over time, repeated exposure to such high temperatures can lead to chronic inflammation, cellular damage, and ultimately an increased risk of developing cancer.

Dr. Somasekhar SP, principal consultant, surgical and gynecological oncology and robotic surgeon, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, says, “This risk is believed to arise from thermal injury to the esophageal lining, which over time Can cause cellular changes. This process occurs gradually, as repeated exposure to high temperatures can lead to chronic inflammation and damage, ultimately increasing the likelihood of malignant transformation in the affected tissues.

Although drinking hot beverages may not immediately cause cancer, the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to high temperatures can significantly increase the risk over time.

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified beverages brewed above 65 °C as “probably carcinogenic to humans”.

Is it an instantaneous process?

The development of esophageal cancer from drinking very hot beverages is a gradual process that takes years. Experts claim that persistent thermal injury disrupts the natural healing process, promoting abnormal cell growth, which can turn into cancer.

“The risk increases with time, especially for individuals who habitually consume extremely hot beverages,” says Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, director of surgical oncology at CK Birla Hospital. While a single instance of drinking hot tea or coffee is unlikely to cause cancer, regular consumption over many years can significantly increase the risk.

However, Professor Chintamani, Chairman and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, says that there is no established evidence suggesting a direct link between hot beverages and cancer, but continuous hot irritation can eventually lead to cancer. .

“Coffee, when combined with smoking and a non-vegetarian diet high in saturated fat, has also been reported to cause cancer. The same applies to hot foods, where the combination of alcohol and smoking can increase the risk,” he adds.

Dr. Dutta agrees that there are other risk factors. He added, “Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity are more significant risk factors for esophageal cancer than hot liquids alone.”

small changes, big impact

It is important to understand that tea, coffee or food are not directly linked to cancer risk – it is the temperature at which it is consumed that makes the difference. Constantly drinking hot water or eating hot foods can damage your esophagus over time, but small adjustments can go a long way in reducing this risk.

Here are some expert-approved tips to protect your esophagus:

• Let it cool: Let your tea or coffee cool for at least a minute or two before drinking.
• Check the temperature: Beverages should feel hot to the touch, not steaming.
• Pay attention to other risk factors: Quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce your overall risk of esophageal cancer.