As indians, we naturally enjoy our tea hot and our samosas scorching. We'll burn our tongues if that's what it takes. indians enjoy food, and they like it served hot rather than cold. However, what if we told you that this beloved practice of eating and drinking hot food might be subtly damaging us?
 
According to studies, drinking really hot liquids, such as tea or coffee, may raise your chance of developing cancer, especially oesophageal cancer. So, does that pose a risk to those who are eating hot food and drinks?
What research says
The study assesses the relationship between oesophageal cancer and drinking really hot beverages. Excessive warmth is the main cause for worry, even if the chemical makeup of the drinks themselves was not determined to directly contribute to carcinogenicity.
 
While there was no significant correlation for oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), this meta-analysis revealed that hot tea drinkers had a considerably higher risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
 
"It has been quite clearly found that repeatedly/frequently/recurrently drinking hot tea or coffee or any liquid (the temperature is important) can definitely increase the risk of esophageal cancer and other conditions, but the exact mechanism is still under survey," continues Dr. Anandmoy Dutta, founder and consultant of AMD Clinic & Healthcare, South Kolkata.
Why temperature matters more than you think
The lining of our esophagus, the tube that connects our mouth to our stomach, absorbs the majority of the heat when we consume hot liquids or food. Repeated exposure to such high temperatures over time can cause cellular damage, persistent inflammation, and ultimately an increased risk of cancer.
 
"This risk is thought to be arising from the thermal injury inflicted on the esophageal lining, which may lead to cellular changes over time," says Dr. Somashekhar S P, head consultant, surgical and gynecological oncology, and robotic surgeon, aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru. Since prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause chronic inflammation and damage, which eventually raises the risk of mdata-alignant changes in the afflicted tissues, the process is slow.
 
Drinking hot liquids could not cause cancer right away, but over time, the cumulative impact of repeated exposure to high temperatures might greatly raise the risk.
 
Drinks that are drunk over 65°C are categorized as "probably carcinogenic to humans" by the international Agency for Research on cancer (IARC) of the World health Organization.
 
Is This an Immediate Process?
It takes years for oesophageal cancer to develop as a result of consuming really hot liquids. According to scientists, persistent heat damage interferes with the body's natural healing mechanism and encourages aberrant cell development that can develop into cancer.
 
CK Birla Hospital's director of surgical oncology, Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, states that the danger builds up over time, particularly for people who regularly drink excessively hot beverages. Although drinking hot tea or coffee once is unlikely to result in cancer, doing so frequently over several years can greatly increase the risk.
Here are a few expert-approved tips to protect your esophagus:
Let it cool: Allow your tea or coffee to cool for at least a minute or two before drinking.
Check the temperature: Beverages should feel warm, not steaming, to the touch.
Address other risk factors: Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight to lower your overall risk of oesophageal cancer.