The Hidden Danger of Drinking Tea or Coffee Too Hot
Drinking tea or coffee is a daily comfort for millions of people. However, growing evidence suggests that very hot beverages increase oesophageal cancer risk, which is a real and preventable health concern. It is not the drink itself, but the temperature, that appears to matter most.
A large population study from the UK Biobank found that people who regularly drank tea or coffee while it was still extremely hot had a higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer over time.
How Very Hot Drinks Can Damage the Oesophagus
The oesophagus is a soft tube that carries food and drinks from the mouth to the stomach. Unlike the stomach, it does not have a thick protective lining. When very hot liquids pass through it again and again, they can cause small burns.
These injuries often go unnoticed. There may be a quick sting, but no lasting pain. Still, the tissue must heal each time. Over the years, this repeated cycle of irritation and repair may cause abnormal cell changes, increasing cancer risk. In simple terms, the damage adds up quietly.
Global Patterns Point to Temperature, Not Culture
Researchers studying drinking habits across different countries noticed a clear pattern. In regions where people commonly drink tea, coffee, or maté straight from the kettle while the drink is still steaming, rates of oesophageal cancer tend to be higher.
What is striking is that the type of beverage varies by culture, yet the risk appears tied to how hot it is consumed. Similar results seen in the UK strengthen the idea that very hot beverages oesophageal cancer risk is linked to temperature rather than tradition or ingredients.
Daily Habits That Increase Risk Over Time
The concern is not one accidental hot sip. Risk increases with routine exposure. Studies following large groups of adults found that people who drank many extremely hot beverages each day, sometimes eight or more, had a much higher risk compared with those who let drinks cool.
Thermal flasks and insulated mugs can make this worse. A drink poured in the morning may stay dangerously hot for hours, encouraging repeated exposure without the drinker realising it.
Simple Ways to Lower the Risk
- Wait a few minutes before drinking hot tea or coffee
- Remove the lid and let steam escape
- Stir the drink to release heat evenly
- Add milk or cool water to reduce the temperature
Some researchers suggest that drinks around 58°C (warm, not scalding) still feel comforting but are far safer for the oesophagus. These easy steps help lower the risk of oesophageal cancer from very hot beverages without giving up the pleasure of a warm drink.
Conclusion
Very hot drinks may feel soothing in the moment, but repeated exposure to high heat can slowly injure the oesophagus. Over time, this damage may raise the risk of oesophageal cancer. Letting beverages cool slightly, sipping gently, and being mindful of temperature are simple habits that protect long-term health.
These changes may seem small, yet inside the body, they give sensitive tissue the chance to heal instead of harm, making everyday comfort a little safer.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 1 January 2026
- 20:00
