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The research, published in the International Journal of Cancer, defines any drink at 65°C or above as 'very hot' and suggests a potential risk. Consuming six or more hot drinks daily increases cancer risk, based on data from 977,282 middle-aged participants. While adding milk slightly lowers temperature, even milky tea or coffee may still be too hot.
Tea boiled immediately after boiling reaches 100°C, which drops to around 90–95°C when poured into a cup. Researchers recommend waiting a few minutes to let drinks cool to safer temperatures. Cancer Research UK advises waiting until the drink is comfortable to drink rather than consuming it while still very hot.
Lead researcher Dr. Keren Papier notes existing South American studies on the herbal drink 'mate' show a similar link between hot beverages and oesophageal cancer. She emphasizes that more research is needed to identify exact temperature thresholds.
A separate study involving 118 young adults found most only considered drinks too hot at 70°C or above. A takeaway coffee manufacturer suggests ideal temperatures for hot coffee range between 49–60°C, with extra-hot options served at over 82°C if requested.
Source: BBC
