For many people, sipping on a hot cup of tea is a daily ritual that brings comfort, relaxation, and numerous health benefits.

While tea has been praised for its ability to improve brain function, protect against chronic diseases, and boost the immune system, there have been concerns raised about the potential harm of drinking tea that is too hot.

Drinking hot beverages, including tea, can lead to burns in the mouth and throat, and may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential health risks of drinking hot tea and what we can do to enjoy it in a safe and healthy way.

How Does Drinking Hot Tea Affect Our Health?

Drinking hot tea can have a number of positive health benefits. Some of the most notable benefits include improved brain function and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Tea is full of antioxidants and polyphenols, which are plant compounds that may help protect against cell damage and inflammation, among other things.

However, drinking hot tea can also have negative health effects. According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, drinking very hot tea (over 149°F/65°C) on a regular basis may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

This is because repeated injury to the mucous membranes of the esophagus from hot liquids can eventually lead to abnormal cell growth and cancer.

In addition to increasing cancer risk, drinking hot tea can also cause burns in the mouth and throat.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that 37% of people who drink hot beverages experience burns in their mouth or throat at some point in their life. Burns can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, can require medical attention.

How Hot is Too Hot?

The temperature at which hot tea can cause burns or increase cancer risk is still up for debate. However, research suggests that drinking tea that is over 149°F/65°C may be harmful to our health.

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To put that in perspective, most hot beverages are served around 160°F/71°C or higher.

If you’re unsure about the temperature of your tea, try using a thermometer to measure it. Alternatively, you can let your tea cool for a few minutes before drinking it to avoid any potential harm.

It’s also worth noting that tea served at higher temperatures may have a negative impact on the taste of the tea, as it may make it bitter or astringent.

What Can We Do to Enjoy Hot Tea Safely?

While there are potential health risks associated with drinking very hot tea, this doesn’t mean we need to give up our daily cup of tea altogether. Here are some tips to enjoy hot tea safely:.

1. Let your tea cool down

After boiling water and steeping your tea, let it cool for a few minutes before drinking to avoid burns and reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. This also allows the flavors of the tea to fully develop.

2. Use a thermometer

You can use a thermometer to measure the temperature of your tea. Keep in mind that the ideal temperature for different types of tea may vary. For example, green tea is typically brewed at a lower temperature than black tea.

3. Drink tea from a mug instead of a cup

A mug may be more comfortable to hold and can help prevent spills. Mugs also tend to have shorter and wider opening than cups, meaning that the hot liquid will cool faster.

4. Don’t add milk or sugar right away

Additives such as milk or sugar can exacerbate burns in the mouth and throat, so be sure to let your tea cool down before adding anything.

5. Listen to your body

Everyone has different sensitivities to heat, so pay attention to how your body feels when drinking hot tea. If you experience discomfort or pain, let the tea cool down or switch to a cooler beverage.

Conclusion

Drinking hot tea can come with both benefits and risks.

While it has been praised for its ability to improve brain function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, drinking hot tea that is too hot can cause burns in the mouth and throat, and may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. However, by using the tips outlined in this article, we can enjoy hot tea while minimizing potential harm to our health.