Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with millions of people starting their day with a cup of coffee.

There is no doubt that coffee has numerous health benefits, but there have been concerns about the relationship between coffee and esophageal cancer.

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is also known as the food pipe.

This type of cancer usually starts in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus and can spread to other parts of the body. It is a difficult-to-treat cancer that can be fatal if not detected early.

What Causes Esophageal Cancer?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include:.

Regular alcohol consumption
Tobacco use
Chronic acid reflux
Obesity
A family history of esophageal cancer

What does Research say about the Relationship between Coffee and Esophageal Cancer?

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between coffee and esophageal cancer.

The results have been mixed, with some studies suggesting that coffee can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, while others suggest that coffee may actually reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.

A study conducted in 2016 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that drinking very hot beverages, including coffee, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

The research suggested that drinking beverages that are hotter than 65°C could cause injury to the cells in the esophagus, which could lead to cancer.

However, several other studies have reached opposite conclusions. For example, a study conducted in Norway found that drinking coffee could actually reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.

The research found that people who drank more than four cups of coffee a day had a 50% reduced risk of developing esophageal cancer compared to those who drank no coffee at all.

Another study conducted in China found similar results. The research found that drinking coffee daily could reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by up to 50%. The study suggested that coffee may have a protective effect on the cells in the esophagus.

How much Coffee is Safe to Drink?

While the relationship between coffee and esophageal cancer is still unclear, it is generally safe to consume moderate amounts of coffee.

The US Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is equal to about four 8-ounce cups of coffee.

Conclusion

The relationship between coffee and esophageal cancer is still unclear, with some studies suggesting that coffee can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, while others suggest that coffee may actually reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer. While there is no clear evidence to suggest that coffee is harmful, it is still important to consume coffee in moderation and avoid drinking extremely hot beverages.