“It’s Hot Enough to Hurt You”: Scientists Warn That Very Hot Tea and Coffee Can Burn Your Esophagus (And Raise Cancer Risk)

Tea, originating from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, is the second most consumed beverage worldwide, trailing only behind water. Once a medicinal drink in ancient China and a staple of British high society in the 17th century, tea has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of billions of liters consumed annually. Celebrated for its health benefits, including antioxidants and cardiovascular advantages, tea is sometimes touted as a cancer-preventive ally. However, the temperature at which it is consumed might pose hidden dangers. Scientific research has demonstrated that drinking tea at high temperatures can damage the esophagus and raise the risk of certain cancers.

Hotter Than You Think: Why Temperature Matters for Your Health

In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified consuming very hot beverages—those above 149°F—as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” The focus is not on the tea or coffee itself but rather on their consumption temperature. Studies, primarily from South America, where yerba mate is traditionally consumed at around 158°F, have long linked high-temperature beverage consumption with increased esophageal cancer rates.

Similar research conducted in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia supported the connection between hot drinks and esophageal damage. The question was whether this correlation existed in Western countries as well. A British study involving nearly 500,000 adults, published in the British Journal of Cancer, concluded that heavy consumers of very hot tea or coffee had a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. For those drinking eight cups or more per day, the risk increased almost sixfold.

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How Heat Damages the Esophagus

Every time you take a sip of excessively hot tea or coffee, you inflict a tiny burn on the inner lining of your esophagus. These invisible injuries, when repeated hundreds or thousands of times, foster chronic inflammation. Over time, this inflammatory environment can lead to cellular mutations, setting the stage for cancer.

Experimental studies have corroborated these findings. In 2016, research on mice showed that water consumed at 158°F accelerated the onset of precancerous lesions compared to cooler water. Another theory suggests that these burns compromise the esophagus’s protective barrier, leaving it susceptible to acid reflux from the stomach. In both scenarios, the risk arises from repeated thermal aggression.

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The manner of consumption also matters. A study from 2016 found that a large gulp of coffee at 149°F could raise the esophagus’s internal temperature by 12°F, much more than a small sip taken slowly. This rapid temperature spike creates a “thermal shock” effect, as cells in the lining cannot dissipate the heat quickly, leading to micro-burns. In contrast, small, spaced-out sips allow tissues to return to normal temperature, minimizing this overheating effect.

Practical Measures to Reduce Risks

There’s no need for alarm; it’s entirely possible to continue enjoying your morning tea or coffee while savoring their benefits and flavors. The key is to adopt healthy habits. Let your hot drink sit for a few minutes before consumption. This brief waiting period is usually enough to lower the temperature by 18°F to 27°F. If you’re in a hurry, blow across the surface or stir the drink to help dissipate heat. Another quick fix is adding a splash of cold water to your beverage.

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A 2008 study from the United States calculated the optimal temperature for consuming hot drinks at precisely 136°F. While measuring this with a kitchen thermometer isn’t practical, you can assess it by taste and feel. At 136°F, a drink is hot but won’t cause immediate burns on contact with the tongue. Below 140°F, the mouth’s thermal receptors sense intense but bearable heat; beyond that, discomfort quickly arises. If you can hold the liquid in your mouth for two to three seconds without discomfort, you are likely in the safe range. Common sense aligns with study conclusions: taking your time is often the best remedy.

The Global Perspective on Hot Beverage Consumption

International research consistently indicates that regularly drinking overly hot beverages significantly raises the risk of esophageal cancer. Repeated exposure to high temperatures weakens the esophageal lining and sustains micro-lesions that encourage cellular mutations. Simple practices, such as waiting a few minutes before drinking and avoiding large gulps, can effectively mitigate this risk.

While cultural preferences for hot beverages vary globally, the underlying health implications remain a universal concern. The challenge lies in balancing the enjoyment of these traditional drinks with awareness and caution. As more studies emerge, understanding how different populations adapt their drinking habits could offer valuable insights. Could future research reveal additional cultural practices that mitigate the risks associated with hot beverage consumption?