Coffee lovers can rejoice knowing that their favorite beverage has been officially declared not a cause of cancer. In fact, coffee has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Recent research has demonstrated that coffee can protect against certain cancers, such as endometrial, liver, and breast cancer. Moreover, regular coffee consumption can help protect against neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Similarly, tea is renowned for its cancer-fighting properties. Whether it’s green, black, white, or herbal, a cup of tea is usually filled with immune-boosting antioxidants or nourishing herbs. But, while both coffee and tea are beneficial to your health, there is an important thing to be mindful of when indulging in these warm drinks: the drink’s temperature.
The World Health Organization (WHO) now classifies piping hot drinks of any kind as “probably carcinogenic” to humans. This is because people who consume drinks 150 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter are more likely to develop esophageal cancer. The connection between hot drinks and cancer risks seems logical, as hot beverages can scald the throat and cause repeated damage, which leads to a breeding ground for tumors.
It is important to note that 150 degrees Fahrenheit is not much hotter than the temperature at which popular beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are served. In fact, they are often served between 160 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. This was highlighted in the notorious 1990s McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, wherein a woman suffered third-degree burns from spilling coffee on her lap. The beverage in question was 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
With this knowledge in mind, it would be wise to approach hot beverages with more caution. When in doubt about the temperature of a steaming hot drink, allow it a few minutes to cool down. For those who want to be exact, a coffee thermometer can be used to check the drink’s temperature. The ideal drinking temperature for coffee and other hot beverages is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which maintains the enjoyable warmth without posing any unwanted cancer risks.
Both coffee and tea have notable health benefits, from preventing certain cancers to reducing the likelihood of developing neurological disorders. However, sipping these hot drinks at high temperatures puts you at risk of esophageal cancer. Thankfully, simply allowing your beverage to cool down to a safer temperature can negate this risk while still allowing you to enjoy the favorable aspect of your coffee or tea. So the next time you pour yourself a hot cup, remember to give it a minute to cool down – your body will thank you.
