Tea has always been known to be beneficial to health but a recent study has found that if taken too hot it can actually increase ones chances of getting throat cancer. Supporting this study is the abnormally high rate of esophageal cancer found in Golestan Province in Iran where people drink very hot tea.

871 people from the Golestan province were studied, 300 of whom were recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Their smoking, drinking and tea drinking habits were monitored. The research team found a strong link between the temperature that was preferred and the occurrence of esophageal cancer.

Warm tea temperature is considered to be 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature above 156  degrees Fahrenheit was considered hot and consuming tea at this temperature doubles one’s chances of getting esophageal cancer. Also having tea above 158 degrees resulted in an eight- fold increase in the risk.

Smoking and drinking also increases a person’s risk of developing cancer in the wind pipe but where tea is concerned, it is not the chemicals present in tea that causes it but the temperature. Previous studies also indicated the relation to esophageal cancer rates to temperature in tea drinking areas such as China. In regions where people preferred tea really hot had higher cancer rates and the cancer rates dropped where people consumed tea at cooler temperatures.

This study hasn’t convinced some gastroenterologists. Dr. Jennifer Christie, a professor in the Division of Gastroenterology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta says, “I think it’s an important study and it clearly adds to our knowledge about esophageal cancer,” said Christie. “But I would not tell people to stop drinking hot tea at this point. Also there’s diet, and you have to look at genetic factors that are involved, as well.” Further research is required before it can be stated as a fact but drinking hot tea should probably be avoided to remain safe. More details can be found at the source article.