Your Piping Hot Drink Could Increase Your Risk for Cancer

If you like to take your tea or coffee extra hot, a burnt tongue isn’t the only potential side effect you may need to worry about. 

In a new review published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, researchers found that sipping super-hot liquids could actually up your risk of cancer. What the heck?

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Here’s what went down: A panel of 23 international scientists analyzed all the available data on the carcinogenicity of hot beverages like coffee and tea.

The researchers found that imbibing anything at a temperature higher than 65 degrees Celsius is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” That puts your piping hot latte in the same category as exposure to lead and exhaust fumes.

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Drinking hot liquid can cause scalding on the way down, making you more vulnerable to esophageal cancer—even if you’re sipping a healthy herbal tea.

The research calls attention to an important issue: It’s a good idea to pay attention to how you prep your beverages. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, so the experts recommend letting your cup of coffee or tea cool for a few minutes after pouring it to kill that carcinogenic risk. 

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