Oxford and WHO Hot Beverage and Cancer Research
Research by Oxford University has revealed that consuming hot beverages above 65 degrees increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
Following the World Health Organization's classification of beverages above 65 degrees as carcinogenic, Oxford University published comprehensive research examining the relationship between esophageal cancer and the consumption of hot tea and coffee.
Comprehensive Research by Oxford University
Conducted by Oxford University scientists on 980,000 British adults over a period of more than 10 years, the research revealed a striking relationship between hot beverage consumption and esophageal cancer.
Consumption of More Than Six Cups a Day Increases Risk
According to the findings, individuals who consume more than 6 cups of hot tea or coffee a day show a 71% increase in the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
Risk Multiplies According to Beverage Temperature
Researchers found that the risk is 1.7 times higher in those who drink their beverages hot compared to those who prefer them lukewarm, and approximately 3 times higher in those who drink them very hot.
Erzurum and Van Example in Turkey
There are studies in Turkey showing that cases of esophageal cancer are more frequently seen in regions such as Erzurum and Van, where the consumption of sugar-lump (kıtlama) and very hot tea is high.
Thermal Damage and Safe Consumption Warning from Experts
Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Aladağ stated that the strongest explanation behind the link between very hot beverages and esophageal cancer is repeated thermal damage.
Experts point out that when other risk factors like smoking and alcohol combine with hot tea consumption, the risk multiplies, emphasizing that tea should be consumed below 65 degrees.