Good news for coffee 'believers': Avoiding cancer the key lies in temperature

In 1991, coffee was classified as a 'possibly carcinogenic' beverage by the World Health Organization (WHO). A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) offers good news for coffee enthusiasts: It is temperature that is a bigger risk factor than what is consumed itself.

We Vietnamese have the habit of using food or drinks while they are still hot to protect our health. However, esophageal cancer is ranked as the 8th most common type in the world, one of which is caused by eating too hot. Then eat and drink at what temperature is appropriate for health, let's find out.

Study: Hot drinks above 65°C can cause cancer

The heat resistance of the esophageal mucosa is 40°C to 50°C. Exceeding 65°C will most likely cause problems such as mucosal damage and ulceration.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that drinking hot drinks above 65°C can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

The results 'suggest that drinking very hot beverages is one of the possible causes of esophageal cancer and that the temperature itself, not the drink itself,' IARC director Christopher Wild told AFP news agency.

Although the mucosa has a self-healing function, repeated stimulation for a long time will cause damage to the mucosa, which can lead to cancer in the long run.

Experts also recommend that if you have symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion or heartburn, nausea right after eating, you should seek medical attention promptly.

How to determine water temperature above 65°C.

The temperature of freshly brewed tea is around 80-90°C. (Photo: YaiSirichai/Shutterstock)

Using a thermometer to measure the temperature before drinking coffee looks a bit weird. We can also estimate the appropriate temperature according to our perception. Although it is not possible to measure the exact temperature all the time, you can also refer to the following experiences:

The temperature of the hot pot is as high as 120°C, the temperature of freshly brewed tea is about 80-90°C, the temperature of the dumplings and noodles just coming out of the pot is about 70-80°C, the water at 65°C is only You can click your lips a little.

So the next time you make yourself a cup of hot tea or coffee, let it cool for a while to reach the desired drinking temperature. 

Some habits that are harmful to the esophagus should be noted

Grandparents often say 'sickness comes from the mouth', the diet is indeed very much related to health problems. According to 2018 data from the World Health Organization, Vietnam records more than 2,400 new cases of esophageal cancer each year. Here are some eating habits you need to keep in mind to avoid experiencing esophageal health problems:

1. Usually eats hot food

The World Health Organization recommends that hot drinks be cooled down before drinking. Although the incidence of esophageal cancer associated with drinking hot beverages is unknown, in general, the hotter the drink, the higher the cancer risk.

2. Eat a lot of pickled, smoked, and fried foods

Eating a lot of bacon increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Pickling will significantly increase nitrite in food, especially when the temperature is higher than 20℃. The higher the nitrite content, the more likely it is to cause cancer. Regularly eating grilled, smoked, and fried foods can also damage the esophagus.

3. Eating too fast

Eating too quickly will prevent the food from being chewed. Hard food particles can damage the esophageal mucosal epithelium, leading to acute inflammation, which can gradually turn into chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

4. Abuse of alcohol, beer, tobacco

Drinking a lot of alcohol can damage the lining of the esophagus.

Alcohol causes irritation to the esophageal mucosa, especially alcohol above 60 degrees, the more obvious the degree of damage to the esophageal mucosa.

Experts from K Hospital said that alcohol abuse and regular smoking have a 10 times higher risk of esophageal cancer than the general population.

The most common age for this disease is between 50 and 60 years old. According to many studies, a diet rich in protein and fat will increase the risk of disease, whereas a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins will reduce the risk of disease.

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