Cool your coffee down before you drink it. Otherwise you can potentially get cancer. Another thing to worry about (other than not getting enough sleep in the morning). This is according to research conducted by the United Nations.

• Hot beverages increase the risk of developing esophageal, throat, and stomach cancers.
• Drinking beverages exceeding 149°F (65°C) can cause cell mutations that lead to cancer.
• Keep your hot beverage at a temperature below 140°F (60°C) to avoid damage to your esophagus and health problems.

The study conducted by the United Nations found that there was a clear link between countries; such as Turkey (The Traditional Method Of Turkish Coffee Making Depicted In The Above Image) and many South American whom typically consume hot beverages such as tea and coffee at exorbitant temperatures, have a higher likelihood of developing cancer of the oesophagus. According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, drinking beverages that are hotter than 149°F (65°C) can increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer. This is because the repeated scalding of the esophagus can lead to mutations in the cells that can eventually turn into cancer.

But it's not just esophageal cancer that you need to worry about. Drinking beverages on promotional thermal mugs that are too hot can also increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, including throat cancer and stomach cancer. This is especially true if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly.

It is of the opinion of Dr Christopher Wild, Director of the IARC (International Agency For Research On Cancer) that "...the majority of oesophageal cancers occur in parts of Asia, South America, and East Africa, where regularly drinking very hot beverages is common"

Other Health Risks

Drinking beverages that are too hot can also cause other health problems, such as tooth sensitivity and digestive issues. Hot liquids can wear away at the enamel on your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. In addition, drinking hot liquids can cause your stomach to produce more acid, which can irritate your stomach lining and lead to acid reflux and heartburn.

So the message must then be that when consuming a hot beverage, ensure that your drink is temperate as your body is not designed to consume liquids at such high temperatures. After all that doom and gloom, to end on a positive note Dr Christopher Wild fields the professional opinion that there is "no conclusive evidence for a carcinogenic effect of drinking coffee” so go giddy with guilt-free coffee consumption!!

The Ideal Temperature

So, what is the ideal temperature for a hot beverage? The American Burn Association recommends a maximum temperature of 140°F (60°C) for hot beverages. This is still hot enough to enjoy your coffee or tea, but not so hot that it will cause any damage to your esophagus or other parts of your body.

Takeaway

Drinking hot beverages is a common practice, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks. By keeping your beverages at a safe temperature, you can reduce your risk of developing serious health problems down the line. So the next time you pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, make sure it's not too hot before taking that first sip. Your body will thank you!

Images first seen on website: http://www.techly.com.au/2016/06/16/let-your-coffee-cool-the-un-found-that-piping-hot-drinks-give-you-cancer/