Addicted to hot tea or coffee? According to new research studies it could be risky to sip piping hot tea or coffee.  It can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Tea and coffee are known for their health benefits but this is the first time that adverse effect is being studied. The culprit could just be the temperature of the beverages.

The research study was carried was in the Golestan Province in Iran where people are tea drinkers and there is an abnormally high rate of esophageal cancer.  The team extensively studied smoking, alcohol and tea drinking habits of 871 people in the region of whom 300 had been diagnosed with throat cancer. The results published in British Medical Journal show a distinct link between temperature of tea consumed and risk of developing cancer.

Its best to have your tea warm possible below 149 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of hot tea anywhere above 156 degrees Fahrenheit could increase risk of cancer almost eightfold. There are other risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol. But this is the first time study points at the temperature and not carcinogenic agents as the cause. Hence medical world opinion is divided.

Via abc News