Does Drinking Hot Coffee Cause Throat Cancer?
When it comes to drinking hot coffee, many people wrongly assume that it can be bad for your throat health. In fact, a recent media headline claimed that “drinking too hot coffee can raise your risk of throat cancer”. It is true that drinking hot beverages can cause the throat to feel dry and irritated, but what does the scientific evidence truly say about the relationship between hot coffee and throat cancer?
Surprisingly, there is no convincing evidence linking hot coffee with an increased risk of throat cancer. A study conducted by researchers from the National Institutes of Health in the United States found no significant link. Similarly, a 2015 study conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research discovered that when considering both types of throat cancers (laryngeal and esophageal), hot beverages are not associated with a greater risk. Other large studies have demonstrated similar findings.
One reason why drinking hot coffee may not increase the risk of throat cancer is because the head and neck region is relatively well-protected by the immune system. In other words, inflammation caused by drinking hot coffee is generally unlikely to lead to cancer. However, it is worth noting that some people may be more sensitive to heat in the throat, so some people may experience adverse effects.
Furthermore, some research suggests that regular consumption of very hot beverages may have other adverse effects. For instance, some studies suggest that people who drink very hot beverages regularly may be at greater risk for developing mouth ulcers. Consuming a hot beverage may also cause the throat to become dry and uncomfortable.
So, when it comes to the relationship between hot coffee and throat cancer, the scientific evidence is quite clear. Drinking hot coffee does not appear to increase the risk. It may be beneficial to avoid excessively hot beverages, but, according to the scientific evidence, it does not seem necessary to avoid hot coffee altogether.
Effects on Oral Health
Although research has not found a link between hot coffee and throat cancer, consuming hot drinks regularly may have other oral health effects. One study, conducted in 2018, found that consumption of very hot beverages increases the risk of periodontal disease, a condition where gum tissue becomes inflamed. People who are especially vulnerable are those with sensitive teeth.
Another 2018 study found that drinking regular-temperature black tea may help to reduce the risk of cavities, while drinking very hot black tea may actually increase the risk. Ironically, the study found that drinking very hot black tea may trigger inflammation, potentially leading to the release of a hormone that causes cavities.
Overall, hot drinks can damage the tooth enamel and can also dry out the mouth, potentially leading to bad breath. Additionally, drinking very hot drinks may cause people to become dependent on them in order to feel refreshed, which could potentially lead to other oral health issues.
It is worth noting that these potential risks are related to consuming excessively hot beverages, not regular-temperature drinks. To be safe, it might be beneficial to wait for hot drinks to cool down before consuming them.
Effects on the Digestive Tract
Although hot beverages are not linked to throat cancer, they can have effects on the digestive tract. For instance, drinking very hot to burn-temperature beverages can result in severe gastric mucosal injury. This type of injury can lead to increased risk of esophageal and gastric cancers.
Moreover, drinking very hot beverages can cause the stomach to become overly acidic, which can also lead to digestive issues such as indigestion, heartburn and stomach ulcers. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking very hot beverages.
Soothing Effects of Drinking Hot Coffee
On the other hand, the positives associated with drinking hot coffee should not be ignored. Of course, coffee is renowned for its energizing effects, but drinking a hot beverage can also be incredibly soothing. Hot beverages can even trigger the release of “feel-good” hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine.
In addition to its physical effects, drinking a hot coffee can also be a comforting and enjoyable experience, as alluded to by the saying “there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee”, particularly during the colder months. Many people love the taste, aroma and texture of hot coffee. Furthermore, if you add some cream and sugar, hot coffee can become an even more delicious and comforting experience.
Increasing Awareness of the Potential Risks
Whenever deciding to drink hot coffee, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, such as injuring the throat and digestive tract. Fortunately, monitoring your coffee’s temperature is a fairly straightforward process. Simply wait for the coffee to cool until it is lukewarm, and then enjoy. Some people even add ice cubes or cold milk to ensure that their coffee is an appropriate temperature.
Moreover, it is important to note that even if coffee is not too hot, it can still cause throat and digestive issues if consumed in excessive amounts. Consuming too much coffee can tell on the digestive health and even lead to sleeplessness and anxiety. As such, it is best to always be mindful of your daily caffeine and coffee intake.
Coffee Alternatives
If you often drink very hot coffee, you may want to consider alternative hot drinks. There are a wide range of hot tea options, such as green tea and chai, which are often filled with antioxidants and can provide a healthier option. Some people also enjoy hot cocoa, which is low in caffeine and often contains less sugar than traditional hot beverages.
Furthermore, if you find that hot beverages tend to dry out your throat and are uncomfortable to consume, you may want to consider cold drinks such as juice, smoothies or iced coffee. All of these options are healthy and taste great. Furthermore, smoothies and juices are packed full of vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial to your health.
Heating and Cooling Beverages Safely
When it comes to consuming hot beverages, there is a certain degree of risk involved. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to your body and to ensure that out beverages are not excessively hot. Furthermore, heating beverages should be done safely. For example, boiling water in a kettle or using a microwave is the safest way to heat up water.
Additionally, it is important to note that cooling hot beverages should be done in a sensible manner. Rapidly cooling down a hot drink can put too much stress on the seal of the mug or cup and cause it to break. Typically, simply leaving a cup for a few minutes is the safest way to allow hot beverages to cool.
Conclusion
Despite some headlines claiming that hot beverages raise the risk of throat cancer, there is little evidence to indicate that this is the case. Hot beverages may cause other adverse health effects, such as dental and digestive issues, so monitoring the temperature of the drinks is essential. To keep healthy, it may be beneficial to drink regular-temperature beverages and to consider alternative options such as juice or cold coffee.
