Findings published in the International Journal of Cancerr suggest that drinking tea above 60 degrees celsius increases the risk of oesophageal cancer by 90 per cent compared to those who drank at cooler temperatures.
The research included more than 50,000 participants.
"Many people enjoy drinking tea, coffee, or other hot beverages. However, according to our report, drinking very hot tea can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, and it is therefore advisable to wait until hot beverages cool down before drinking," said lead study author, Dr. Farhad Islami.
Volunteers, aged between 40 and 75, were monitored for an average of 10 years. Researchers noted there were 317 new cases of oesophageal cancer during that period.
Scientists suggest that this might be down to trauma experienced in the oesophagus leading to cell changes.
