Cancer specialist explains why you shouldn’t consume piping hot food and drinks

Love your tea or coffee piping hot? Experts warn that drinking beverages above 65°C may increase oesophageal cancer risk up to 8 times. Here’s why you should let it cool first. (Image: Pexels)

• Consuming very hot foods raises oesophageal cancer risk
• WHO warns foods above 65°C can increase cancer risk eightfold
• Let hot foods cool before eating to reduce health risks

Did our AI summary help?

This might not be good news for those who love their food and beverages steaming hot. Dr Tarang Mishra, a cancer specialist, took to his Instagram account to explain how the regular consumption of very hot foods and liquids can lead to serious illnesses and may even prove to be fatal.

Why is consuming too hot foods bad for you?

“Many people have the habit of eating piping hot food like boiling vegetables, hot sambhar, and hot kadhi straight off the gas, the moment it’s taken off the stove. This is extremely damaging for you,” he warned, adding that you should allow it time to cool down a little.

The cancer specialist added that this shouldn’t be taken lightly as it significantly increases the risk of cancer. He said, “Did you know the World Health Organisation (WHO) has given a clear warning that consuming beverages or foods at temperatures above 65°C increases the risk of oesophageal (food pipe) cancer by up to eight times.”

Also Read: Health benefits of drinking warm water on empty stomach

Dr Mishra added how chronic irritation and inflammation can cause much more damage than you think. “When a liquid is that hot your tongue will obviously burn, but imagine what can happen to the inner lining of the mouth, throat, and food tube.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr Tarang krishna (@drtarangkrishna)

He further explained how this repeated irritation of the inner mucosa can cause cell mutation and that’s where the cancer process begins. For those who drink alcohol and chew tobacco, it poses a greater risk, as the heat injury makes the mucous lining more vulnerable to toxic substances.

Also Read: Hot coffee in plastic cups may expose drinkers to lakhs of microplastics each year: Study

What should you ideally do?

Dr Mishra advised, “If you want to have something hot, let it cool for a while. Do a sip test first. If you can’t even hold the cup comfortably in your hand, then it’s not safe for your throat either. Have lukewarm drinks. Choose mildly hot beverages. Not only do they taste better, they are safer for your health as well.”

FAQs on why you should avoid hot drinks and food

Why is consuming too hot foods bad for you?

“Many people have the habit of eating piping hot food like boiling vegetables, hot sambhar, and hot kadhi straight off the gas, the moment it’s taken off the stove. This is extremely damaging for you,” Dr Mishra warned, adding that you should allow it time to cool down a little.

How does consuming hot food increase cancer risk?

The cancer specialist highlighted that this shouldn’t be taken lightly as it significantly increases the risk of cancer. “Did you know the World Health Organisation (WHO) has given a clear warning that consuming beverages or foods at temperatures above 65°C increases the risk of oesophageal (food pipe) cancer by up to eight times,” he said.

What other damages can hot food cause?

Dr Mishra pointed out that chronic irritation and inflammation from hot food can cause significant damage. “When a liquid is that hot, your tongue will obviously burn, but imagine what can happen to the inner lining of the mouth, throat, and food tube,” he explained.

How does this irritation lead to cancer?

He further explained that repeated irritation of the inner mucosa can cause cell mutation, which is where the cancer process begins. For those who drink alcohol and chew tobacco, the risk is even greater, as the heat injury makes the mucous lining more vulnerable to toxic substances.

What should you ideally do?

Dr Mishra advised, “If you want to have something hot, let it cool for a while. Do a sip test first. If you can’t even hold the cup comfortably in your hand, then it’s not safe for your throat either. Have lukewarm drinks. Choose mildly hot beverages. Not only do they taste better, but they are also safer for your health as well.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.