Drinking tea incorrectly not only harms health but also leads to numerous unpredictable consequences that gradually wear down the body over time.
For a long time, drinking tea has been regarded as a refined pleasure. Additionally, according to a health study involving nearly 500,000 people conducted by the National Institutes of Health, those who drink 2-3 cups of tea daily can reduce their risk of death by 13% compared to non-tea drinkers. Therefore, drinking tea the right way can significantly protect your health.
However, there are two ways of drinking tea that can inadvertently cause serious health damage, even indirectly leading to cancer, which you need to correct immediately if you are guilty of these practices.
Drinking tea that is too hot can increase the risk of cancer, particularly esophageal cancer.
1. Drinking Tea That Is Too Hot (Above 65 Degrees Celsius)
Many people enjoy drinking tea while it is still hot, but this is not good for your throat at all. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified hot beverages over 65 degrees Celsius as Group 2A carcinogens. Regular consumption can increase the risk of cancer, especially esophageal cancer.
Under normal conditions, the mucosal temperature tolerance is only between 40-50 degrees Celsius. If the temperature exceeds this threshold, it can easily damage the esophageal mucosa, potentially leading to esophageal cancer over time.
Therefore, you need to avoid drinking tea when it is still too hot. Try to let the tea cool down to about 40 degrees Celsius before drinking. Similarly, you should avoid consuming overly hot foods and keep the temperature below 65 degrees Celsius. Eating or drinking too hot can both increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
2. Drinking Tea That Is Too Strong
Compared to regular tea, strong tea is rich in substances like theophylline and polyphenols, which, while nutritious, can irritate the digestive tract… and are extremely harmful to those with digestive issues. Regularly consuming strong tea not only harms those with conditions but also can lead to feelings of nausea and vomiting.
If you drink strong tea for an extended period, the irritation to the digestive tract can lead to stomach cancer, intestinal cancer, and other digestive cancers due to prolonged stimulation.
Additionally, strong tea contains high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, which may cause sympathetic nervous stimulation, increase heart rate, and are not beneficial for patients with hypertension and heart disease, potentially worsening their conditions.
