The World Health Organization's cancer research team has rolled back its classification of coffee as a probable carcinogen. Based on an ongoing review, the team found no conclusive evidence that coffee causes cancer but did warn that drinking it - or other beverages - piping hot could lead to cancer of the esophagus.
After evaluating data from China, Iran, Turkey and South America, the researchers concluded that regular consumption of very hot drinks (70 degrees Celsius or 158 degrees Fahrenheit) is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
The principal risk factors for this disease in the west are smoking and drinking alcohol, but elsewhere drinking very hot beverages - particularly mate tea traditionally consumed very hot (at 70 degrees C) was linked to esophageal cancer, the eighth most common cause of cancer death worldwide.
Studies in animals also showed a link between the disease and very hot drinks. No such association was seen between tea consumed warm or cold.
After evaluating data from China, Iran, Turkey and South America, the researchers concluded that regular consumption of very hot drinks (70 degrees Celsius or 158 degrees Fahrenheit) is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
The principal risk factors for this disease in the west are smoking and drinking alcohol, but elsewhere drinking very hot beverages - particularly mate tea traditionally consumed very hot (at 70 degrees C) was linked to esophageal cancer, the eighth most common cause of cancer death worldwide.
Studies in animals also showed a link between the disease and very hot drinks. No such association was seen between tea consumed warm or cold.
