That first sip of tea or spoonful of steaming sambar often feels comforting. Many people enjoy food when it is piping hot. But what if that everyday habit is quietly harming your body? A recent Instagram video by Dr Tarang Krishna has sparked fresh concern about a risk most of us ignore.
In the video, the doctor highlights a simple but serious issue. Eating or drinking items that are “too hot to hold” may not just burn your tongue. Over time, it could damage your throat in ways you cannot see.
Cancer Risk Linked To Hot Food And Drinks
Dr Tarang Krishna explains that people often prefer extremely hot meals. This includes freshly cooked vegetables, very hot sambar and steaming kadhi straight from the stove. However, he warns that this habit can be “one of the most damaging things for your health.”
He points to a clear temperature threshold. Consuming beverages or food above 65 degrees Celsius significantly increases health risks. At such high temperatures, hot liquids do more than cause temporary discomfort. They can injure the delicate inner lining of the mouth, throat and food pipe.
The doctor asks viewers to imagine what happens inside the body. Repeated exposure to very hot food or drinks can irritate and damage cells. With time, these cells may undergo abnormal changes. This is where the process of cancer can begin.
His advice is practical and easy to follow. If you enjoy hot drinks, allow them to cool slightly before sipping. Always test first. If you cannot comfortably touch the cup or keep your hand on it, the drink is likely too hot for your throat as well.
He also recommends choosing safer options, such as warm or mildly hot food. According to him, this is not only better for taste but also far better for long-term health.
Why Food Above 65°C May Increase Cancer Risk
Medical research supports this warning. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and findings from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), regularly drinking very hot beverages above 65°C is associated with a higher risk of oesophageal cancer.
As mentioned in IARC evaluations, extremely hot drinks can cause chronic thermal injury. This repeated heat damage may trigger inflammation and cellular changes in the oesophagus. Over time, this may raise the likelihood of cancer development.
Experts stress that the risk is linked to temperature, not the type of drink. Tea, coffee or soup can all pose a problem if consumed while scalding hot.
A Small Change To Protect Your Health
Let your food cool down a little. Avoid rushing into that burning-hot sip. Choosing a safer temperature is an easy step that may help protect your throat and reduce long-term Cancer risks.
Sometimes, better health begins not with a new diet, but with a moment of patience.
