LONDON, March 27 (UPI) -- A study of tea drinkers in Iran suggests drinking very hot beverages may raise the risk of esophageal cancer, the British Medical Journal said.
The report said people who drink tea hotter than 158 F were eight times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than those who preferred a cooler temperature, The Times of London reported Friday.
Researchers said a high incidence of esophageal cancer was found in Iran's Golestan province, where residents report drinking large amounts of very hot tea, the report said.
David Whiteman, of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia, said in an accompanying editorial in the medical journal that tea drinkers should wait five to 10 minutes between making and pouring tea to allow it to steep properly and cool sufficiently.
The Times said most Britons prefer their tea at 140 F or lower.
