A comforting cup of steaming hot tea serves as an ideal remedy for warming up during chilly days, enjoying heartfelt conversations with friends, or providing solace in times of stress. Its cultural significance and myriad health benefits only add to its charm, making tea the second most consumed beverage globally, following water, with over 2 billion people indulging in it daily. Nevertheless, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with drinking tea at excessively high temperatures. Research indicates that consuming very hot tea may elevate the risk of certain cancers, alongside the possibility of burns.

This article aims to provide you with comprehensive insights into both the advantages and disadvantages of enjoying hot tea.

Varieties of Hot Tea

As you stroll through the tea section of your local grocery store, the sheer variety can be quite overwhelming. With options ranging from refreshing green tea to the aromatic Earl Grey, the choices are seemingly endless. Each type of tea available has its unique characteristics and flavor profiles.

True Teas

The term “true” teas refers to those brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub, which originates from China and East Asia. Within this category, there exists a diverse array of true teas. Their differences arise from several factors including the specific subspecies of the plant, the size and maturity of the leaves when harvested, the processing methods employed, combinations of various tea types, and the incorporation or infusion of distinct aromas and flavors.

True teas are broadly classified into six categories based on how the leaves are processed:

• White Tea. This delicate tea is made from young buds that are carefully picked while still adorned with silvery or white hairs and are then promptly dried.
• Green Tea. Fresh green leaves are harvested and heated immediately to prevent oxidation and maintain their vibrant color.
• Yellow Tea. After picking, these leaves are allowed to wither and develop a yellow hue before being dried.
• Oolong Tea. The leaves undergo a wilting process under sunlight, are bruised, and are partially oxidized to enhance their flavor.
• Black Tea. The leaves are wilted, crushed, and fully oxidized to produce a robust taste.
• Post-Fermented Tea. This category includes green tea that has undergone fermentation and aging processes, exemplified by pu-erh tea.

Tea can be enjoyed simply with hot water or complemented with ingredients such as milk, cream, honey, sugar, lemon, or a blend of herbs and spices. Additionally, tea can be served as iced tea or instant tea for convenience.

Herbal Teas

Teas that do not originate from the Camellia sinensis plant are commonly referred to as herbal teas or tisanes. These beverages are created by infusing a variety of elements including herbs, spices, fruits, and other plant components such as leaves, flowers, buds, roots, and bark. Throughout various cultures, herbal teas have been cherished for their medicinal properties, offering a plethora of alleged health benefits. While some of these assertions are substantiated by contemporary scientific research, others remain unverified. Popular herbal tea varieties include peppermint, chamomile, fennel, sage, raspberry leaf (rasbhari patta), lemon, rosehip, nettle, cinnamon, rooibos, ginger, rose, and lavender.

In summary, true teas encompass green, yellow, white, oolong, black, and post-fermented teas derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub, while herbal teas are crafted from a diverse array of other plants, including herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, and bark.

Advantages of Consuming Hot Tea

Nutrient-Rich Tea for Disease Prevention

Tea is remarkably low in calories and macronutrients, yet it boasts a wealth of antioxidants and beneficial compounds, primarily derived from polyphenols — plant-based substances like catechins. Among the various types of tea, unsweetened green tea and black tea have undergone the most extensive research regarding their health advantages. The consumption of these teas may:

• Assist in Cancer Prevention. Regular intake of black tea is linked to a staggering 21% lower risk of cancer mortality, while drinking just one cup of green tea daily is associated with an 11% reduction in the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Lower Heart Disease Risk. Consuming two cups of tea each day may significantly decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease, and enjoying three cups of green tea can reduce the risk of cardiac death by 26%.
• Help Manage Blood Pressure. Regular tea consumption may lead to a slight reduction in blood pressure (, ).
• Minimize Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Drinking four cups of tea daily has been shown to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 10%.
• Aid in Weight Management. Tea consumption is associated with reduced body fat. The polyphenols in black tea may play a role in preventing obesity, while green tea can help enhance metabolism.
• Enhance Cognitive Health. Regular tea drinkers might experience a decreased risk of depression and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

A variety of herbal teas also offer health benefits, including:

• better sleep quality
• relief from menstrual discomfort
• easing menopause symptoms
• lowered anxiety levels
• stress reduction

Despite these promising findings, it's important to note that many studies have limited sample sizes. Further research is necessary to solidify the notion that hot tea drinking indeed contributes positively to health.

Potential Protection Against Glaucoma

Glaucoma encompasses a series of eye disorders that rank as the primary cause of irreversible blindness globally. Population-based studies indicate a correlation between the consumption of hot tea and a decreased occurrence of glaucoma. In a survey involving 1,678 participants, researchers observed that individuals who drank at least one cup of hot tea daily exhibited a 74% lower likelihood of developing glaucoma compared to those who abstained. Another investigation revealed that consuming two cups of tea daily was associated with an 18% reduction in glaucoma risk. Interestingly, decaffeinated hot tea and iced tea did not show significant protective effects. The favorable outcomes are likely attributed to the flavonoids present in true teas, which are often found in lower concentrations in decaffeinated and iced varieties. While these findings are encouraging, additional studies are required to establish the mechanisms by which hot tea may mitigate glaucoma risk.

Positive Mood Influence

It's widely believed that a steaming cup of tea brings emotional benefits, such as relaxation and enhanced mental clarity. In fact, regular tea consumption has been linked to a 30% decreased likelihood of experiencing depression. Notably, the components found in true tea, including caffeine, teasaponin, L-theanine, and polyphenols, may positively impact the brain by reducing inflammation, interacting with neural pathways, and modulating hormones that affect mood, like dopamine. Moreover, the simple act of preparing and enjoying tea may elevate one's mood. Many of the uplifting effects of tea likely arise from the calming ritual of its preparation and the pleasure of anticipation. Other mood-enhancing aspects may stem from the sensory experience of the tea itself and its cultural significance in various societies. Additionally, it’s possible that engaging in small, uplifting daily activities, such as brewing a cup of tea, can accumulate over time to help stave off depression. Nevertheless, further research is essential to clarify the precise ways in which hot tea influences mood.

Keeping You Warm

Some researchers suggest that the human abdomen contains temperature receptors, implying that hot beverages like tea may influence the body’s thermal responses. One study discovered that consuming hot water at 126°F (52°C) can reduce shivering for ten minutes, which could be advantageous during work or exercise in chilly environments. Drinking hot liquids such as tea may alleviate shivering in cold conditions. Additionally, the plant compounds found in this warm, comforting drink may also relieve symptoms of depression, elevate mood, safeguard eye health, and aid in preventing various health issues.

Drawbacks of Consuming Hot Tea

Excessively Hot Tea and Esophageal Cancer Risk

Numerous scientific studies have established a concerning link between the consumption of excessively hot tea and the risk of developing esophageal cancer, particularly among individuals who smoke or consume alcohol. It is believed that tea served at temperatures exceeding 140–149°F (60–65°C) may cause thermal injury to the cells lining the esophagus, thereby heightening their susceptibility to damage from carcinogenic substances. Both black and green tea show an increased cancer risk when consumed at high temperatures; however, the latter seems to offer a protective effect when enjoyed at temperatures below 149°F (65°C). While further investigation is necessary to pinpoint the precise temperature thresholds for minimizing risk, it’s wise to allow hot tea to cool to below 140°F (60°C) before sipping.

Risk of Burns from Hot Tea

Tea is typically brewed using extremely hot or boiling water, often being served at temperatures around 191–196°F (91–90°C). Consequently, spills can result in severe scalding injuries. Young children and elderly individuals face heightened burn risks due to their thinner skin and smaller body size. In fact, hot water is the leading cause of burns among children aged 6–24 months and adults over 65. Thus, it is crucial to exercise caution when preparing tea and ideally allow it to cool before serving. Researchers recommend serving tea at 130–160°F (54–71°C) for optimal taste, but keeping drinking temperatures below 140°F (60°C) is advisable.

Caffeine Content in Tea

Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in tea, coffee, cocoa, yerba mate, and several other plants, can have both beneficial and adverse health effects, varying by individual, source, and quantity consumed. Certain groups may need to limit or avoid caffeine intake, including those sensitive to it, individuals with liver or heart conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, teenagers, and children. Adults should aim to cap their caffeine consumption at 400 mg per day, as exceeding this amount can lead to issues like restlessness, nervousness, gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle tremors, irritability, and altered heart rhythms. The caffeine content in a cup of tea varies: for instance, 100g of brewed green tea typically contains around 29.4 mg of caffeine, whereas 100g of black tea has approximately 47.4 mg. However, these figures can fluctuate based on the specific blend and steeping duration. For those wishing to steer clear of caffeine, decaffeinated teas are available, and many herbal varieties, such as peppermint, chamomile, and ginger teas, are naturally free of caffeine.

In summary, consuming excessively hot tea can elevate the risks of burns and esophageal cancer. It is advisable to allow tea to cool to below 140°F (60°C) prior to consumption. Furthermore, true tea contains caffeine, which may have detrimental effects in high doses for certain populations.

How to Prepare Hot Tea

To savor a delightful cup of hot tea, begin by choosing between a true tea or an herbal alternative that piques your interest. Popular options include English breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling , sencha, peppermint ], and chamomile . The appropriate temperature and brewing duration can vary significantly based on the specific tea blend you opt for.

For instance, black tea is typically steeped using nearly boiling water for a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, while the more delicate white tea is ideally brewed at a temperature range of 158 to 167°F (70 to 75°C) for about 1 to 3 minutes. Most teas provide guidelines regarding the optimal brewing temperature and time, ensuring the best flavor extraction.

Once your tea is brewed, carefully pour it into a teacup or mug and allow it to cool slightly. Be cautious not to let the tea steep for too long, as this can result in a bitter taste. If you're uncertain whether the tea has cooled sufficiently for consumption, using a cooking thermometer can be a helpful tool to ensure it has cooled to at least 140°F (60°C). Additionally, it's important to note that incorporating milk and sugar into your tea may diminish the beneficial effects of health-promoting antioxidants. Thus, it might be wise to enjoy your tea without additives. However, feel free to experiment with various blends and flavorings to discover a combination that perfectly matches your palate.

In summary, to brew tea successfully, select your desired type and follow the recommended brewing temperature and time. Pour into a cup and allow it to cool to below 140°F (60°C) before relishing every sip.

The Bottom Line

Hot tea is an exquisite beverage enjoyed worldwide, available in a multitude of varieties and flavors. This delightful drink not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a plethora of health benefits, including robust antioxidants that are associated with the prevention of various diseases and the enhancement of mental well-being. It is crucial, however, to exercise caution when preparing and consuming hot tea. Ideally, allow it to cool to 140°F (60°C) or lower prior to serving to mitigate the risks of burns and potential cancer.