For countless individuals, a day without a cup of tea seems unimaginable. It stands as the second-most consumed beverage globally, surpassed only by water. While tea can be relished in both hot and cold forms, hot tea, in particular, holds a reputation for its comforting qualities.
The original ‘tea’ originates from the Camellia sinensis plant, boasting numerous regional variations across the world. The primary categories of true teas includes black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh. Yet, when discussing teas, herbal varieties often enter the conversation. Herbal teas come in countless forms globally, with favorites including chamomile, hibiscus, peppermint, and rooibos. Each tea type offers its distinct health benefits or considerations, prompting a closer examination of one’s chosen brew.
But what about the broader health implications of hot tea consumption? Are there overarching advantages or risks associated with consuming hot teas in general? Indeed, several studies suggest that the temperature of a beverage can have significant effects regardless of its specific composition.
The Potential Health Benefits of Hot Tea
Contrary to the belief that the temperature of tea bears no influence on its health effects, research suggests otherwise. Particularly, mental well-being appears to benefit from hot beverage consumption, such as tea.
Mental Health
The concept of psychological “warmth” pertains to feelings of positivity and trust towards others. When perceiving someone as having good intentions, this sentiment can be equated with warmth.
In a study where participants briefly held either a hot or cold cup of coffee before rating a stranger’s ‘warmth’, the beverage’s temperature noticeably influenced their perception. Those who briefly held a warm cup tended to rate the stranger as significantly more trustworthy.
Weight Management
Studies examining hot tea consumption have linked it to potential weight management benefits. Regular hot tea drinkers exhibited lower waist circumferences and body mass indexes (BMI).
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Potential Risks of Hot Tea
However, research has uncovered at least one significant health risk associated with hot tea consumption: a correlation with esophageal cancer.
Esophageal Cancer
A study conducted in Iran, involving over 50,000 participants, revealed that individuals consuming two to three mugs of scalding black tea daily were twice as likely to develop esophageal cancer. The highest risk was observed among those consuming tea at or above 140˚ F (60˚ C).
To mitigate this risk, it’s advisable to allow your tea to cool for a few minutes before consumption, especially if adding milk, which aids in lowering the drink’s temperature.
Healthier Alternatives
For those apprehensive about the potential health risks of hot tea or simply prefer cooler options, there’s encouraging news. Steeping tea in cold water has been found to offer comparable antioxidant and nutritional benefits in most cases (1). Notably, white tea has shown increased antioxidant properties when steeped in cold water instead of hot. If cold tea is your preference, opting for white tea could amplify the health benefits with every sip (2).