World Health Organization (WHO) has downgraded the classification of Coffee as a possible carcinogen by declaring there are not enough proofs to show a link to cancer.
However, International Agency for Research on Cancer, in a report has announced that drinking very hot beverages of any kind could potentially raise the cancer link. The IARC has classified coffee as potential carcinogen to humans.
The organization cited samples from China, Iran and South America where teas are drunk at extremely high temperatures at above 60 or 70 degree Celsius or 150-160 Fahrenheit.
Owen Young, who has previously studied links between Coffee and Cancer but was not part of the IARC expert group said, “I’m not really sure why coffee was in higher category in the first place. The best evidence available suggests that coffee does not raise the cancer risk”.
“Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption are much more significant options for reducing cancer risk than the temperature of what you’re drinking,” said Dr. Otis Brawley, CMO at American Cancer Society while claiming that the cancer risk posed by Coffee through cancer is similar to that posed by pickled vegetables. However, he welcomed the news that coffee would still be considered as possible carcinogen.
By Prajakt K.
