Could drinking tea kill you?

By Wendy Slinger in In the news on Friday, April 3, 2009 @ 15:09

After my last GP consultation, I was told that I should take pride in the risk free, healthy lifestyle that I lead. I do not smoke, my alcohol consumption is minimal, and I haven't required hospital treatment in accident and emergency since packing in my parascending hobby at the age of 28, (two decades ago!)
 
However, I was astounded to discover only yesterday, when reading a medical article, that although I have strived to maintain my healthy lifestyle, I may in fact have been placing myself under more risk than I thought...and it is all down to my drinking habits. That is according to the Iranian scientists who have discovered a link between oesophageal cancer, and the amount a person drinks hot, black tea.
 
Admittedly, I drink an obscene amount of tea. I practically binge drink the stuff, and may even be addicted...but why not? Until now, I had no reason to believe that tea could harm my health in any way what so ever. According to these recent discoveries, however, the excessive consumption of hot black tea can damage the lining of the gullet and increase my risk of developing oesophageal cancer. Adding milk can cool your drink and, in most cases, eradicate the risk. As a black tea drinker, however, I am potentially increasing the risk to my health.

Naturally I will consult my GP about this new, unexpected threat and will take any medical advice she gives me quite seriously. Unfortunately for my gullet, however, I may not find it as easy to maintain my healthy lifestyle if any cutting down of my tea consumption is required.