Ah, tea! That warm, comforting brew that’s like a hug in a cup. Whether it’s the kick-start morning ritual or the evening wind-down, tea holds a special place in our hearts (and hands). But here’s the scoop: not all teabags are created equal, and some might be inviting unwanted guests to your tea party. Let’s dive deeper into what might be lurking in your tea and explore ways to keep your cuppa clean and cozy..
The Uninvited Guests: What’s in the Bag?
So, you’ve got your kettle whistling, and you’re about to dunk that teabag in. But wait, what’s actually in that teabag besides tea? Turns out, a bit more than we bargained for:
- Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Yep, that teabag might be shedding tiny plastic particles into your brew. Not exactly the kind of extra flavor we’re looking for.
- Bleach: Some teabags get a dip in bleach to get that clean, white look. It’s like washing your clothes, but do you really want to drink something that’s been bleached?
- Epichlorohydrin: This tongue-twister is a chemical used to make the teabag strong and water-resistant. Handy for the bag, but not so much for our insides.
Keeping it Clean: Brew it Right
Fear not, fellow tea lovers! There are ways to keep our beloved ritual safe and enjoyable:
- Loose-Leaf Love: Going old school with loose-leaf tea not only dodges the teabag troubles but also ups your tea game. Plus, watching those leaves dance in the pot is pretty therapeutic.
- Bagging it Safely: If you’re team teabag for convenience, seek out those made from biodegradable materials or brands that boast about being plastic and bleach-free. They’re out there, and they care about your tea time as much as you do.
- Cool it Down: When brewing, let that boiling water sit for a minute before pouring. It’s like letting your bath cool down—a little patience for a lot less ouch.
The Final Sip: Keeping Tea Time Terrific
At the end of the day, our tea ritual is about comfort, warmth, and maybe a little escape. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, or just enjoy a quiet sip. While we might have to be a bit more mindful about our tea choices, it doesn’t mean we can’t still relish in our beloved brew. Exploring loose-leaf teas or finding that perfect, safe teabag brand can be part of the adventure.
So, as you enjoy your next cuppa, remember that a little knowledge and a few simple choices can keep those tea moments as pure and comforting as they’re meant to be. Here’s to keeping our teas clean and our teatimes cozy—cheers!
References:
- Hernandez LM, Xu EG, Larsson HCE, Tahara R, Maisuria VB, Tufenkji N. Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea. Environ Sci Technol. 2019 Nov 5;53(21):12300-12310. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02540. Epub 2019 Sep 25. PMID: 31552738.
- Ullah, Sana et al. “A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals.” Frontiers in endocrinology vol. 13 1084236. 16 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.1084236
- Li, Shelley et al. “Could Microplastics Be a Driver for Early Onset Colorectal Cancer?.” Cancers vol. 15,13 3323. 24 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3390/cancers15133323
- Schwalfenberg, G., Genuis, S. J., & Rodushkin, I. (2013). The Benefits and Risks of Consuming Brewed Tea: Beware of Toxic Element Contamination. Journal of Toxicology, 2013, 370460. http://doi.org/10.1155/2013/370460
- National Toxicology Program. 15th Report on Carcinogens [Internet]. Research Triangle Park (NC): National Toxicology Program; 2021 Dec 21. Epichlorohydrin: CAS No. 106-89-8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK590766/