[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sipping a cup of tea can be a healthful alternative to drinking sugary sodas and fruit juices. Studies have shown that green tea especially can be good for the body.
However, most people use tea bags to brew their tea, and recent studies have raised alarm about the amount of microplastics looming in these products.
One study published last year found that tea bags constructed from polypropylene contaminated each millimeter of tea with
1.2 billion tiny pieces of plastic.
Other research has arrived at similar conclusions, raising fears that drinking a cup of tea might do more harm than good.
Kat Benson, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching, says it is “understandable to be concerned” about microplastics if you are a tea drinker.
However, she adds that it is important to keep the risk of exposure to microplastics in tea bags in context.
“Occasional exposure from tea bags is unlikely to pose a significant health risk compared to overall dietary and lifestyle factors,” she says.
What are tea bags made of?
Tea bags can be made of many different types of materials, including polypropylene, nylon and cellulose.
Researchers say polypropylene tea bags release the largest amount of microplastics, but other types of tea bags are also known to shed such plastics.
Glue and other chemicals also may be used to seal tea bags, which could raise additional concerns for some tea drinkers.
It’s important to note that microplastics are found in many other products. Water bottles and takeout containers are two other food-based sources of microplastics.
Microplastics also lurk in things such as clothing, makeup and cleaning products.
Are tea bags bad for you?
The evidence appears clear that tea bags release large amounts of microplastics. But it is less certain as to whether this fact represents a risk to your health.
Nobody can say for sure if consumption of microplastics is harmful. Experts note that the human body is exposed to many pollutants in the environment that do not cause serious harm.
Thus far, researchers have not found definitive links between microplastics and harm to humans who are exposed to them in large amounts.
However, some studies have shown associations between microplastics and health problems ranging from heart issues to inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease.
Other studies have linked microplastic exposure to everything from chronic sinusitis and reproductive health issues to colon and lung cancers.
It is important to note that none of this research has found that microplastics directly cause illness.
“While research on long-term exposure is ongoing, most microplastics pass through the body without being absorbed,” Benson says.
Still, these studies have
triggered worries for many people, including tea drinkers.
Tea bags without plastic?
Benson believes most people do not need to worry about the exposure to microplastics that come from tea bags.
However, if you are looking to reduce exposure, switching to loose-leaf tea could be an option, she adds.
“Opt for loose-leaf tea and brew it using a reusable metal or glass steeper instead of plastic-based tea bags,” Benson says.
Choosing tea bags made of paper might be another way to avoid microplastics. However, experts have noted that
even paper tea bags might contain elements — such as the string — that contain microplastics.
Another way to reduce your exposure to microplastics is to use a high-quality water filter designed to remove microplastics.
“Drinking water can be another source of exposure,” Benson says.
Some research also has suggested that dipping a tea bag in room-temperature water — and then discarding the water — might reduce your exposure to microplastics.
Running water from the tap over your tea bag might have the same effect.
However, doing so may have the negative effect of diluting some of the flavor of the tea.
Should you stop drinking tea?
Of course, one sure way to eliminate exposure to microplastics in tea bags is to stop drinking tea altogether.
However, tea provides hydration, and some types of tea have antioxidants, Benson says.
“Some are higher in antioxidants like catechins or polyphenols, while others provide functional properties, such as digestive support or relaxation,” Benson says.
Teas that are rich in anthocyanins contain antioxidants that may help counter oxidative stress, Benson says.
Research suggests that anthocyanins may play a role in mitigating some of the potential reproductive and cellular effects of microplastics, Benson says, although she cautions that this is still an area of ongoing study.
Tea can also be a lower-caffeine alternative to coffee for those who want an evening drink.
“Beyond nutrition, tea can also serve as a mindful, relaxing ritual,” Benson says.
If you drink herbal teas regularly, it’s important to be mindful that some herbs can interact with medications, potentially affecting their absorption or effectiveness, Benson says.
“For example, St. John’s Wort may interfere with medications like antidepressants, and licorice root can impact blood pressure,” she says.
If you take any medications or have health concerns, check with a health care professional before incorporating large amounts of herbal teas into your routine, Benson says.
Overall, many experts — including Benson — recommend worrying less about the microplastics in tea bags and instead looking at other changes that can potentially boost your health.
“Focusing on overall dietary patterns and a plant-rich diet with antioxidants — such as anthocyanins found in certain teas, fruits and vegetables — may help support long-term health,” Benson says.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183015" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1741905316224{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/eco-teas-organic-loose-leaf-tea-yerba-mate"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183014" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1741905331002{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/mighty-leaf-organic-matcha-green-tea-1-5-oz"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183013" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1741905348119{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/organic-india-tulsi-loose-leaf-tea"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
