Tea is often celebrated as one of the healthiest beverages available, not only for the beneficial compounds it contains but also for its ability to filter out harmful substances. Recent research conducted by Northwestern University in Illinois has demonstrated that the brewing process of tea can effectively reduce toxic heavy metals in drinking water.
According to the study, a standard cup of tea, made from one mug of water and a single tea bag steeped for three to five minutes, can eliminate approximately 15% of lead from contaminated water. This revelation was communicated in a recent press release from the researchers.
During the brewing process, toxic metals such as lead and cadmium are absorbed by the tea leaves, thereby preventing them from dissolving into the water. Benjamin Shindel, the lead author of the study, mentioned to Fox News Digital that the way people typically prepare their tea significantly influences their lead intake. He noted that longer steeping times lead to greater reductions in metal presence in the water.
Shindel elaborated, stating, “Any tea that steeps for a longer time or has a larger surface area will effectively remediate more heavy metals.” He cautioned, however, that individuals who brew their tea for very short durations would not see considerable benefits in terms of metal removal. In contrast, steeping tea for extended periods, such as overnight for iced tea, could remove most, if not all, of the metals present in the water.
The team explored various types of tea, different brewing methods, and the efficacy of tea bags in absorbing heavy metals like lead, chromium, copper, zinc, and cadmium. Their findings pointed out that the absorbent properties were consistent across various tea types, including wood-derived tea bags. Notably, cellulose tea bags demonstrated significantly better absorption compared to those made of cotton or nylon.
The research revealed that tea leaves possess a “high active surface area,” which makes them particularly effective at attracting and absorbing contaminants. Shindel also noted that tea leaves processed to have larger surface areas might facilitate even greater metal uptake. The process is straightforward: simply add tea leaves to water and steep them to naturally filter out harmful metals.
Despite the promising results, Shindel cautioned that people should not solely depend on tea as a primary method for purifying their water. He stated, “We were surprised that even after just a couple of minutes, we were able to see a small but significant amount of metal remediation.”
While they observed measurable decreases in metal concentrations, the researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to ascertain if these findings translate to broader public health benefits. Shindel concluded that while brewing tea can marginally reduce lead consumption, its contribution to overall toxins in drinking water should not be overestimated.
Moreover, John Rumpler, the clean water program director for Environment America, highlighted the serious threat posed by lead, particularly for children. He remarked on the prevalent issue of lead contamination in drinking water, especially in schools and childcare centers. Rumpler advocated for the implementation of filtered water stations to replace outdated water fountains and the replacement of lead pipes in these facilities.
For more health-related articles, you can visit www.foxnews.com/health. The study from Northwestern was partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. Melissa Rudy, the senior health editor, is a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital and welcomes story tips via email.
