For many of us, steeping a tea bag in a steaming cup is more than just a daily routine, it’s a soothing ritual that awakens our senses and helps us start our day on a positive note. However, a shocking fact is that a recent study found that: polymer based tea bags Billions of nanoplastics and microplastics are released into the cup and can enter the bloodstream, spread throughout the body, and be absorbed by cells in the intestines.
Tiny microplastics and nanoplastics can be lurking in the air we breathe, and they can invade parts of the human body we never imagined, including the brain, heart, kidneys, and testicles. , has been proven in many studies conducted in the past.
recent study Researchers in the UAB Department of Genetics and Microbiology’s Mutagenesis Group have demonstrated how polymer-based tea bags release microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPLs) when they interact with hot water during the extraction process. I have shown that this can confuse many tea lovers. A research team from the Autonomous University of Barcelona discovered for the first time that these small particles can be absorbed by human intestinal cells and spread to many parts of the body, published in the journal Chemosphere.
In the above study, tea bags made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose polymers were used. When brewing tea using polypropylene, approximately 1.2 billion particles were released per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometers. For cellulose, approximately 135 million particles were released per milliliter, with an average size of 244 nanometers. Nylon 6 released 8.18 million particles per milliliter with an average size of 138.4 nanometers.
“Using a range of cutting-edge techniques, we were able to innovatively characterize these contaminants, which is critical for advancing research into their potential effects on human health.” It’s a powerful tool,” explained UAB researcher Alba Garcia.
Scientists stained the microparticles and exposed them to different cells in the human intestine to see how they interacted with intestinal cells that produce mucus.
After 24 hours, a specific type of digestive cell that produces mucus in the intestines absorbed significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastics. Plastic had also entered the nuclei of these cells, where genetic material resides. This is particularly worrying because it could mean that microplastics can have a significant impact on genetic processes and cause harmful consequences over time.
This showed that digestive mucus may play an important role in absorbing microplastics and nanoplastics into the body before they are transported to the bloodstream and other parts of the body.
People who are constantly exposed to food and beverage packaging can face cumulative risks over a period of time.
What is microplastic?
Microplastics are very small plastic particles that come from a variety of sources. Large plastic pieces can break down into smaller pieces, and manufactured polyethylene plastics can also be added to health and beauty products like cleansers and toothpastes as exfoliants. These microplastics end up in the oceans and Great Lakes, where they can pose a threat to aquatic life. Many studies have found evidence of their accumulation in organs such as the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Nanoplastics are everywhere, and bottled water is no exception. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found an astonishing 240,000 pieces of plastic in water bottles, representing up to 100 times more microplastics than previously thought. About 90 percent of these tiny plastic pieces were nanoplastics. Nanoplastics are particles less than 1 micron in size that can be absorbed by human cells and tissues and cross the blood-brain barrier.
How to prevent exposure to microplastics from tea
Tea lovers need not despair as they can avoid the threat of microplastics by following these simple tips.
Choose tea leaves: You can also use loose-leaf tea instead of soaking tea bags in boiling water to avoid exposure to microplastics.
Choose paper or cloth tea bags: If you use tea bags, choose ones made from natural materials such as paper or cotton, which are less likely to release microplastics.
Brew with filtered water: Use filtered water to minimize additional contaminants such as microplastics in your tea.
Minimize tea bag handling: Reduce exposure by avoiding squeezing or tearing the tea bag, which can release microplastics into the cup.
benefits of tea
Rich in antioxidants: Tea contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and support overall health.
Promotes heart health: Regular consumption of tea improves heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure.
improves digestion: Herbal teas such as ginger and peppermint can soothe digestive problems and promote a healthy gut.
Enhances concentration and attention. The caffeine and amino acid L-theanine found in tea can help improve concentration and mental clarity.
Supports weight loss: Green tea in particular helps with weight management by boosting metabolism and fat burning processes.
It’s important to avoid plastic packaging and choose glass and other safe materials that reduce the risk of plastic contamination. Don’t give your child plastic toys or anything that could be put into their mouth.
(Photo courtesy of iStock)
