Your Tea Bag Is Likely Releasing Billions of Microplastic Particles, According to a New Study
www.foodandwine.com
Research from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain found that individual tea bags steeped in boiling water can release billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles. Here's what to know.

Summary

A new study from Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona reveals that tea bags made from nylon, polypropylene, and cellulose release billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles when steeped in boiling water.

These particles, which can enter human intestinal cells, may pose health risks, potentially affecting the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems.

Researchers urge regulatory action to mitigate plastic contamination in food packaging.

Consumers are advised to use loose-leaf tea with stainless steel infusers or biodegradable tea bags to minimize exposure.

    • portuga@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      30 days ago

      You’re so right. Azores (a part of Portugal) produces some great tea. Love the green variety

      • DudeImMacGyver@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        1·
        29 days ago

        Just be sure to brew it at the right temperature. I ruined green tea for years until someone pointed out I was doing it wrong by using boiling water. I never realized you’re supposed to brew it at or under 160F

        • portuga@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          29 days ago

          The green variety you shouldn’t brew as hot Just a broil (is that the word?) And also leave it longer in the “stew”

          • splinter@lemm.eeEnglish
            2·
            26 days ago

            It is not the word. Broiling is a cooking technique of using very high direct radiant heat (i.e. cooking below the heat source). In England and Europe it’s often called “grilling”.

            • portuga@lemmy.worldEnglish
              1·
              2 days ago

              Sorry, late reply. Not a native speaker, and although I know a bit of english, I struggle with some culinary terms. I thought broil was when you heat water just below boiling point, like 80°C instead of 100°. What’s the term for that? It’s more like poaching 😅

              • splinter@lemm.eeEnglish
                2·
                2 days ago

                The word you would use is “steep”. It means to put something in a liquid to extract its flavor into the liquid.

                Maybe you were thinking about “braise”, which is when you half cover something in a liquid and cook it all just below boiling, but then the liquid turns into a sauce.

                • portuga@lemmy.worldEnglish
                  2·
                  1 day ago

                  Thanks for improving my vocabulary 🙏 I mean it, or I wouldn’t have asked. Now can offer you a cup of tea?