Tea has long been associated with health benefits, but scientists have discovered another unexpected effect of the drink. Researchers from Northwestern University in the US have found that brewed
tea can reduce heavy metals in water by binding their ions. This discovery may explain why regular consumption of tea provides additional benefits to the body.
Studies have shown that brewing black tea for five minutes reduces the concentration of lead ions in water by about 15%.
Scientists suggest that chemical compounds present in tea react with metals and remove them from water. This process may play a role in reducing the body's overall exposure to heavy metals, which is especially important for people living in areas with unfavorable environmental conditions.
Как исследователи обнаружили очищающий эффект чая
The research team conducted a series of experiments using different batches of water with known concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium. Brewed tea was added to each of the samples and after a certain time the concentration of metals in the liquid was measured. Similar solutions without added tea were used as a control.
The results showed that tea does reduce pollutants, and the degree of water purification depends on several factors: water temperature, brewing time, and even the shape of the raw tea. For example, crushed tea leaves had a more pronounced effect than whole leaves. Longer infusion also contributed to a greater reduction in metal concentrations.
Interestingly, not all teas perform equally well in removing heavy metals. The scientists found that black, green and white teas in their test samples were the most effective in reducing lead ions. At the same time, rooibos,
ulun and chamomile tea showed significantly less effect.
Another surprising result involved tea bags. Researchers tested whether the material of the tea bags affects the ability of tea to remove metals from water. They found that empty cellulose bags themselves reduced the concentration of lead ions in water, while cotton and nylon bags did not.
Possible health effects
The researchers note that even small reductions in heavy metal consumption can have beneficial effects on health. In countries with relatively clean water, such as the UK, the effect may be minimal, but in regions with high levels of metals in the water, it can be significant.
Benjamin Shindel, lead author of the study, notes that while the main contribution to the health benefits of tea is usually attributed to the antioxidants it contains, this effect may be complemented by its ability to reduce pollutants. Considering that millions of people drink tea every day, even a small reduction in heavy metals in water could play a role in improving long-term public health.
Previous studies have already linked tea consumption to a lower risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and even
slowed cognitive aging. Now we can add to that list the potential role of tea in reducing exposure to toxic metals.
Tea is a possible solution to the problem of contaminated water
Despite the impressive results, scientists warn that tea should not be considered a complete method of water purification. Professor Michel Frankl, an expert in tea chemistry, emphasizes that people concerned about heavy metals in water should not rely solely on tea.
However, she believes this research opens up new possibilities for creating environmentally friendly and affordable methods of water purification, which is especially relevant to developing countries.
Perhaps in the future, the principles behind this mechanism will help develop new filtration technologies based on the properties of plant compounds. But already now tea drinkers can rejoice: their favorite beverage not only brings pleasure, but also probably makes water cleaner.