Starting your morning with a fresh cup of tea might be a perfect start to the day. But, if you are someone who relies on tea bags for a hot cuppa, it’s time to stop. Did you know that your tea bag might just be causing you more harm than good?
A study by the researchers at McGill University in Montreal shows that a single plastic teabag can release harmful particles into your cup — 16 billion microplastics (fragments of any type of plastic less than 5 mm in length) and 1 billion nano plastics (extremely small pieces or particles of plastic).
Recently, nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary took to Instagram to share the effects of these harmful toxins released in the tea from the tea bags. “Tea bags release billions of micro and nano plastics into hot water. The nylon ones are the worst cause of polypropylene (a type of plastic),” she said.
Epichlorohydrin in Tea Bags
Dr Chowdhary added that the paper teas bags have “a chemical called epichlorohydrin, which is used so that the bag doesn’t break. “epichlorohydrin leaches into hot water, and is a potential carcinogen (a substance that can cause cancer) and reproductive toxin, she informed. The nutritionist called it “scary” as many with hormonal issues use tea bags.
Agreeing, Dr Kiran Dalal, Dietician, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Mostly, tea bags have a kind of a coating of dioxin or epichlorohydrin or they are placed in chlorine. So when it is subjected to hot water, it may release that into the beverage and that may further cause harm in the human body.”
The Carcinogenic Effects of Tea Leaves
Explaining the effects of these toxins, Dr Dalal told Indianexpress.com, “It is potentially carcinogenic and contains loads of toxins that can cause certain kinds of cancers in the body.”
Experts suggested that one should prefer using powdered or loose tea leaves instead of tea bags. Dr Dalal added that one can use a cloth-based tea bag to keep all such problems at bay.
Why has Twinings stopped making Lapsang Souchong?
It has been behind some of Britain's best-loved cuppas for more than 300 years.
But Twinings could be brewing up a storm in a tea cup by discontinuing one of its staple blends.
The firm has ditched its classic Lapsang Souchong blend and replaced it with a new tea called Distinctively Smoky – branded as 'reminiscent' of the dropped style.
But currently rated one-and-a-half stars on the Twinings website, one customer described the new tea as tasting 'like sipping a swimming pool after a chemical incident'.
Another said: 'It tastes artificial, watery, none of the comforting smokiness of lapsang. Horrid.'
The firm has ditched its classic Lapsang Souchong blend and replaced it with a new tea called Distinctively Smoky – branded as 'reminiscent' of the dropped style
Distinctively Smoky costs £79 for 40 bags. Traditional Lapsang Souchong is made by smoke-drying leaves over fires.
Replying to another angry drinker, Twinings tweeted: 'Lapsang Souchong was discontinued due to challenges importing the blend,' adding it would pass feedback on to its 'Master Blenders'.
Tom Bell, who gave the Distinctively Smoky tea a one-star review, said: ‘The new blend of lapsang souchong tea is Twinings’ most disastrous achievement in its recent history - a perfect cup of tea has become an undrinkable cup of tea.
‘It tastes so awful it’s almost funny. Their new strapline, “distinctly smoky , should read “distinctly disgusting.
‘It is astonishing that Twinings actually allowed this to go on sale - it tarnishes their name.’
The Distinctively Smoky tea costs £79 for 40 teabags and is branded as tasing ‘dark and mellow with a distinct woody flavour’, with ‘black tea leaves and smoke flavouring combine to make a rich, mellow flavour’.
Traditional lapsang souchong is a black tea originating from the Wuyi mountains in South East China, made by smoke-drying leaves over pine wood fires.
But this acclaimed variety of smoky tea has seemingly not been replicated by the ‘smoke flavouring’ of the all-new Distictively Smoky, with one reviewer stating: ‘Absolutely revolting and nothing like lapsang. It doesn’t even taste like tea.’
Replying to another angry tea-drinker on Twitter, Twinings said: ‘Lapsang Souchong was discontinued due to challenges importing the blend so we released Distinctively Smoky as a replacement.
‘We’re sorry you haven’t enjoyed this tea but thank you for your feedback; we’ll make sure to pass this on to our Master Blenders.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Is smoked tea carcinogenic?
While tea itself is generally considered safe and even beneficial for health, the use of certain tea bags and tea blends may introduce harmful substances. The plastic tea bags, for example, can release microplastics and nano plastics into the hot water, which are potentially harmful. Additionally, tea bags that contain chemicals like epichlorohydrin, which is used to strengthen the bag, can leach into the tea and may be carcinogenic. It is recommended to use powdered or loose tea leaves instead of tea bags to avoid these potential risks.
Why did Twinings discontinue Lapsang Souchong?
Twinings discontinued its classic Lapsang Souchong blend and replaced it with a new tea called Distinctively Smoky. The decision was reportedly due to challenges in importing the blend. However, the new blend has received negative reviews, with customers expressing disappointment in its taste and lack of resemblance to the original Lapsang Souchong. Twinings has acknowledged the feedback and stated that it will be passed on to its Master Blenders.
What is the difference between traditional Lapsang Souchong and Distinctively Smoky?
Traditional Lapsang Souchong is a black tea that is made by smoke-drying leaves over pine wood fires. It is known for its distinct smoky flavor. On the other hand, Distinctively Smoky is a new tea blend introduced by Twinings as a replacement for Lapsang Souchong. It is described as having a dark and mellow flavor with a distinct woody flavor. However, according to customer reviews, it does not resemble the original Lapsang Souchong and has been criticized for its artificial taste.
Tea bags, especially those made of plastic, can release harmful particles into your cup, including microplastics and potentially carcinogenic chemicals like epichlorohydrin. It is recommended to use powdered or loose tea leaves instead of tea bags to avoid these potential risks. Similarly, the replacement of traditional Lapsang Souchong with a new blend called Distinctively Smoky by Twinings has received negative reviews, with customers expressing disappointment in its taste. When it comes to tea, it is important to choose high-quality and safe options to enjoy a healthy and satisfying cuppa.
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