New Study Reveals How Tea Brewing Can Purify Water and Promote Health

Drinking tea has long been associated with various health benefits, including reduced heart disease risk and decreased inflammation. However, a recent study has revealed an additional benefit of this warm beverage—its ability to help purify water during the brewing process.

A study conducted by Northwestern University in the United States has shown that boiling tea helps eliminate harmful substances from water. According to the research, the brewing process transforms toxic metals like lead into molecules that do not pose a health risk.

The study examined the impact of boiling tea on water quality, specifically focusing on how heavy metals are absorbed during the brewing process. Researchers added various metals to the water and then heated it until it boiled. Afterward, tea leaves or tea bags were added and boiled for periods ranging from a few seconds to 24 hours. The amount of metals remaining in the water was then measured.

The results showed that cellulose tea bags are particularly effective in absorbing heavy metals, while cotton or nylon bags absorb much smaller amounts. The study also found that different types of tea have varying effects on metal absorption, with black tea leaves absorbing more metals compared to other varieties.

The researchers found that boiling water with tea for just 3 to 5 minutes could remove up to 15% of lead from the water. The longer the water is boiled, the more effective the purification process.

The study’s findings were published in the *ACS Food Science & Technology* journal. Tea is known to contain beneficial nutrients like caffeine, fluoride, and flavonoids, which offer various health benefits. Previous studies have indicated that drinking tea reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

In a related study by Sichuan University in China, it was found that regular tea consumption slows the aging process, especially for those who drink it in moderate amounts. Biological age, which refers to the age of the body’s physical and mental functions, can be influenced by factors like genetics and lifestyle. The research suggests that drinking three cups of tea a day may help slow the aging process, potentially keeping you feeling younger for longer.

This discovery adds another reason to enjoy a cup of tea, not only for its taste and relaxation but also for its potential health benefits.