The presence of lead in drinking water is a major health concern, with long-term exposure linked to neurological damage, cardiovascular issues, and developmental problems in children. While modern regulations aim to reduce contamination, aging pipes and environmental pollution continue to pose risks. However, a recent study suggests that a simple habit – brewing tea – may help reduce exposure to heavy metals like lead.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered that tea has the ability to remove charged ions of heavy metals, including lead, from water. Their findings showed that black tea brewed for five minutes reduced lead ion concentrations by about 15%. Longer steeping times and higher temperatures further enhanced this effect. Additionally, ground tea leaves proved more effective than whole leaves, and black, green, and white teas outperformed herbal options like chamomile and rooibos.
Despite these promising findings, experts caution that drinking tea alone is not a complete solution to lead contamination. Prof. Michelle Francl of Bryn Mawr College noted that while tea may offer some benefit, addressing the root causes of lead exposure, including aging infrastructure and industrial pollution, remains critical.
This research, published in ACS Food Science & Technology, opens new possibilities for developing sustainable, natural filtration methods. While tea lovers may already appreciate its health benefits, this study offers another reason to brew a cup: it may subtly reduce harmful metal intake.
