Chicago, Illinois – A cup of tea has long been known for its soothing properties, but researchers at Northwestern University in the US have uncovered a potentially groundbreaking discovery related to its health benefits. According to a recent study, black tea has the ability to remove heavy metal ions from water, providing a scientific explanation for its positive effects on health.

Lead author of the research, Benjamin Shindel, highlighted that the study’s findings suggest that the removal of metals from water, rather than the flavor chemicals in tea, may be the driving force behind the associated health benefits. The team found that brewing a cup of black tea for five minutes resulted in a 15% reduction in lead ions in water.

While the study did not directly test the health implications of consuming tea, Shindel emphasized that even in areas with low levels of lead in drinking water like the UK, tea consumption could still have a minor impact on reducing metal intake and possibly preventing diseases associated with metal consumption.

Previous research has suggested that tea drinkers may have a lower risk of stroke, dementia, and even death. The study, published in ACS Food Science & Technology, detailed how black tea reduced the concentration of various heavy metal ions, including lead, chromium, and cadmium, during steeping.

Furthermore, the research indicated that longer brewing times and higher water temperatures were associated with greater reductions in lead ion concentrations in black tea. It was also noted that different types of tea, such as black, green, and white, showed varying abilities to reduce lead ions in water, with black tea demonstrating the most significant impact.

Despite these findings, Professor Michelle Francl of Bryn Mawr College cautioned against relying on tea as a solution for removing heavy metals from water. She did, however, acknowledge the study’s potential for developing sustainable methods to address water contamination issues globally. This research opens up new possibilities for addressing water quality concerns and highlights the importance of exploring natural solutions to environmental challenges.