Summary

A new study from Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona reveals that tea bags made from nylon, polypropylene, and cellulose release billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles when steeped in boiling water.

These particles, which can enter human intestinal cells, may pose health risks, potentially affecting the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems.

Researchers urge regulatory action to mitigate plastic contamination in food packaging.

Consumers are advised to use loose-leaf tea with stainless steel infusers or biodegradable tea bags to minimize exposure.

  • @portuga
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    1 month ago

    The green variety you shouldn’t brew as hot Just a broil (is that the word?) And also leave it longer in the “stew”

    • @[email protected]
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      229 days ago

      It is not the word. Broiling is a cooking technique of using very high direct radiant heat (i.e. cooking below the heat source). In England and Europe it’s often called “grilling”.

      • @portuga
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        5 days ago

        Sorry, late reply. Not a native speaker, and although I know a bit of english, I struggle with some culinary terms. I thought broil was when you heat water just below boiling point, like 80°C instead of 100°. What’s the term for that? It’s more like poaching 😅

        • @[email protected]
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          25 days ago

          The word you would use is “steep”. It means to put something in a liquid to extract its flavor into the liquid.

          Maybe you were thinking about “braise”, which is when you half cover something in a liquid and cook it all just below boiling, but then the liquid turns into a sauce.

          • @portuga
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            24 days ago

            Thanks for improving my vocabulary 🙏 I mean it, or I wouldn’t have asked. Now can offer you a cup of tea?