Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that brewing tea can reduce the presence of heavy metals in water. Their study found that steeping black tea for just five minutes decreased lead levels by about 15%. This study adds a scientific twist to the common belief in tea’s health benefits, suggesting that tea’s ability to remove harmful substances from water might play a role.

The team tested various teas and found that black, green, and white teas were particularly effective at lowering heavy metal concentrations—more so than chamomile, rooibos, and oolong teas. They also noted that finer ground tea leaves worked better than whole leaves, and that brewing time and water temperature could increase the effectiveness of the tea.

While the findings are promising, the researchers, including expert Prof Michelle Francl, warn that tea should not be seen as the main solution to water contamination. However, this study opens new possibilities for using tea as part of affordable and sustainable water purification methods worldwide.

SOURCE:

The Guardian, February 25, 2025