Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that tea’s medicinal effect may be linked to its ability to remove charged atoms, or ions, of heavy metals from water. The study found that brewing black tea reduces lead ions in water by 15% after just five minutes. While the team didn’t test the health implications, they suggest that even small reductions in metal intake could lead to a decrease in diseases associated with metal consumption. The findings also highlight the importance of using the right type and material of bagged tea, as some materials can enhance heavy metal removal. Despite concerns about relying solely on tea for water purification, the research offers promising directions for developing sustainable methods to remove contaminants from water worldwide.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/25/brewing-tea-removes-heavy-metals-water-study