JAKARTA - Tea is often considered a healthy drink. However, a recent review of a number of studies shows that the benefits can be reduced if tea is consumed in the form of packaged tea, bubble tea, extract supplements, or brewed using plastic tea bags.
As reported by The Independent, quoted Sunday, June 14, scientists say tea has the potential to help prevent diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and some types of cancer because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Tea is also said to have the potential to protect the brain and reduce muscle loss in the elderly.
Tea generally comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. From this plant, various types of tea are born, including green tea, oolong, white tea, fermented black tea, and yellow tea.
Green tea is most highlighted because it is associated with benefits for the heart. A number of studies say that green tea can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
However, researchers stressed that there is not enough data to determine whether Chinese oolong tea, white tea, fermented black tea, or yellow tea is better or worse than green tea.
The vulnerable point is in the way of consumption. In a review published in the journal Beverage Plant Research, scientists warned of the potential risks of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microplastics in tea.
The risk is not always large at normal consumption. However, in the same report, researchers assessed that it still needs to be considered by people who drink tea in large quantities and in the long term.
Scientists also remind that the consumption of processed tea such as packaged tea and bubble tea should be limited. Because, these types of drinks often contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, refined starch, flavors, and preservatives. Refined starch is starch that has been processed so that its nutritional value can be reduced.
"The presence of sugar, artificial sweeteners, or refined starch, as well as flavoring and preservatives in packaged tea or bubble tea can raise health concerns because they reduce or cover the benefits of tea," the scientists wrote in the study, as quoted by The Independent.
The study also highlighted popular green tea extract supplements for weight loss. Researchers warned of many reports of liver toxicity related to the extract-based supplements.
The risk is associated with epigallocatechin or EGCG, a compound in green tea. In laboratory experiments, high-dose EGCG administration caused liver toxicity or liver intoxication, which increased with dose.
However, researchers emphasize that poisoning from drinking tea as a beverage has not been reported in humans. It is known that tea, especially green tea, can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract in some people.
Another note comes from plastic tea bags. The review said that plastic tea bags brewed in boiling water can release more than 10⁹ microplastic particles. Microplastics are very small plastic particles that can potentially enter the body.
Overall, the review concludes that the consumption of freshly brewed traditional tea and drinking in reasonable amounts can be beneficial, especially to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Scientists say additional research is needed to clarify the health benefits of tea and assess any risks that may arise from certain consumption patterns.
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