Study Finds Tea Brewing Can Reduce Heavy Metals in Drinking Water

Research shows tea leaves can adsorb contaminants like lead, but experts stress filters are still essential for safe water.

A Northwestern University study revealed that brewing tea can remove up to 15% of lead from water by adsorbing heavy metals onto tea leaves.
The study tested various tea types, including black, green, oolong, white, chamomile, and rooibos, as well as loose-leaf and bagged tea.
Cellulose tea bags were found to be the most effective at adsorbing metals, while cotton and nylon bags performed poorly.
Longer steeping times and finely ground tea leaves, particularly black tea, were associated with greater removal of contaminants due to increased surface area.
Experts caution that while tea can help reduce heavy metals, it is not a substitute for proper water filtration systems, which are more effective at removing a broader range of contaminants.