Tea is a beloved beverage enjoyed by many for its various benefits throughout the day. However, the health risks associated with some popular tea brands may surprise you. High levels of pesticides found in brands like Tetley, Lipton, Twinings, Celestial Seasonings, Red Rose, and Tazo can lead to gut issues and increased cancer risk.
Top Brands With Pesticides in their Tea
Popular tea brands are not immune to pesticide contamination. Investigations have revealed that brands like Tetley, Lipton, and others contain multiple pesticides, some of which are on the verge of being banned due to their harmful effects on both consumers and the environment. Even fresh and dried tea leaves are affected by these pesticides, posing risks to consumers when brewed.
“The pesticide residues were likely transferred from tea leaves to brewed tea during the brewing process, and may therefore pose a risk to consumers,” researchers wrote in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Still Allowed For Consumption
Despite exceeding FDA allowable limits for pesticides, these tainted tea products continue to be consumed without any action from the FDA. This negligence raises concerns about consumer safety. The FDA’s lack of regulation has been criticized for exposing consumers to dangerous food products without adequate protection.
So What Can You Do?
To protect yourself, opt for certified organic tea brands like Numi Organic Tea, Rishi Tea, or Traditional Medicinals. These brands prioritize natural ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals present in other popular tea brands. Choosing organic options can reduce your exposure to pesticides and potential health risks associated with them.
- Mighty Leaf Tea
- Choice Organic Teas
- Yogi Tea
- David’s Tea
- Pukka Herbs
- The Republic of Tea
The Effect of Pesticides On Your Health
Pesticides can have serious health implications, including headaches, nausea, respiratory issues, and long-term risks like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Children may also be at risk of birth defects, ADHD, and autism from pesticide exposure. Choosing organic tea can help minimize these health hazards and ensure a safer beverage choice for you and your family.
Sources
- “Pesticide traces in some tea exceed allowable limits.” CBC. Megan Griffith-Greene. March 8, 2014.
- “Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Tea Leaves and Potential Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study from Puan County, Guizhou Province, China.” NCBI. Jian Zhang, et al. January 2018.
- “Human Health Issues Related to Pesticides.” EPA
