Tea is one of the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages globally, known for its rich composition of bioactive compounds that offer various health benefits to humans. However, pesticide residues can be transferred to tea leaves, compromising their quality and safety and potentially posing risks to human health, including hormonal and reproductive disorders and cancer development.
Investigators at CBC found multiple chemicals in 8 out of 10 teas tested, with one brand of tea containing over 22 different types of pesticides (Uncle Lee’s Legends of China tea brand).
In one example, endosulfan, one of the most toxic pesticides on the market today, was found in Tetley Pure Green Tea. Endosulfan is a chlorinated insecticide that is chemically similar to the infamous DDT (which was banned over 48 years ago).
Glaucus Research found that 91% of Celestial Seasonings tea tested had pesticide residues exceeding the U.S. limits. For example, Sleepytime Kids Goodnight Grape Herbal contained 0.26 ppm of propachlor, which is a known carcinogen.
The 8 most popular brands that were found to contain the highest pesticide levels are:
Tetley
– Pure Green Tea
– Long Leaf Green Tea
Twinings
– Classic Assam Tea
– Classic Lady Grey
– English Breakfast
– Earl Grey
Uncle Lee’s Legends of China
– Green Tea
– Jasmine Green Tea
Celestial Seasonings
– Authentic Green Tea
– Antioxidant Max Blackberry Pomegranate
– Antioxidant Max Blood Orange
– Antioxidant Max Dragon Fruit
– English Breakfast Black K-Cup
– Green Tea Honey Lemon Ginger
– Green Tea Peach Blossom
– Green Tea Raspberry Gardens
– Sleepytime Herbal Teas (Flagship)
– Sleepytime Kids Goodnight Grape Herbal
Lipton
– Clear Green Tea
– Darjeeling Tea
– Pure Green Tea
– Yellow Label Black Tea
No Name
– Black Tea
King Cole
– Orange Pekoe
Signal
– Orange Pekoe Two Cups
In the CBC study only one brand tested with 0% pesticide residue: Red Rose
Please consider switching to an organic brand if you are a regular tea drinker, and avoid pyramid-shaped tea bags, which are made of plastic.
Dr. Mike, D.C MIoL.| Total Health & Wellness
B3-G-3 Temasya 8 Glenmarie | www.dmchiropractic.my
(010) 366-2941 / 03-5880 1083