Will you believe it if we tell you that tea leaves are better than green tea bags? Maybe not. But what if health experts confirm it? It's true that green tea is great for health. It offers nutrients, boosts energy and also strengthens immunity. For these reasons and more, it is considered better than regular caffeinated tea, but not if you use it in bags. Unfortunately, green tea mostly comes in bags. Are you still wondering why this is so? Let's hear it from the experts.
Tea, often regarded as one of the world's most beloved beverages, has enjoyed a rich history that spans centuries. Green tea, in particular, has gained immense popularity for its numerous health benefits and refreshing taste. However, when it comes to choosing between green tea bags and loose tea leaves, there's a compelling case for the latter.
Also Read: 7 Mistakes You Should Stop Making To Get The Best Benefits Of Green Tea
Why You Should Avoid Tea Bags:
Nutritionist Simrat Kathuria exclaims, "The problem is not with green tea but with its packaging. In an Instagram post, she gave the following reasons:
1. Hidden Toxins:
Packaged tea bags often contain microplastics and harmful chemicals, which seep into the water and the tea that we drink.
2. Health Risks:
Contaminants in low-quality teas, such as heavy metals or pesticides, could potentially pose health risks. When we put the bags in hot water, the pesticides can transfer to the tea.
3. Added dust:
Low-grade green teas may include dust i.e. broken tea leaves and fine particles. In addition, tea experts and connoisseurs often argue that loose tea leaves are made from whole or large leaf pieces, which preserve the integrity of the tea. In contrast, green tea bags usually contain broken tea leaves or fannings, which are smaller and may not deliver the same depth of flavour.
4. Environmental Impact:
Excessive packaging is detrimental to our planet. Tea bags are frequently made from a combination of paper and plastic, which may not be biodegradable. The production and disposal of tea bags can have a significant environmental impact.
Another reason claimed by a scientific study to avoid tea bags:
5. Lower Flavor Profile
The larger leaf size of loose tea leaves, as opposed to the smaller fragments often found in green tea bags, contributes to a more nuanced and layered flavour profile. This has been supported by scientific research. A study published in the "Journal of Food Science" compared the sensory attributes of loose tea leaves and tea bags. The research found that loose-leaf tea scored higher in aroma, flavour, and overall quality compared to tea bags.
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Benefits Of Choosing Loose Tea Leaves Over Tea Bags:
1. Freshness: Loose leaves retain their freshness and flavour better than pre-packaged tea bags.
2. Quality: Loose tea often contains whole leaves, providing a richer flavour and aroma.
3. Health benefits: Green tea is known for its antioxidants and potential health benefits, which are more pronounced in loose-leaf varieties.
4. Reduced Bitterness: Loose tea leaves, because of their larger leaf size and slower infusion rate, tend to result in a milder, less bitter cup of green tea.
5. Personalisation and Control: When you opt for loose tea leaves, you have greater control over the brewing process. You can adjust the amount of tea leaves, brewing time, and water temperature to match your personal taste preferences.
Also Read: Coffee Or Green Tea- Which Is Better For Heart Health And Hypertension?
While tea bags (regular or green) offer convenience, loose tea leaves provide a superior tea-drinking experience in terms of flavour, aroma, health and environmental impact.