The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a simple method for consumers to test tea leaves for adulterations from the comfort of their homes. This initiative aims to empower tea lovers to identify and avoid harmful chemicals that can have serious health consequences. By following these guidelines, people can ensure that their tea remains pure and free from substances that can contribute to health problems like hypertension, liver damage, and kidney problems.
Tea, once considered the “elixir of life” by ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, has increasingly become a target for adulteration, posing a significant health risk and overshadowing what is traditionally considered a simple, everyday drink.
In India, tea is more than just a beverage – it is a cherished daily ritual. Starting your day with a cup of tea not only provides energy but also provides various health benefits. Tea is known for its high content of antioxidants, such as catechins and polyphenols, which fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Regular tea consumption is linked to better cardiovascular health, as it can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. In addition, tea can help control blood pressure, which further supports heart health.
However, the presence of adulterants in tea can pose serious health risks. Contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic can lead to serious health problems, including cancer, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders. Adulterated tea can also cause allergic reactions, ranging from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylactic reactions.
To address the growing concerns about food adulteration, FSSAI has released a comprehensive video on social media platform X, showing how consumers can conduct a simple home test to check if tea leaves are adulterated. This proactive approach enables people to protect themselves from the risks associated with contaminated tea.
Follow these simple steps:
Spread the tea leaves on the filter paper. Spray some water to moisten the filter paper. Wash the filter paper with tap water. Then observe the stains on the filter paper against the light. 5No stains will be seen on the filter paper with unadulterated tea leaves. The filter with adulterated tea leaves will have blackish brown stains. Try this trick at home and share your feedback with us in the comments section.
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