While, technically, it is, but the packaging might make it harmful for us. As per a November 2024 study published in Chemosphere, researchers tested three different brands of tea bags for exposure of microplastics, which are also degraded plastic bits that do not breakdown and found that it could impact human health.

What were the findings?

The team found that brewing tea in polypropylene, essentially plastic bags, or a common tea bag material actually released over a billion particle per milliliter of tea. In fact, what we think as the paper bags, made of cellulose and mesh nylon bags also shed millions of plastic particle per milliliter.

John Meeker, a professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Global Public Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health said finding such high amounts of micro and nanoplastics in a product that is supposed to be consumed is a cause of concern.

How was the study conducted?

The researchers first extracted plastics from brewed tea and then exposed them to human intestinal cells that absorbed the plastic particles. It showed that microplastics could remain in the body even after drinking the tea.

The study author Alba Garcia-Rodriguez, a researcher in the Department of Genetics and Microbiology at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona said the research calls attention to the path of substantial exposure to plastic particles which are also found in everyday lives. "We have to be concerned about the huge number of single-use plastic that humans are exposed to daily," she said.

How was the test conducted?

Similar tests have been conducted previously. In 2019, a Canadian study was the first one to test nylon and polyethylene tea bags which released 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 nanoplastics, measuring less than a micron into a single cup of tea.

In another study from 2023, conducted by Garcia-Redriguez and colleagues, one brand of tea bags were tested that was made of polylactic acid, a biodegradable plant-based plastic. The study showed that it released 1 million nanoplastic particles per tea bag.

For this 2024 study, the research team set broadened their scope by testing out for various materials. They obtained empty tea bags made from three commonly used materials: polypropylene, nylon, and cellulose.

The team simulated typical tea-brewing conditions (without tea leaves) by steeping the bags in sterile water heated to 95°C (203°F) while stirring continuously. They then measured how many plastic particles each material released.

The results revealed that polypropylene bags shed the highest amount of microplastics—approximately 1.2 billion particles. Cellulose paper bags came next, releasing 135 million particles per milliliter, while nylon mesh bags released 8.18 million particles.

The study revealed that hot temperature water exposure and also the stirring of spoon can cause tea bags to "leach plastics".

When the plastics were exposed to humans, it showed that cells absorbed the microplastics, including the mucus cells, as they had the highest uptake of particles. After 24 hours, the particles reached the nucleus of the cells, which houses the DNA.

Health Impacts

Experts find the results concerning, as ingested microplastics could enter the bloodstream after targeting tissues in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially spreading to other organs. While chemicals added during plastic production have been linked to issues like endocrine disruption and cancer, the health effects of ingested microplastics remain unclear. Scientists caution against drawing conclusions, noting that human studies on microplastics are still limited and much more research is needed.

How can one reduce the exposure to plastics? The best way possible is by buying loose leaf, even when you are using green tea, which, is mostly used in tea bags, as a way to make it instantly. In case you are in rush, you can always use the steel infuser to use it as a replacement of plastic tea bags for an instant cup of tea.

The social media platform TikTok has once again sparked a viral trend—this time for the right reasons. The latest craze, known as the “Boy Kibble” trend, is gaining popularity among Gen Z men and promotes a simple approach to healthy eating.

The recipe: ground beef, rice, and sometimes vegetables or fat.

What Is ‘Boy Kibble’?

Boy Kibble represents a human version of pet food. More than taste or presentation, it focuses on efficiency while also achieving nutritional balance with protein, fiber, and calories.

The food trend is also a spin on the viral “girl dinner” trend, which went viral in 2023, and includes bread or cheese in some way.

The new Boy Kibble is the masculine version, with young men looking for a simple way that is high in protein and will also help them lose weight.

Notably, people are also customizing the ingredients according to their preferences. Instead of ground beef, some are opting for ground turkey, served with rice and avocado.

Others reported using potatoes instead of rice in their “boy kibble”, while some are adding kale and other greens to their beef.

Also read: What Is the Viral Water Stacking Trend?

What Prompted The New ‘Boy Kibble’ Trend?

According to experts, the trend has been fueled by

• fitness influencers,
• longevity podcasts
• interest in maximizing performance.

The 2025-2030 US Dietary Guidelines, which prioritize red meat, whole milk, and other animal sources of protein, have also reportedly inspired the trend.

Who Created The ‘Boy Kibble’ Trend?

The trend was coined by a TikTok user in January, for dinner, filled with essential nutrients -- a simple bowl of beef and rice, the Independent.co.uk reported.

“Y’all may have girl dinner, but I got boy kibble,” said the user by the name @thequadfather, showing off the ground beef that’s rich in protein. “We are not the same.”

Is The ‘Boy Kibble’ Trend Healthy?

Emily Contois, a University of Tulsa media studies professor, noted the term may help normalize once niche eating habits associated with athletes and bodybuilders, KTLA news reported.

Adrienne Bitar, a Cornell University professor, told the Times that the trend reflects a long-standing desire to find an “optimal” way to eat. It prioritizes measurable results over enjoyment.

While "girl dinner" was more "fun, whimsical, and creative,” Bitar said, boy kibble is focuses on joy than flavor.

It also is based on efficiency and results.

She further added that the trend mirrors broader cultural shifts in which nutrition is increasingly discussed in terms of optimization and productivity, rather than pleasure or tradition, the report said.

New Delhi: The sattvic diet traces back to its roots in ancient Ayurvedic knowledge and is based on the philosophy of Sattva, which stands for harmony, balance, and purity. It places a focus on whole, fresh, and minimally processed meals that support both physical and mental vigour. This "yoga of eating" becomes a biological requirement for preserving homeostasis in the intense summer heat.

Dr. Narendra K. Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer, Kshemavana Naturopathy and Yoga Center, Bengaluru, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the science behind following a sattvic diet in summer.

Core principles of sattvic foods

In sattvic diets, foods that are rich in prana (life-force energy), such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, take precedence. "Tamasic" (heavy) foods such as meat and processed sugars should be avoided, as they can weigh the body down and dull the mind. "Rajasic" (stimulating) foods such as caffeine and chili are also avoided.

Read more: Smartphone Overuse Linked To Rising Risk Of Eating Disorders Among Youth, Study Finds

Scientific basis of nutrition and digestion in summer

According to science, the body's internal thermostat works harder in the summer. Agni (digestive fire) naturally decreases in high ambient temperatures. In order to promote cooling through perspiration, blood flow is frequently redirected from the digestive tract towards the skin's surface. The body struggles to break down dense nutrients with decreased enzymatic efficiency when complex, heavy proteins are consumed during this period, leading to metabolic stress.

Summer physiology: Why light eating matters

A shift towards thermoregulation is required during summer. Heavy meals cause diet-induced thermogenesis, in which heat is produced internally during digestion. By consuming "light" foods, we lower this internal heat load. Because sattvic meals are high in fibre and water, they require less energy to digest, allowing the body to focus on staying cool rather than working on digestion.

Read more: Shocking! Eating One Whole Pack Of Chips Daily Raises Stroke Risk By 67 Per Cent

Sattvic diet benefits in hot weather

1. Hydration: Electrolyte balance is maintained due to naturally high water content.
2. Energy: Provides a steady release of glucose without the "crash" caused by heavy fats.
3. Mental calm: Reduces agitation and fatigue brought on by heat.

Key sattvic foods for summer

To remain "bright," one should focus on the following:

1. Cooling fruits like grapes, watermelon, and muskmelon
2. Hydrating vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, and bottle gourd
3. Herbs and dairy: fresh buttermilk (chaas), coriander, and mint

Eating light is not just a lifestyle choice but a scientific response to our biological needs. By adopting a sattvic perspective, we ensure that we not only survive but also thrive in the heat by aligning our internal environment with the external season.

New Delhi: Many people have an irresistible urge to eat something sweet right after a meal. Although this habit is often written off as a preference or some sort of cultural habit, new scientific data suggest that post-meal sugar cravings hint at something serious: a metabolic imbalance. In an interaction with Health and Me, Dr. Aravind Badiger, technical director, BDR Pharmaceuticals, decoded the intricate science behind a sweet tooth, and as per the expert, it is because of a nutrient deficiency.

The Blood Sugar–Insulin Connection

Upon eating a meal high in carbohydrates, blood glucose levels rise. This triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. If the meal is low in protein and fibre, insulin spikes more quickly, making the blood sugar drop sooner. This drop then triggers a signal to the brain that the body needs quick fuel, often interpreted as a desire for something sweet. This cycle, a rapid rise and fall in blood glucose levels, is known as reactive hypoglycaemia, one of the common reasons people feel the need to have dessert after meals.

Read more: Metformin Controls Blood Sugar With Help From Brain Neurons, Finds Study

The Missing Nutrient: Protein

Protein helps to regulate blood sugar levels after a meal. In addition, adequate protein:

1. Slows digestion and glucose absorption
2. Reduces insulin spikes
3. Improves satiety by elevating GLP-1 and peptide
4. Modulates hunger signals via the hypothalamus

When a meal is low in protein, the body does not get those satisfying signals it is used to receiving. This drives the brain to find sources of energy that work quickly—sugars. In fact, clinical nutrition studies indicate that balanced meals containing at least 20–30 grams of protein reduce post-meal sugar cravings significantly.

The Gut–Brain Axis Influence

Your gut microbiome also plays an important role. Meals high in simple carbohydrates encourage the growth of gut bacteria that thrive on sugar. Evidence shows that low-protein diets shift the balance of gut microbes, which further increases sweet cravings. Thus, the less protein you consume, the more your microbiome may “push” you towards sugary foods.

Emotional and Behavioural Factors

For some people, dessert cravings are psychologically conditioned. The body learns over time to attach a reward to the end of a meal by releasing small amounts of dopamine. But even in such cases, stabilisation of blood sugar through adequate protein intake reduces the emotional component of cravings.

How to Reduce Sugar Cravings After Meals

1. Include 20–30 g of protein in each meal, including eggs, dal, legumes, tofu, fish, lean meats, and dairy products.
2. Choose complex carbohydrates over refined sugars.
3. Add vegetables high in fibre to delay the absorption of glucose.
4. Drink plenty of water – mild dehydration produces symptoms similar to sugar cravings.
5. Sleep 7–8 hours; sleep deprivation increases the hunger hormone ghrelin.
6. Do not conclude every meal with sugar. It is a conditioned response and needs to be broken gradually.