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.

Fruits and vegetables are widely recommended to improve health and reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. However, a new study claimed that eating a very healthy diet—packed with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—can raise the risk of lung cancer.

Shockingly, the study showed that the risk of lung cancer with a healthy diet may be higher in younger non-smokers.

The research from the University of Southern California, presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, found that patients under 50 diagnosed with lung cancer often had better-than-average diets.

The experts zeroed in on the culprit—pesticide exposure from conventionally grown produce.

"Our research shows that younger non-smokers who eat a higher quantity of healthy foods than the general population are more likely to develop lung cancer," said lead investigator Jorge Nieva, a medical oncologist and lung cancer specialist with USC.

"These counter-intuitive findings raise important questions about an unknown environmental risk factor for lung cancer related to otherwise beneficial food that needs to be addressed," Nieva added.

Pesticides In Healthy Foods — A Hidden Risk

According to the researchers, the reason may lie in environmental exposure, particularly pesticides used in agriculture. Nieva noted that commercially produced (non-organic) fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are more likely to carry higher levels of pesticide residue compared to dairy, meat, and many processed foods.

He also pointed out that agricultural workers who are regularly exposed to pesticides tend to have higher rates of lung cancer, which supports the possibility of a connection.

The study also found that young women who do not smoke are diagnosed with lung cancer more often than men in the same age group. Women in the study also tended to consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains than men.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung Cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. It is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with approximately 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths reported in 2022.

Traditionally, lung cancer occurs in older people. However, non-smokers age 50 and younger, particularly women, are now experiencing increasing rates of lung cancer and are more likely than men to develop the disease.

In many cases, there are no symptoms; however, one must look out for these:

• a persistent cough
• coughing up blood
• persistent breathlessness
• unexplained tiredness and weight loss
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.

Why More Research Needed

Nieva emphasized that more research is needed to confirm any link between pesticide exposure and lung cancer in younger people, especially women.

In this study, researchers did not directly measure pesticide levels in the foods participants ate. Instead, they estimated exposure using existing data on average pesticide levels in food categories such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Black coffee or an espresso shot is not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who are already in love with it, giving it up can be difficult. This drink is a favourite among weight watchers, fitness enthusiasts, and especially people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetics, in particular, are often recommended black coffee because it contains almost zero calories per cup. Not only does it boost stamina, but it also works well to aid weight loss and manage blood sugar levels. Experts say that drinking three to five cups of black coffee a day can help boost levels of polyphenols, and these findings were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Also Read: UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Smoking Ban for Anyone Born After 2008 Becomes Law

Is coffee beneficial for diabetics?

For this, researchers compiled data from 149 publications and examined the effects of coffee on metabolic processes and the consequent development of type 2 diabetes. Researchers focused on five hydroxycinnamic acids in coffee and analysed the effects of polyphenols on the pancreas, small intestine, muscle, liver, and tissues. The analysis also showed that black coffee can help regulate blood sugar levels, have an anti-inflammatory effect, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve glucose metabolism.

The study results were similar for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, indicating that the benefits were derived from compounds other than caffeine. This was associated with a 20–30 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes in regular coffee drinkers. Researchers stated that further studies are required, but the benefits of drinking black coffee are evident.

Also Read: Heatwave in India: Delhi Govt Issues Advisory For Schools, Urges Hydration And Reduced Outdoor Activity

What are the benefits of drinking coffee?

Bioactive compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and chlorogenic acid are found in coffee, and they have the potential to help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. Researchers also found that coffee can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. However, experts expressed concern about the real-life applications of these findings.

The impact of coffee on type 2 diabetes risk

Black coffee essentially consists of coffee beans and hot water. One cup contains approximately three calories, making it ideal for weight loss purposes. Coffee beans contain about 200 compounds, most of which are beneficial for health. When consumed together in the form of black coffee, these compounds may have a combined beneficial effect. Therefore, these anti-inflammatory, weight loss-friendly, and blood sugar-related benefits make it a healthy choice for people with diabetes.

How should a diabetic drink black coffee for blood sugar management?

Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology and weight loss expert at Zandra Healthcare, said: “Black coffee can help people with diabetes if used in the right way. It has almost no calories, no sugar, and a very low glycaemic impact due to its low glycaemic index, so it does not spike blood sugar. It also contains natural compounds such as caffeine and antioxidants that may slightly improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism. In practice, we often see better sugar control when patients replace sugary drinks with plain black coffee. However, it is not a treatment or a magic solution. Too much coffee can disturb sleep, increase stress hormones, and actually worsen sugar control. The key is moderation — one to two cups a day, without sugar or cream. Think of black coffee as a supportive habit, not a replacement for medicines, diet, or exercise. Good diabetes care still depends on a structured, scientific approach, with coffee playing only a small but helpful role.”

Not eating junk food is a common reassurance many people offer when discussing their eating habits, often with a sense of confidence that their lifestyle is on the healthier side. Salads, fruit juices, brown bread, and low-fat snacks usually replace what is typically labelled as ‘unhealthy’.

However, despite these conscious choices, an increasing number of youngsters are being diagnosed with fatty liver disease. This raises an important question: if junk food isn’t the problem, then what is?

The answer often lies in what goes unnoticed. Hidden sugars, quietly present in foods marketed as healthy, are becoming a major but overlooked contributor.

What is NAFLD?

Fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver in people who consume little to no alcohol. Often referred to as a silent disease, it may not show clear symptoms in its early stages, but when it does, signs include persistent fatigue, mild discomfort in the upper right abdomen, unexplained weight gain, and abnormal liver function tests.

It is largely influenced by metabolic factors such as high sugar intake, obesity, insulin resistance, sedentary lifestyle, and diets rich in refined carbohydrates and processed foods. What makes this risk more concerning is the subtle presence of hidden sugars in everyday healthy foods.

How Hidden Sugars In Healthy Diets Are Driving Fatty Liver

What may appear as a balanced and “healthy” diet can often conceal hidden sugars that, over time, contribute significantly to the risk of fatty liver disease. It is important to know that:

• Healthy packaged foods aren’t always healthy: Breakfast cereals, granola bars, flavored yogurt, and protein snacks often carry added sugars that go unnoticed.
• Fruit juices can be misleading: Packaged juices often have high sugar content without fiber, making them harder for the liver to process.
• Low fat doesn’t mean low risk: Many low-fat or diet products add sugar to improve taste, quietly increasing overall intake.
• Small intake of sugar multiple times a day: Tea, coffee, biscuits, and quick snacks may seem harmless individually, but together create a high daily sugar load.
• Natural sugars: Honey, jaggery, and brown sugar are often overused under the assumption that they are safer, but they affect the liver in similar ways.
• Inactive lifestyle makes it worse: Without enough physical activity, excess sugar is more likely to get stored as fat in the liver over time.

How Can It Be Diagnosed And Treated?

NAFLD is often detected through tests like HbA1c, CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), and liver function tests. Imaging methods such as ultrasound and elastography help assess fat buildup and liver stiffness.

The condition usually has no clear symptoms in its early stages and is often linked to excess sugar intake. Treatment mainly focuses on reducing hidden sugars, improving diet, and increasing physical activity. In severe cases, bariatric surgery may be considered. Managing weight and blood sugar is essential to prevent further liver and heart complications.

How To Manage Sugar For Fatty Liver?

People can opt for healthy choices by:

• Reducing packaged healthy foods, as they often contain added sugars
• Limiting packed fruit juices and sweetened drinks that increase the sugar load
• Checking food labels to identify hidden sugars in everyday items
• Prefer home-cooked meals to control ingredients and sugar intake
• Stay physically active to help the body use sugar efficiently

Fatty liver is no longer limited to those who consume junk food or alcohol excessively. It develops quietly but can be managed with the right awareness and habits.

Controlling sugar intake is key to protecting both liver and overall health in the long run. It is increasingly becoming a silent condition among individuals who believe they are making the right dietary choices. Understanding food labels, limiting processed foods, and being mindful of hidden sugars are essential steps toward prevention.