Heaven of Tea

Over the past few weeks, a new study has been circulating through the health and tea world noting that bottled tea may contain far less antioxidants (polyphenols) than tea brewed at home. Officially presented in Boston at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, this study is one of the first to take a closer look at the antioxidant levels in bottled tea beverages.

Those looking for a healthy burst of polyphenols, which may help protect the body from certain diseases, would need to drink bottle after bottle for the health benefits that a cup of tea steeped at home offers. In fact, some of the ingredients in the bottled teas assessed in the study were far from healthy, including high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

According to the Washington Post, the American Chemical Society’s study “analyzed 49 commercial samples and was surprised to find that the average 16-ounce bottle contained as little as 3 milligrams of polyphenols, a beneficial compound linked with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.”

One of the lead researchers for the study (conducted by WellGen, Inc.) and Rutgers University chemist, Shiming Li, noted that “Someone would have to drink bottle after bottle of these teas in some cases to receive health benefits. I was surprised at the low polyphenol content. I didn’t expect it to be at such a low level.”

Even though the labels may deceive you with images and copy promoting health benefits, the amount of polyphenols may not be accurate due to the fact that there are no government regulations and standards for listing levels of antioxidants. Lesson learned: don’t judge a bottled tea by its cover.

What may seem like a convenient, healthy choice may not deliver the health boost of a cup of tea brewed at home. The art of steeping loose tea at home is now not only the more peaceful option, but also the healthiest.

To learn more about the health benefits of loose tea, we recommend that you steep a cup and take a peek at our Tea Info Center.