It is no secret that conventional tea brands like Lipton, Allegro, Celestial Seasonings, Tazo, Teavana, Bigelow, Republic of Tea, Twinings, Yogi, Tea Forte, Mighty Leaf, Trader Joe’s, Tetley are loaded with toxins, including fluoride and pesticides.

And no, it is not calcium fluoride we are talking about. Calcium fluoride is a natural element, but these tea brands contain synthetic fluoride, a toxic by-product.

It is not the chemical itself that worries experts -- it is the dangerously high level in which this toxin is contained in the product. To be more precise, cheap tea is as bad as junk food.

Cheap tea brands contain fluoride and pesticides

Producers usually do not wash the tea before drying it, so non-organic teas are loaded with residues. Some brands, including those who are claimed to be pesticide-free, contain pesticides that are referred to as carcinogens. What is even worse, they are contained in quantities that go far beyond the US and EU limits!

The journal Food Research International published a study according to which cheap tea blends contain high levels of fluoride and increase the risk of many health problem that affect kidneys and bones, and even cancer.

Studies show that some cheap tea blends contain about 7 parts per million, and believe it or not, the allowed fluoride level is 4 ppm. If you by any chance did not know it, fluoride accumulates in the bones, and stays in your body for years.

How does fluoride get into tea?

The plant accumulates this toxic substance as it grows, meaning that old leaves contain more fluoride. Cheap tea blends are often based on old leaves that are practically loaded with fluoride (here is an example). Moreover, cheap tea blends contain smaller leaves which contain high levels of fluoride.

What about decaffeinated tea?

According to researchers, decaffeinated tea contains more fluoride than caffeinated tea.

Wondering what could be the solution? Stop drinking tea? No, that is not what you should do.

-- First, always buy loose leaf tea and brew you own tea from scratch. Tea bags may seem more convenient to you, and it is more easily to make tea in that way, but they often contain low-quality leaves that are packed with more fluoride.

-- Choose white tea (here). It contains less fluoride than any other kind.

-- Make sure your tea is organic, because organic produce involves more sophisticated and health-friendly methods of cultivation. Some producers even use purified water.

This is just one part of the puzzle. For more information, check Food Babe’s full report and a detailed chart with teas and their “reputation.” Share this with your friends, and enjoy organic tea!

Reference/Source: livingtraditionally.com
Other included sources linked in Living Traditionally’s article: foodbabe.com -- Original Article Source