Our La QingTing Phuket Thailand grown loose green and black tea leaf is 
generally considered healthier than tea bags because it offers a more concentrated extract of essential oils, and more antioxidants, nutrients & flavour, leading to potentially stronger health benefits. Tea bags, while still offering health benefits, may be lower quality (Tea dust) and not fully extract these compounds. Most tea bags also contain microplastics in the form of PLA.
Quality of our Phuket Tea leaves: Our loose leaf tea uses organic handpicked whole or large-leaf tea, allowing for better infusion and extraction of beneficial compounds. Big branded tea bag companies often contain smaller fragments or dust, which may have less potency.
Nutrient Extraction: The larger surface area of loose leaves provides more room for water to penetrate and extract nutrients, resulting in a more potent cup.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Loose leaf tea’s higher concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds may contribute to greater overall health benefits.
Taste and Aroma: Loose leaf tea is often praised for its richer flavor and aroma, as the larger leaves allow for a more complete infusion of the tea’s natural oils.
Tea Bag Microplastic Concerns: These day most big brand tea bags companies are made from natural fibres like wood pulp and the seal is made with PLA – an industrially compostable, plant-based plastic which is much better for the environment when it’s properly disposed of.
Saying this, some studies suggest that plastic tea bags can release microplastics into the tea, posing a potential health concern. While Polylactic Acid (PLA) is marketed as a biodegradable plastic, studies have shown that it can break down into microplastics. These microplastics, even from PLA, can be a source of environmental contamination and potentially enter the food chain, including through tea bags. A study by the “Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)” found that tea bags, including those made with PLA, release millions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles when steeped in boiling water. These particles are also absorbed by human intestinal cells, potentially entering the bloodstream.
Research by the “Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)”, as part of the European project PlasticHeal, has measured the release of millions of nanoplastics and microplastics from commercial polymer-based tea bags, following infusion. The study in 2024 shows for the first time the ability of these particles to be absorbed by cells in the intestine, reach the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. An emerging public health risk that must be addressed without delay.
Exposure to nano- and microplastics in humans potentially leads to serious health issues, including various cancers, respiratory disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and may increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Our Phuket loose tea health benefits
Our Thai organic loose black and green leaf tea that we offer guests in Bangtao, Phuket offers numerous health benefits due to its natural processing and higher antioxidant content. These benefits include potentially reducing the risk of heart disease, boosting metabolism, aiding digestion, and supporting overall well-being.
Here’s a more detailed look at the benefits:
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Loose leaf tea, particularly organic varieties, is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins, which help combat free radicals in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that regular tea consumption, including loose leaf varieties, may lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Metabolism Boost: Certain teas, like green tea, may help boost metabolism and aid in weight management, especially when consumed without additives.
Digestive Support: Loose leaf tea, especially herbal varieties, can soothe the digestive system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy gut bacteria.
Immunity Support: The high polyphenol content in loose leaf tea may help strengthen the body’s immune system, making it more resilient to pathogens and pollutants.
Mental Clarity and Stress Reduction: L-theanine, found in some teas, can promote relaxation and reduce stress, while the tea drinking ritual itself can provide mental clarity and calm.
No Additives: Organic loose leaf tea avoids artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals, ensuring a pure and natural product.
Are tea bags processed?
The short answer is yes. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Processing of Tea Leaves: Crushing: The leaves are crushed or rolled to expose more surface area and release their juices, which helps with flavor extraction during brewing.
Drying: The leaves are mechanically dried to seal in the juices and flavor.
Milling: Leaves are cut with a rotating blade into smaller pieces for tea bags.
Blending: Teas are blended according to company recipes.
Filter Paper: Tea bags are typically made from filter paper, which is a blend of wood and vegetable fibers.
Bleaching: Some tea bags, particularly paper ones, may be bleached to achieve a whiter color.
Additives: Many tea bags contain plastic or other additives, like heat-sealable materials, to hold the tea leaves.
In summary: The tea leaves inside tea bags are processed to make them suitable for tea bags and the tea bag itself is also processed with various materials and methods.
If you are concerned about microplastics switch to Organic or even none organic black or green loose tea.
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