You won't believe the icky fact Dr Karl revealed about tea bags

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is renowned for being one of Australia's leading scientists – but even we were left aghast after hearing one of his latest revelations about this everyday drink.

From English Breakfast to Green, there's nothing quite like a nice hot cup of tea to make us feel relaxed and calm. But before you reach for that tea bag, there's something you should know…



In a recent TikTok clip, the beloved scientist dropped a truth bomb about tea bags that has left many of us feeling a bit queasy.

Dr Karl informed viewers that, although we may not think about it when marvelling at their glossy packaging and fragrant smell, tea bags are actually still teeming with 'life'.

That's right - each tea bag can contain up to 400 bits of insect-based DNA!


Screen Shot 2023-01-13 at 9.46.01 AM.png
Apparently, tea bags contain hundreds of leftover DNA from insects. Credit: Pexels/Miriam Alonso.



'This is known as environmental DNA and can be left by something as simple as when an insect bites a tea leaf,' he said.

'This DNA is usually fairly fragile and can be destroyed by ultraviolet light and can be washed away by the rain.'

However, he added, if conditions are dark and dry (such as the inside of a tea bag), traces of the insect's DNA may still live on.



'Well, what does this mean?' he asked his followers.

'Firstly, there has been a push for people to eat insects instead of meat, and maybe we tea drinkers are part of that push,' he said jokingly. 'Secondly, tea fields are a hive of biodiversi-tea.'



Dr Karl has earned somewhat of a cult following on social media due to his candid and educational videos - not to mention his great personality and banter!

Needless to say, these revelations made a few tea drinkers do a double take. One person commented they would be switching to loose-leave tea, while someone else wrote, 'Dr Karl, stop blowing my mind!'

Key Takeaways

  • Dr Karl Kruszelnicki recently revealed that tea bags can contain DNA traces of up to 400 insects.
  • These traces can be the result of an insect biting the tea leaves and can survive in the dry and dark environments found in tea bags.
  • The discovery has shocked many, with some saying they will switch to loose-leaf tea instead.

Screen Shot 2023-01-13 at 9.45.55 AM.png
The cultivation and consumption of tea have a rich history that spans many centuries and various continents. Credit: Pexels/Mareefe.



Sustainable Production of Tea

As awareness of the environmental impact of tea production has increased in recent years, many tea producers have turned to sustainable methods to reduce their ecological footprint.

These include implementing chemical-free fertilisers and pesticides, placing more emphasis on organic farming, and minimising water and energy usage throughout the production process.



Additionally, many tea estates have taken steps to protect wildlife habitats, ensuring that their activities do not disrupt the local ecosystem or inadvertently endanger wildlife.

This includes conservation projects and reforestation efforts, such as planting trees on tea estates and adjoining land, to improve long-term environmental health.

For those looking to enjoy their tea with a clear conscience, many companies offer organic or sustainably sourced tea options. This means the tea you're drinking has been produced in consideration of these environmental concerns and is certified to meet the highest sustainability standards.

So next time you're choosing a brewed beverage, make sure to grab a cuppa that's as good for the planet as it is for you.


Screen Shot 2023-01-13 at 9.45.49 AM.png
Tea provides a lot of health benefits that offset the impact of hundreds of insect DNA. Credit: Pexels/Kim Van Vuuren.



As shocking as Dr Karl's revelation may be, it's important to remember that tea consumption has long been associated with a number of health benefits.

Various studies have demonstrated that drinking as little as two cups of tea a day can help reduce the risk of heart disease, protect against cognitive decline, reduce inflammation, and aid with weight loss.

Moreover, tea has been found to contain antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help to neutralise cell-damaging free radicals in the body, which can otherwise cause damage to the body's cells and molecular structures.



Not all the news about tea consumption is bad - the body of evidence supports that drinking tea can have positive benefits, especially when it is done in moderation.

So, members, what do you think of this information? Let us know in the comments section below!
 
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With boiling water poured on the teabag, it would kill anything. ;)
I used loose leaf tea for years, due to teabags containing plastic. 😜
Not so anymore.
Tetley teabags are made from a plant based woven paper containing cellulose and starch.
Twinings traditional teabags are all plant based, & are in the process of certifying these as home compostable.
I know this info, because I asked both companies.
 
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is renowned for being one of Australia's leading scientists – but even we were left aghast after hearing one of his latest revelations about this everyday drink.

From English Breakfast to Green, there's nothing quite like a nice hot cup of tea to make us feel relaxed and calm. But before you reach for that tea bag, there's something you should know…



In a recent TikTok clip, the beloved scientist dropped a truth bomb about tea bags that has left many of us feeling a bit queasy.

Dr Karl informed viewers that, although we may not think about it when marvelling at their glossy packaging and fragrant smell, tea bags are actually still teeming with 'life'.

That's right - each tea bag can contain up to 400 bits of insect-based DNA!


View attachment 11612
Apparently, tea bags contain hundreds of leftover DNA from insects. Credit: Pexels/Miriam Alonso.



'This is known as environmental DNA and can be left by something as simple as when an insect bites a tea leaf,' he said.

'This DNA is usually fairly fragile and can be destroyed by ultraviolet light and can be washed away by the rain.'

However, he added, if conditions are dark and dry (such as the inside of a tea bag), traces of the insect's DNA may still live on.



'Well, what does this mean?' he asked his followers.

'Firstly, there has been a push for people to eat insects instead of meat, and maybe we tea drinkers are part of that push,' he said jokingly. 'Secondly, tea fields are a hive of biodiversi-tea.'



Dr Karl has earned somewhat of a cult following on social media due to his candid and educational videos - not to mention his great personality and banter!

Needless to say, these revelations made a few tea drinkers do a double take. One person commented they would be switching to loose-leave tea, while someone else wrote, 'Dr Karl, stop blowing my mind!'

Key Takeaways

  • Dr Karl Kruszelnicki recently revealed that tea bags can contain DNA traces of up to 400 insects.
  • These traces can be the result of an insect biting the tea leaves and can survive in the dry and dark environments found in tea bags.
  • The discovery has shocked many, with some saying they will switch to loose-leaf tea instead.

View attachment 11613
The cultivation and consumption of tea have a rich history that spans many centuries and various continents. Credit: Pexels/Mareefe.



Sustainable Production of Tea

As awareness of the environmental impact of tea production has increased in recent years, many tea producers have turned to sustainable methods to reduce their ecological footprint.

These include implementing chemical-free fertilisers and pesticides, placing more emphasis on organic farming, and minimising water and energy usage throughout the production process.



Additionally, many tea estates have taken steps to protect wildlife habitats, ensuring that their activities do not disrupt the local ecosystem or inadvertently endanger wildlife.

This includes conservation projects and reforestation efforts, such as planting trees on tea estates and adjoining land, to improve long-term environmental health.

For those looking to enjoy their tea with a clear conscience, many companies offer organic or sustainably sourced tea options. This means the tea you're drinking has been produced in consideration of these environmental concerns and is certified to meet the highest sustainability standards.

So next time you're choosing a brewed beverage, make sure to grab a cuppa that's as good for the planet as it is for you.


View attachment 11614
Tea provides a lot of health benefits that offset the impact of hundreds of insect DNA. Credit: Pexels/Kim Van Vuuren.



As shocking as Dr Karl's revelation may be, it's important to remember that tea consumption has long been associated with a number of health benefits.

Various studies have demonstrated that drinking as little as two cups of tea a day can help reduce the risk of heart disease, protect against cognitive decline, reduce inflammation, and aid with weight loss.

Moreover, tea has been found to contain antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help to neutralise cell-damaging free radicals in the body, which can otherwise cause damage to the body's cells and molecular structures.



Not all the news about tea consumption is bad - the body of evidence supports that drinking tea can have positive benefits, especially when it is done in moderation.

So, members, what do you think of this information? Let us know in the comments section below!

We drink Nerada tea ( teabags) grown locally here in Nth Qld. Pesticide free and they don't bleach their tea bags. I think any insect residue would die once boiling water was poured over the bags...interesting finding but won't stop me enjoying my cuppa
 
With boiling water poured on the teabag, it would kill anything. ;)
I used loose leaf tea for years, due to teabags containing plastic. 😜
Not so anymore.
Tetley teabags are made from a plant based woven paper containing cellulose and starch.
Twinings traditional teabags are all plant based, & are in the process of certifying these as home compostable.
I know this info, because I asked both companies.
Be careful Penny4 you might turn into BRUNDLE FLY, Certain bacteria can survive and live in boiling water..
 
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Reactions: Ricci and Penny4
I think it's time for Dr. Karl to sit down, take a Bex with a nice cup of tea, and stop "scraping the barrel" just to get something to scare people who have enjoyed a small but comforting ritual all their lives. What's next? Don't drink water because it contains.....@#$$%^ ? Please, give us ancient tea drinkers a break.
 
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Reactions: Ricci and Maurie7
It's not just tea - insect DNA is also in the herbs that we use, which means it is in a wide variety of foods we consume. And it's totally harmless. Our food is not sterile. With rare exceptions, it also contains bacteria, viruses, and heaven knows what else.
 
Last edited:
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Reactions: Maurie7
I think that the problem today is, people can spread their ideas so fast through the media that we get too much information.
Is there anything today, that doesn’t cause health problems? We’d have to stop eating and drinking and probably become home bound (due to pollution) 😁😁
We just need to be balanced an sensible about how we react to all the hype in the media, as ideas from the “experts” change all the time.
What is good today, is not anymore tomorrow.
I love my cuppa of green tea and I don’t intent to stop drinking it 🤷🏻‍♀️
 

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