By Admin 
Is Drinking Tea In Plastic Cups Safe: This daily habit of having hot tea from a cart outside the office, which reaches your table directly in a polythene bag or a thin plastic cup, may be comforting, but it can also be a warning bell from the health point of view. Experts say that when hot tea is poured in low quality plastic or polythene, the chemicals present in it can dissolve in the drink.
According to Dr. Dharmendra Kumar, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology expert of NMCH Hospital, Patna, harmful elements like phthalates, bisphenol A and styrene can be found in tea at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius. These substances affect the hormonal system of the body and can increase the risk of serious diseases in the long run.
Doctors say that these chemicals work like endocrine disruptors, that is, they can disturb the balance of hormones like estrogen, testosterone, insulin and thyroid. If a person drinks such tea two to four times a day, continued exposure even in small quantities can have a cumulative effect on the body. As a result, conditions like hormonal imbalance, infertility, weight gain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes can arise. Some experts even fear an increase in the risk of breast, prostate and thyroid cancer.
What is research called?
Experts say that even though large-scale human studies are limited, there are indications in lab and animal studies that these chemicals can damage DNA by increasing oxidative stress, which can cause cancer. Recent research also raises concerns. Some studies have found that hot drinks served in disposable cups may contain thousands of microplastic particles. IIT Kharagpur Scientists estimate that long-term use of single-use cups can cause grams of plastic to accumulate in a person’s body. At the same time, in research conducted abroad, traces of microplastic have also been found in human brain tissue.
What are the rules in the country
According to a report by Business Standard, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has allowed the use of food-grade plastic, but at the grassroots level, cheap and recycled plastic is still being used indiscriminately. In such a situation, experts advise that hot tea should always be taken in glass, steel or ceramic utensils. Kulhar or clay cups are also considered safer options.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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