How to properly wash the teapot: gastroenterologist told about the dangers of tea plaque

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. However, few people think about the fact that drinking it can have negative health consequences. And it’s not about the drink itself, but about the teapot and tea plaque.

What affects the appearance of plaque

gastroenterologist, hepatologist of the Hadassah Clinic branch in the Skolkovo International Medical Cluster

“The plaque on the teapot consists of various organic substances that make up the tea. First of all, these are albuminates – compounds of protein with various tannins and essential compounds.”

In addition to the composition of the tea, the intensity of the plaque is influenced by the water – the harder it is, the more plaque there is. In addition to the choice of water, you should pay attention to the characteristics of the utensils used for brewing.

How to choose a teapot

Choosing a teapot, it is necessary to remember such important characteristics as material, shape, the presence of a strainer and press.

The preferred material for a teapot is glass or ceramic – they do not interact with tea and do not transfer harmful substances into the drink. It is recommended to avoid plastic teapots, as they can release substances harmful to the body when heated.

The shape of the teapot does not affect the formation of tea plaque. However, it is better to choose a pot with a wide neck or removable lid. This can make it easier to wash afterwards.

A teapot with a strainer will provide better filtration of tea leaves and other particles, which will reduce the amount of tea plaque in the teapot and in the cup. In addition, a press can also be a good option as it allows you to separate the leaves from the water after brewing.

Health hazards of plaque

Tea plaque is harmful to the body. The fact is that such a film can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

As for the tannins in the plaque, they, according to Andrei Yakushev, are contained in such a small amount that they are unable to have a direct toxic effect. However, because of them the taste of the drink suffers – the plaque literally takes away the aroma, taste and useful properties of tea.

Also in the tea plaque can live bacteria and mold. This, in turn, is a factor in the development of the infectious process and gastrointestinal problems.

In addition, a large amount of tea plaque indicates that the water is hard, which can lead to dental problems and sometimes kidney problems.

How to get rid of tea plaque

The easiest way to get rid of tea plaque in your teapot is to wash it regularly.

A large number of proteins, plaque calcinates create a matrix on which more plaque forms – over time, cleaning such a teapot becomes more difficult.

To clean such dishes, you can use home remedies. It is necessary to soak the teapot in hot water, adding vinegar or citric acid. In such a solution, keep the kettle for a few hours, and then thoroughly rinse with a universal agent and wipe dry.