Glass Teapots Boost Black Tea's Health Benefits

0:00On March 15, scientists have discovered that brewing black tea in a glass teapot boosts its health benefits the most. Their study found the highest levels of antioxidants, called catechins, when using glass or silica pots. These compounds help protect cells from damage. The researchers from National Taichung University in Taiwan tested five teapot materials, earthenware, glass, stainless steel, silica gel, and porcelain. They brew 585 cups using black, green, and ulong teas. Each time, they added three grams of leaves to 125 milliliters of boiling water and steeped for five minutes. The team was surprised to learn. Black tea often had more catechins than green tea, which people usually think is healthier. Tea lovers might prefer earthenware pots anyway, since they scored highest for the best, most rounded flavor. Porcelain came in last for both antioxidants and taste, and it cooled the tea fastest. Glass and stainless steel ranked well for flavor too, right after earthenware.

1:03This research gives tea drinkers a simple way to choose pots for health or taste, depending on what matters most to them.