This is so true! Reading labels is of crucial importance, and I'm glad to see people emphasizing this!
I have been researching a lot about tea lately in the course of working on RateTea.net, and I've encountered a few matters of concern in the tea world as well. A lot of teas (both those in the supermarket and those available from specialty stores and by mail-order) are marketed so as to present them as all natural or "healthy", and yet many contain artificial flavoring, usually to mask a lack of fresh natural ingredients (since fresher, high-quality ingredients are more aromatic and don't require artificial additives).
Also, and perhaps more seriously, some wellness teas, including many available inexpensively and in supermarkets and health food stores, contain powerful herbs, some of which have side-effects or potential health risks...ranging from drowsiness (which can be a problem if you're driving) to cancer risk or liver damage with prolonged use. Yet another issue with tea is allergies...flavored teas can contain a whole bunch of ingredients, including common allergens such as nuts or chamomile.
Reading labels (and sometimes, going above and beyond to ask for ingredient lists when they are not given) is really important!
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This is so true! Reading labels is of crucial importance, and I'm glad to see people emphasizing this!
I have been researching a lot about tea lately in the course of working on RateTea.net, and I've encountered a few matters of concern in the tea world as well. A lot of teas (both those in the supermarket and those available from specialty stores and by mail-order) are marketed so as to present them as all natural or "healthy", and yet many contain artificial flavoring, usually to mask a lack of fresh natural ingredients (since fresher, high-quality ingredients are more aromatic and don't require artificial additives).
Also, and perhaps more seriously, some wellness teas, including many available inexpensively and in supermarkets and health food stores, contain powerful herbs, some of which have side-effects or potential health risks...ranging from drowsiness (which can be a problem if you're driving) to cancer risk or liver damage with prolonged use. Yet another issue with tea is allergies...flavored teas can contain a whole bunch of ingredients, including common allergens such as nuts or chamomile.
Reading labels (and sometimes, going above and beyond to ask for ingredient lists when they are not given) is really important!
December 30, 2009 - 11:49amThis Comment
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