The tea plant naturally concentrates fluoride from soil and water. Fluoride accumulates mostly in the leaves of the tea plant, especially the mature or fallen leaf.
A large percentage of the total fluoride, 25-84%, is released during infusion, and tea is considered to be major source of fluoride.
Instant tea is a reasonably good choice of beverage, although in very large quantities, it can result in excessive fluoride intake.
Brewed tea also contains fluoride, though in lower concentrations than instant tea. In practice, fluoride content in tea as consumed will be higher if the beverage is made with fluoridated water.
Additionally, brewed tea is higher in antioxidant phytonutrients than instant tea and thus is preferable when available.
The fluoride in tea is not necessarily a bad things. Tea consumption has been linked with healthier teeth and gums and stronger bones, possibly in past due to its fluoride content.
It also contributes bones to resistant to decay by acids and demineralization.
The benefits of fluoride are greatest when exposure to it begins in infancy and continues during the development of a child’s teeth.
Fluoride is not a concern unless you are drinking more than two or three quarts of instant tea, or a gallon of regular brewed tea, daily.
Tea and Fluoride
