Fear of adulteration in ceramic cupsImage Credit source: Getty Images
Tea is the favorite drink of Indians and it is not easy for most people to ignore it. For some, there is no morning without tea. At the same time, if one does not drink it then headache starts. Tea and coffee contain caffeine which is an important reason for its habituation. Indians eat parathas, biscuits, rusks and many other things with tea. In most homes the day starts with a sip of tea. Well, here we are talking about the way tea is served.
Apart from ceramic cups or mugs, tea is also served in plastic and paper cups. Drinking tea in a ceramic vessel instead of plastic or paper cup is considered safer. But do you know that this can also prove to be dangerous for health in some cases.
Tea cups are prepared in two ways: ceramic and porcelain. While ceramic is heavy, a cup made of porcelain is light and thin. Cups made of ceramic are cheap, hence utensils made of ceramic are used more in most of the houses in India. In this article, we are going to tell you how a ceramic cup can prove to be harmful for health?
How is a ceramic cup made? How Ceramic Tea Cup made in India
Ceramic tea cups are made from clay. Ball, china, feldspar and silica clay are used in this. After mixing all these, smooth soil is prepared which is kneaded. After this the cup is shaped. In this, it is common to try methods like potter’s workmanship and molding in moulds. First of all it is heated in a furnace at 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius. After this glaze is applied which gives color, shine and waterproof layer. The second time it is cooked in the furnace at 1000 to 1200 degrees Celsius. After this, printing or painting is done on some cups. It is strong and durable because it is a little thick and heavy.
What are the disadvantages of ceramic cups or sugar cups?
Dr. Rohit Sharma in the Department of Internal Medicine at Apollo Spectra Hospital It is said that drinking water from normal Chinese crockery i.e. porcelain glass is generally considered safe, if the glass is of good quality and food-grade. Properly made Chinese crockery is prepared at high temperatures. By doing this, the chemicals present in it become stable and there is no risk of getting dissolved in water. Such glasses do not cause any direct harm to the body in daily use.
The expert further said that the problem mostly occurs when the crockery is local or of very cheap quality. The glaze used in inferior Chinese crockery may contain heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, which can gradually accumulate in the body with prolonged use. In such a situation, it can harm the stomach, kidney or nervous system.
He further said, apart from this, if the glass has cracks, the shiny layer is coming off or it feels dirty from inside, then such utensils should not be used. To drink water, always choose Chinese crockery from a trusted brand, with ISI or food-safe certification. Replace old or broken glasses in a timely manner and use quality utensils that are especially safe for children. It is safe to drink water from ceramic glasses if proper precautions are taken.
Dr. Shefali Bhardwaj, Naturopathy Physician at Kailash Institute of Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Yoga She says that most of us drink tea and coffee daily in shiny ceramic cups or mugs. They look beautiful but did you know that some cheap and low quality cups can be risky for your health? Adulteration of lead and lead has been found in the glaze or shiny coating of low budget ceramic cups.
Why does the risk increase?
According to experts, when you pour very hot tea or coffee in it, these poisonous metals can slowly dissolve in the drink. It starts entering the body. Its effect is not visible immediately but it may cause problems later on. Dr. Shefali says that at some time, problems like frequent headaches and fatigue, stomach and digestive problems, effect on the nervous system and inability to learn and focus start occurring in children.
Experts say that you can use them keeping many precautions in mind. Do not buy cups that are very cheap, heavy, glossy or with peeling paint. Choose microwave-safe and trusted brands. If in doubt, glass, steel or bone china cups are better options.