Bubble Tea Health Hazards: Can Boba Tea Cause Kidney Stones

Bubble tea, popularly known as Boba tea, gained huge popularity in last few years among youngsters. The tea was discovered in Taiwan in 1980s and now widely available in India too. With its vibrant layers, extensive range of flvour options, and chewy tapioca pears, the tea may appear to be a harmless and attractive treat. However, a new study indicates that the famous drink may have more health drawbacks than many individuals realise that may range from digestive and metabolic problems to possible side effects on mental health.

According to the data available at USDA, a cup of dry tapioca pearls carries approximately 544 calories, highlighting how calorie-dense the ingredient can be.  Scientists and doctors have urged health-conscious individuals to check the potential risks linked with regular consumption of bubble tea. ¹

According to a research published in National Library of Medicine, “The major limitations of cassava as food appear to be its poor protein content and quality and the rapid post-harvest deterioration of its roots which usually prevents their storage in the fresh state for more than a few days.” ²

Cassava plants absorb heavy metals such as lead and cadmium from the soil due to that higher levels of lead in some bubble tea products have reportedly been found. This is especially worrying for those who drink the tea on a regular basis. The concern is not just restricted to heavy metals.

The pearls in the tea are quite dense and starchy with excessive consumption can lead to decreased rate at which stomach empties that can cause nausea, discomfort, blockages of digestive tract in extreme cases. A thickener namely Guar gum is added to a some bubble teas that can aggravate constipation if the tea is consumed way too frequently.

Below are some possible health hazards associated with bubble tea

Tooth Decay: The yet another major issue linked with bubble tea is the high amount of sugar. According to a report highlighted Science Daily, “A typical serving of bubble tea contains between 20 and 50g of sugar, an amount that matches or even exceeds a can of Coca-Cola (35g). Research in Taiwan found that by age nine, children who drank bubble tea regularly were 1.7 times more likely to develop cavities in their permanent teeth.” ³ Therefore, excessive intake of the tea can cause dental problems like tooth decay.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk: High consumption of the tea over a period of time can also pose and enhance the risk of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease caused by regular blood glucose spikes and fat storage in liver.

Kidney Stones: The report in Science Daily highlighted that bubble tea may impact kidney health too. In 2023, doctors in Taiwan eliminated over 300 kidney stones from a 20-year old woman who was reportedly drinking the tea instead of water. Some ingredients of tea such as oxalate and high levels of phosphate can increase the buildup of kidney stones. ^3. 

Mental Health: One of the most unusual finding of the study revolved around mental health. Studies in children in China who sip the tea way too regularly were found to have increased rates of anxiety and depression. Chinese nurses reported some similar links in adults linking regular bubble tea intake to anxiety, depression, fatigue, job stress, and reduced overall well-being, added the Science Daily report. ³

References

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture| Bubble Tea

2. National Library of Medicine| Bubble Tea

3. Science Daily| Bubble Tea
   

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.