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Meet Lyubov: A tea leaf enthusiast
At just 20 years old, Lyubov Siryk from Limassol, Cyprus, has developed a peculiar addiction that has caught the attention of many: she consumes tea leaves and even entire tea bags on a daily basis.
What started as a childhood curiosity, encouraged by her grandmother, has transformed into a full-blown obsession. Lyubov recalls her first experience with mint leaves, which sparked her interest in exploring the flavors of tea leaves. Today, she finds herself munching on tea leaves up to twice a day, often craving them after finishing her cup of tea.
The journey from curiosity to obsession
Lyubov’s journey began at the age of 14 when she first experimented with mint leaves. “I loved the taste,” she explains, “and one day I just thought — what if I try eating regular tea leaves?” This simple question led her to discover a new passion.
Now, she enjoys three to four cups of tea daily, often indulging in the leaves from at least two of those cups. Her favorites include English Breakfast, Chinese Pu’er, and Thai black tea. Interestingly, she doesn’t shy away from consuming used tea bags offered by friends, showcasing her commitment to her unique habit.
Health considerations and cravings
While Lyubov enjoys her unusual snack, she is aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming tea leaves and bags, particularly concerning microplastics found in some tea bags. To mitigate these risks, she opts for organic paper tea bags whenever possible.
“I try to avoid the ones with plastic or nylon,” she states, acknowledging the challenges of chewing certain paper tea bags that may contain fabric. Despite her awareness of these risks, the cravings remain strong. “I once tried to quit, but it was incredibly difficult,” she admits.
“I’d drink tea and then just crave the leaves so badly.”
A balanced lifestyle amidst the addiction
Despite her unusual habit, Lyubov maintains a healthy lifestyle. She regularly undergoes checkups and emphasizes that she does not smoke or drink alcohol, and she follows a balanced diet. “I just have this one strange habit,” she reflects. While she hopes to eventually stop eating tea bags, she believes her love for tea leaves is here to stay. “I googled everything about it and decided it’s not that harmful, especially compared to things like smoking or drinking alcohol,” she concludes. Lyubov’s story serves as a reminder that our habits can be as unique as we are, and sometimes, they can even lead to unexpected journeys of self-discovery.
