World News for Students of English

03-11-2025 07:00

Bubble tea, also known as boba, has become a global phenomenon, loved for its colorful look and sweet taste.

Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, it mixes tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. Social media helped turn it into a popular trend, but now experts are warning about health risks. Tests in the United States found small amounts of lead in tapioca pearls, made from cassava that absorbs heavy metals from soil. Although the levels are low, repeated exposure may be harmful. Doctors also warn that drinking bubble tea too often can cause digestive problems, kidney stones, and obesity due to its high sugar content, sometimes up to 50 grams per cup. Some pearls can even cause choking, especially in children.

Experts suggest smaller cups, less sugar, and water instead of sweet drinks. Bubble tea is safe in moderation, but unhealthy as a daily habit.

Difficult words: phenomenon (something very popular or remarkable), tapioca (a small soft ball from a plant called cassava), cassava (a tropical root plant; its starch is used to make tapioca).

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