Many people incorporate green tea into their diets because of its many health benefits. Personally, I use it as part of my weight loss diet plan which has been very helpful in cutting down the calories. Whenever I crave for something before bed it is my go to snack which helps me stay full. Today’s post is about the Side effects of Green Tea that’s not often discussed
PS: I won’t not recommend it for people who are very sensitive to caffeine because Green tea is rich in caffeine.
Everything that comes with advantages has some disadvantages and even though green tea is very helpful for your health. People don’t often discuss its side effect.
It is important to know that green tea in itself is not bad, however too much of it will cause you to experience the following negative side effects.
1. Liver problems
Catechins, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and plant-based beverages, are present in green tea. Although they are beneficial to the body in moderate amount too much of it will overwhelm your liver and cause problems.
A 2017 review published in Liver International analyzed cases of liver injury associated with green tea extract supplements. It found that some individuals developed acute liver failure after high doses of green tea extracts.
You can tell if a person is having liver problems if your skin begins to turn yellowish.
2. Iron deficiency
Green tea can contribute to iron deficiency due to the presence of polyphenols like tannins and catechins, which inhibit iron absorption. These compounds bind to non-heme iron (plant-based iron) in the digestive tract, forming insoluble complexes that the body cannot absorb effectively.
The risk of iron deficiency from green tea increases with high consumption and drinking it alongside iron-rich meals. To minimize this effect, it is recommended to consume green tea between meals and pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption and counteracts the inhibitory effects of green tea polyphenols.
Read Also: Six (6) Common fruits and vegetables to lower blood pressure.
3. Pregnancy complications
Drinking lots of green tea around conception can increase the risk of neural tube defects in babies.
The catechins in green tea can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb folate. Folate is a critical vitamin that ensure proper neural tube development in the early stages of pregnancy.
When neural tubes dont develop fully in babies the skull, scalp and brain do not develop properly, and the babies are born sometimes with a portion of the brain and skull missing.
To be on the safe side avoid green tea when you are pregnant because you dont know exactly where other sources of catechins will be entering your body.
4. Digestive issues.
Too much green tea causes digestive issues for some individuals. These issues are primarily linked to its caffeine content and the presence of tannins, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Here are the main concerns:
- Acid Reflux and Stomach Irritation: The caffeine in green tea can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. Additionally, tannins in green tea may irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort or nausea, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach.
- Diarrhea: Excessive consumption of green tea can have a laxative effect due to its caffeine content, potentially causing diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
- Reduced Nutrient Absorption: Tannins in green tea can bind to dietary minerals like iron and magnesium, reducing their absorption and contributing to deficiencies over time, especially in those with existing digestive disorders.
5. Caffeine-related side effects
There are so many caffeine related side effects that varies from individual to individual one of them being insomnia accompanied with some headaches.
Other side effects are jitteriness, headaches, diarrhea, and even migraines in some rare cases.
Read Also: Clear Nasal Congestion with Bay Leaves: The Power of Bay Leaves
In conclusion, green tea is not harmful to your body per say but taking beyond the recommended amount will have these effects on your body. It is important to consult your doctor whenever you notice any of these negative changes.
Kindly Follow My Social Media Pages:
Facebook : @Infohealthgh
Twitter: @Infhealth
Leave a Reply