The side effect of excess green tea intake
People consume green tea as it offers a lot of health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help to boost metabolism, promote weight loss, and improve brain function. However, like everything in life, excess consumption of green tea can have side effects on the body. This article will speak about the side effects of overconsumption of green tea intake.
Caffeine Overload
Green tea contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that helps to increase alertness and reduce fatigue. However, too much caffeine intake can cause adverse effects such as anxiety, jitteriness, and insomnia. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recommended daily caffeine intake for an adult is 400mg. A cup of green tea contains approximately 30–50mg of caffeine. Therefore, consuming more than 8 cups of green tea per day can lead to caffeine overdose.
Digestive Problems
A type of polyphenol, tannins is present in green tea which gives it a bitter taste. They are known to interfere with the absorption of iron and other minerals in the body. This can lead to digestive problems such as constipation, stomach cramps, and nausea. Additionally, green tea contains catechins, another type of polyphenol that can cause acidity and heartburn in some people.
Liver Damage
Overconsumption of green tea can have adverse effects on the liver. It contains high levels of catechins, a type of antioxidant that can cause liver damage when consumed in large quantities. According to a study published in the journal Hepatology, excessive green tea intake can lead to liver toxicity, which can cause liver failure and even death.
Bone Health
The fluoride content in green tea makes your teeth strong. However, the intake of fluoride in overabundance can have adverse effects on bone health. According to a study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, green tea when consumed excessively can cause skeletal fluorosis, a condition that weakens the bones and can lead to fractures.
Iron Deficiency
As mentioned earlier, green tea contains tannins, a type of polyphenol that interferes with the absorption of iron in the body. This can lead to iron deficiency, a condition that can cause fatigue, weakness, and anemia. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming green tea with meals can reduce the absorption of iron by up to 70%.
Headaches
Caffeine in green tea acts as a natural stimulant that can cause headaches in some people. Additionally, the tea has theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. But, if green tea is taken on large amounts it can lead to dizziness.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, consuming more than 300mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Additionally, caffeine can pass into breast milk and affect the baby’s sleep patterns and behavior.
Goodness of green tea
Let’s see what good things green tea has to offer us.
- The antioxidants (catechins and polyphenols) present in green tea help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative damage and lead to various diseases.
- Green tea is known to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. The catechins in green tea help to increase fat burning and improve insulin sensitivity, which can help to reduce body fat.
- There are anti-cancer properties in green tea. The polyphenols in green tea help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and prostate cancer.
- The caffeine in green tea is a natural stimulant that induces alertness and concentration. Additionally, green tea contains theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can help to improve cognitive function.
- Green tea lower the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants in green tea help to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- To make your teeth and bones stronger, consuming green tea can be effective. Its fluoride minerals help to make your teeth and bones strong. Additionally, the catechins in green tea help to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Green tea has been shown to promote longevity. The antioxidants in green tea help to reduce the risk of various age-related diseases and improve overall health and well-being.
Green is a health drink that can do wonders on people. However, excessive consumption of green tea can have adverse effects on the body. Buy green tea from Halmari Tea and consume it in moderation and limit intake to 2–3 cups per day. Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their intake of green tea and other caffeinated beverages. If you experience any adverse effects from green tea consumption, it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider.
