Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks. It is sourced from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea contains an antioxidant called EGCG that has the potential to fight various diseases like cancer, heart disease, and obesity. But new research shows that drinking too much green tea daily may have side effects.
In this article, we will address 15 green tea side effects, along with discussing the ideal dosage and other precautions you need to take. Let’s begin!
Green Tea Side Effects
Drinking too much green tea has side effects. Here is a list of the 15 adverse effects you want to be wary about.
1. EGCG In Green Tea Binds Iron, Causing Anemia And Iron Deficiency
Anemia affects 1.62 billion people worldwide. It is caused due to iron deficiency and low levels of hemoglobin in the blood.
Research studies point out that drinking too much green tea daily may cause iron deficiency, leading to anemia and/or low RBC count.
Dr. Matam , a Penn State assistant professor, explains that particular green tea catechin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), binds with iron. This reduces EGCG efficiency as a potent antioxidant and also blocks iron absorption.
Bottom Line – Green tea EGCG may cause iron deficiency and anemia by blocking iron absorption.
2. Caffeine In Green Tea Interferes With Certain Medications
Caffeine is a CNS (Central Nervous System) stimulator. That is why a cup of green tea makes you feel rejuvenated and re-energized. The catch is, consuming large amounts of green tea while on certain medications may cause side effects.
Caffeine is broken down in the body and flushed out. But certain drugs like Cimetidine, antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, trovafloxacin , sparfloxacin , norfloxacin , grepafloxacin, Fluconazole, anesthetic drugs like Midazolam, and birth control pills inhibit caffeine breakdown.
As a result, caffeine continues to be in the body, causing jitters, restlessness, increased heart rate, and, in some cases, arrhythmia.
Bottom Line – Green tea caffeine may interfere with certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, anesthetic drugs, and birth control pills.
3. Green Tea During Pregnancy May Cause Birth Defects
Several studies show that drinking excess green tea during pregnancy may have a negative impact on the mother and the newborn. Consuming more than 300 mg of caffeine per day increases the risk of hypertension during pregnancy.
Scientists have also found that caffeine and tannins in green tea can reduce the levels of folic acid. Folic acid, a water-soluble B-vitamin, prevents miscarriages and birth defects like spina bifida. Though there is no overall risk associated with tea intake, the anti-folate effects of tea (green) need further study.
Bottom Line – Excessive consumption of green tea during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, spina bifida, and maternal hypertension. Consult your doctor before consuming green tea during pregnancy.
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