Green Tea Benefits & Side Effects

Green tea is made from the tea plant known as Camellia sinsensis, just like other true teas such as black tea and white tea. It is one of the least processed true teas. All true teas contain caffeine and green tea is no exception. It is packed with lots of antioxidants and nutrients which is very beneficial for your body.

Top 7 Benefits of Green Tea:

1. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal tool to treat everything from fever to heart
   disease.
2. Green tea boasts health benefits that include accelerated weight loss,
3. Cancer prevention.
4. Green Tea can help to kill Bacteria, it improves Dental Health also helps you lowers the risk of Infection too.
5.  Helps lower blood pressure.
6. It has also been shown to prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
7. Green tea has also been promoted as an alternative to coffee for people who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake.
   

   Top 7 Side Effects of Green Tea:

While drinking Green tea is considered mostly safe for adults, there are a few side effects to keep in mind. Most of the side effects of green tea consumption can be avoided by consuming only moderate amounts.

1. Stomach Problems:

Green tea contains tannins that can increase the
amount of acid in your stomach. Excess acid can lead to digestive problem including constipation, acid reflux, and nausea.

Green tea can also cause diarrhea when consumed in large amounts.  If you suffer from
irritable bowel syndrome, avoid green tea.

2. Headaches:

Green tea can cause headaches in certain individuals
since it contains caffeine. People who suffer from migraines can consume green tea occasionally. However, you should avoid drinking green tea every day if you suffer from daily headaches. If you have caffeine sensitivity, avoid drinking green tea.

3. Problems Sleeping:

Green tea contains two compounds that are antithetical to sleep: theanine and caffeine. Green tea contains only small amounts of caffeine, but it is still not recommended for use before bed.

This can lead to a difficulty falling asleep if taken before bed. Avoid these side effects and consume green tea no later than 5 hours before bedtime.

 4. Anemia and Iron Deficiency:

Green tea contains antioxidants that hamper the iron absorption in the human body. This side effect can be a particularly dangerous for people who suffer from anemia or other disease where iron deficiency is present. To avoid this side effect, add lemon to your tea. The vitamin C in lemon promotes iron absorption, counteracting this side effect. As a precaution, avoid green tea if you have anemia.

 5. Vomiting:

Excess amounts of green tea can lead to nausea and vomiting. If someone is starter should green tea with 1 or 2 cups per day and monitor your reaction. Only increase consumption if you experience no side effects.

 6. Liver Disease:

High consumption of green tea can lead to liver damage and disease. Experts believe this is due to a build-up of caffeine that can stress the liver. To avoid this side effect, avoid consuming more than 4 to 5 cups of green tea every day.

 7. Bone Health:

Excess consumption of green tea increases the risk of bone disease such as osteoporosis in sensitive individuals.

So, drink green tea in moderation. Most of these negative side effects are due to the caffeine content. Stick to suggested amounts and avoid green tea if you are sensitive to caffeine.  If you found any of this symptoms or suffering on any of these illnesses that mentioned side effects, consult with your physician before drinking green tea. But generally drinking green tea in moderation is a healthy habit.

Written by: Shahanaj Begum

(Shahnajkitchen)