Green tea side effects are not a topic we read about often. Now the benefits of green tea, that’s in the news several times a day. But what are the side effects of green tea and how do they compare to the benefits of this tea?
The side effects of this tea are due to the caffeine it contains. Surprisingly, the caffeine contained in this tea is half of that contained in coffee or other caffeinated beverages on the market today. Especially the new energy drinks that are on the market that are loaded with caffeine, green tea does not come close to these levels of caffeine.
But, if you are a caffeine-sensitive person, some of the side effects of this tea that you may experience include: restlessness, irritability, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, tremors, and other caffeine-related symptoms.
The benefits of drinking green tea start with several powerful antioxidants that help lower cholesterol and can even lower blood pressure. You can’t go a day without reading something about the powerful benefits of green tea. What centuries-old folklore and healers have long believed is now being tested in research laboratories every day. Yes, science is backing up the myths with real science and facts.
This type of tea is made from the unfermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea processing has been reported to contain the highest levels of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, which are the compounds in the body that alter cells, manipulate genetic material, and even cause cell death. There are many scientists who believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process. Scientists believe that they also contribute to the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants, like the polyphenols in tea, neutralize free radicals in the body and may reduce or prevent some of the damage to the body.
More information on do the side effects of tea outweigh the benefits of green tea? It’s up to you.
Some side effects of the tea include an upset stomach. The caffeine and polyphenols in the tea stimulate the stomach to release excess stomach acid. This causes acid to back up into the esophagus and give the person a feeling of heartburn, gas, and bloating. There are several steps you can take to avoid an upset stomach when drinking green tea, such as drinking half-strength green tea or an aged oolong or pureh.
The polyphenols found in tea are 25 to 100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. Did you know that just one cup of this tea provides more antioxidant activity than a serving of broccoli, carrots, or strawberries? This activity drastically reduces the damaging effects of free radicals. The tea’s health benefits are reported to have anti-aging properties, aid in weight loss and maintenance, fight colds, and have antiviral properties. A recent scientific study has shown that drinking green tea can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Pregnant women should be careful about drinking tea during the first few months of their pregnancy. Caffeine, like any other beverage, can cause contractions and miscarriage. It is also important to note that during pregnancy, the expectant mother takes a prenatal vitamin with additional folic acid. This is necessary to promote the development of a healthy and normal baby. Research has shown that green tea interferes with the proper absorption of folic acid and can cause a birth defect. Studies showed that there was a very high incidence of birth defects due to folic acid deficiency in women who drank green tea in their first trimester.
Lastly, the health benefits of this tea are too numerous to count. From improving heart health to lowering cholesterol, fighting aging and fighting cancer, green tea has been found to be good for you. Do the side effects of tea outweigh the benefits of tea?
That is for you to decide.