The Bad Sides of Green Tea, You Never Knew

Taking green tea has numerous health benefits,  helping to increase the body's antioxidant reserves to help neutralize free radicals, however despite all the  good things about this health drink, has anybody told you that too much of it is bad too?  Have you been told that it has some ugly sides too?  Here are 12 ugly sides of green tea, you may not hsve been told.

1.  Contains Tannins

The presence of a compound known as tannin in green tea inhibits the absorption of iron in foods that we eat. consumption of green tea after an iron-rich meal can make main compounds in the tea bind to the iron and if this occurs the green tea will lose its potential as antioxidants. Consuming green tea immediately after food can give this effect and if continued over a long period of time.  The individual may suffer from low iron  deficiency anaemia which will weaken the immune system.  To reduce the effect of tannins in iron absorption.  It is suggested we allow one or two hours between meals before taken our green tea or alternatively, about two hours before meals containing iron.  This includes supplement. 

2.  Caffeine

We are all aware that caffeine is a stimulant and can cause other health problems if taken in excess over a long period of time.  Caffeine increases the quantity of acid involved in digestion  and ultimately can cause pain.  Additionally, caffeine being a stimulant is addictive and if addicted to caffeine, other problems such as stomach issues, low water at cellular levels, leading to dehydration at the cell points could arise

3.  The main active  compound in green tea is EGCG,  It is also known to inhibit an enzyme known as myeloperoxidase, which may cause inflammation. But if tea is consumed with an iron-rich meal, EGCG loses its potential to prevent the inflammatory action of myeloperoxidase, thus  leading to inflammation.

4    Headaches

 This is usually  due to caffeine in  green tea.  This  may cause mild to severe headaches.  Excessive consumption of green tea by individual who are already mildly anaemic could cause mild to severe headache.  Apart from headaches, it also causes dizziness. Some  studies show that the maximum consumable dose of green tea in the human body is 9.9 grams every day, which might be equivalent to 24 cups of the tea per day.

5.  Insomnia

one of the problems of caffeine is a problem with sleeping.  This can be avoided by limiting the consumption of green tea or taking the tea only during the morning hours, as the fatal consumption dose of caffeine in it is estimated to be 10-14 grams per day. Drinking green tea too late in a day may also cause this negative  side effect. Obviously, this is due to caffeine which encourages the nervous system and may interfere with sleep.  Patients or individual who suffer insomnia should be cautious about taking green tea as it may make the condition worse.

6. Irregular Heartbeat

Again this is due to caffeine in green tea. Caffeine causes your heart rate to speed-up this may cause irregularly fast heartbeat this situation is known as tachycardia. This situation makes you feel like your heart is pounding in the chest. You are more aware of your heartbeat than usual, it is also known as palpitations this situation could result in pain in chest or angina. An abnormal change in your heartbeat could results a serious health problems.

7. Vomiting

One Indian study is suggesting that green tea polyphenols can cause oxidative stress.  An excessive intake of green tea can cause nausea and in some cases vomitting.  Moderation is better when indulging in green tea.

8.  Heart Burn

Green tea is mildly acidic and can irritate the esophageal lining giving rise to heart burn or acid reflux.  According to a Japanese study , green tea consumption has been linked to GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.  The caffeine in green was also found to increase stomach acid which  can lead to gastritis.

9.  Tinnitis (Ringing in the ear)

According to the American Tinnitis Association, teas like green tea with caffeine are known to aggravate the condition

10.  Bleeding from ulcers

This is still linked to its caffeine  and high antioxidants.  Persons with stomach ulcers should be cautious with green as excessive intake can aggravate the condition and cause bleeding in severe cases

11.  Risk of Glaucoma

Teas like black or green tea increases pressure in the eyes.  This is said to occur about 30 minutes after taking the tea and lasts as long as 90 minutes.  It advised not to drink green and black tea together as this will increase this effect.   Women already with glaucoma are discouraged from taking green tea or its extract.

12.  High Blood Pressure

High flavonoids in green tea with caffeine, studies are showing that these two when absorbed suddenly upon taking the tea could lead to a sudden rise in blood pressure which may later settle.  So green tea is said to work both ways, for those with low blood pressure it could regulate it, but individual with high blood pressure should beware also of green tea sudden negative effect on the blood pressure.

It is important to state that despite all the above, green from a good manufacturers are still among the safest tea to take by most people due to its antioxidant and no sugar benefits.

Summary:

Taking in moderation won't do any harm, it is addictive to always want to take green because of its health benefits but always take a break after about 2 or 3 days especially those managing high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and arthritis.  

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