In general, green tea is considered very healthy, but the tea can also have harmful effects, especially if consumed in excess. Consumers should be aware of these potential side effects and pay attention to possible signs.
In a recent study, an Indian research team investigated the positive health effects and side effects of green tea. The results are published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine.
How healthy is green tea?
In recent years, numerous studies have dealt with the possible positive health effects of green tea and, among other things, demonstrated an effect against cardiovascular diseases, obesity and Alzheimer’s.
As a result, the world market for green tea has grown rapidly and green tea extracts are now also used in functional foods and as dietary supplements intended to strengthen our health.
Side effects not considered enough?
Among the various forms of tea beverages, green tea has the most active ingredients, and human studies show it has antihypertensive, anticancer and antibacterial effects, the researchers explain.
However, little attention has been paid to the potential adverse effects of green tea and excessive consumption of green tea in particular may have harmful effects on human health.
Green tea health problems
The researchers emphasize that the positive health effects are offset by adverse effects that are often overlooked. These include gastrointestinal complaints, impairment of kidney function and a harmful effect on the liver.
In an earlier study, other potential side effects – in addition to gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea – were sleep disorders, inner restlessness, dizziness, iron absorption disorders or iron deficiency, excessive urination and effects on blood clotting.
Overall, green tea has gained a lot of popularity as a functional food with both nutritional and therapeutic effects, but the side effects should not be ignored and excessive doses should be avoided, the experts conclude. (fp)
