Millions of people around the world drink tea every day. Of the many types of tea available, a few, including green tea, have purported benefits that make them popular for treating health conditions such as cancer. In particular, green tea may be useful for treating and preventing breast, skin, colon, lung, bladder, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic and prostate cancer according to the American Cancer Society.
It's effectiveness in fighting cancer may be linked to its antioxidant properties. Not only can green tea leaves be made into a drink, an extract can be made from green tea leaves and then used as a supplement. Always speak with a doctor before using green tea extract or any other supplements to treat a health condition.
Difficulty Sleeping
Because green tea contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant in the body, sleep problems such as insomnia may result from its use according to the National Institutes of Health. This effect can be seen in users of all ages, even in infants who receive caffeine from the tea via breast milk.
Liver Problems
Green tea extract has been linked to a small number of cases of liver problems according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This effect has not been seen in use of other forms of the tea, however. To reduce the likelihood of developing liver problems when using green tea extract, take the supplement with food. Stop using it immediately and contact your doctor if you develop any signs of liver damage, such as jaundice, dark urine or abdominal pain. People with liver disease should use caution when using any products containing caffeine, including green tea, because of its potential effects on the liver.
Gastrointestinal Distress
The caffeine content in green tea extract can also cause gastrointestinal distress in some users. Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset and diarrhea are also possible side effects and are more likely to develop in people who consume excessive amounts of green tea or green tea extract according to the National Institutes of Health.
Constipation
The tannin in green tea may cause constipation in some users according to the National Institutes of Health.
Behavior Changes
The caffeine content in green tea extract has also been linked to behavioral changes such as irritability, agitation and mental confusion according to the Linus Pauling Institute. These effects are more likely in people who consume excessive amounts of caffeine.
Ulcer Symptoms
People with stomach ulcers may experience a worsening of symptoms when taking green tea extract because the caffeine content makes the body produce more stomach acid. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises people with ulcers to avoid green tea extract because of this risk.
Iron Levels
Green tea extract contains tannin, which has been associated with decreased iron levels and iron deficiency according to the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, microcytic anemia and impaired iron metabolism have been reported in infants using tea. Because of how green tea extract may affect fetuses and infants, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use it.
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