Tea makers do not ferment tea leaves for green tea products, and this gives green tea a lighter flavor and color. Green tea contains a significant amount of antioxidants, and these components could help protect your body from certain health conditions such as cancer. Green tea does not cause harm in most people, but, as with any plant or herb, you could experience side effects or other problems associated with green tea consumption.
Side Effects
Green tea will most likely not cause side effects. If you do have problems, the side effects may stem more from the caffeine content in the tea. The possible side effects may include insomnia, anxiety and nausea. You may also have changes in the rhythm of your heart.
If you have an allergic reaction to the tea you may experience a rash, swelling of your face or mouth. You may experience difficulty breathing or stomach upset, including stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications could also interact with green tea. These include medications that control your heart rhythm or blood pressure. Green tea could also increase the blood-thinning properties of anticoagulant medications, and the tea may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Possible Benefits
Green tea may offer some benefits in treating or preventing certain health conditions such as coronary artery disease, a condition that may lead to heart attacks. As well, green tea may benefit cholesterol levels and aid in controlling blood sugar levels. Researchers in Thailand evaluated the role of green tea on weight loss and concluded that components in green tea may have an effect on weight loss. Your doctor may recommend that you drink a certain amount of green tea each day if you have risks for health conditions such as these.
Herbal Tea
Drinking green tea may not cause any side effects or problems whatsoever, but if you consume large quantities or experience even minor side effects from your caffeine intake, your doctor may recommend that you limit the amount of green tea you drink. Alternatives may include herbal teas, but discuss these products with your doctor since some herbs have qualities that could also cause side effects or interfere with medications.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Green Tea; David Zieve, MD, MHA, et al.; September 2010
- Green Tea: Side Effects of Green Tea
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; What is An Allergic Reaction to Food?; December 2010
- "Physiology and Behavior"; Effectiveness of Green Tea on Weight Reduction in Obese Thais: A Randomized, Controlled Trial; P. Auvichayapat et al.; February 2008
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