green tea

Green tea has numerous health benefits but also has dangerous side effects on health. This article will give you all the necessary information on green tea.

First of all, have you questioned yourself about the ingredients in green tea?

I’m not fully sure you have done this by yourself.  

Origin Of Green Tea 

Green tea has its origins in China, where it has been a beloved beverage for an extended period. 

It played a significant role in supporting the health system in China before gaining acceptance in various other countries, including Japan and America.

This tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s important to note that all teas, including green tea, contain caffeine.

Consuming green tea is beneficial for your health, as it offers a range of advantages such as weight management, antioxidant properties, heart health, and cancer prevention, among others.

These benefits significantly contribute to the overall human health system. However, it’s important to be aware that green tea also has potential side effects that can be detrimental and even life-threatening.

green tea
Green tea

Below, you will find a list of 11 dangerous side effects associated with excessive consumption of green tea.

1. Caffeine Sensitivity

Green tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. While many people can tolerate caffeine well, those who are sensitive to it may experience restlessness, increased anxiety, and difficulties with sleep.

The caffeine in green tea can affect individuals differently based on their sensitivity levels and overall caffeine intake from other sources.

2. Liver and Kidney Damage

Liver and Kidney Damage

While it is uncommon,  high or excessive doses of green tea supplements have been associated with liver and kidney problems.

These supplements contain higher concentrations of active compounds than brewed tea, and their safety is a subject of concern. It’s essential to use such supplements cautiously.

3. Oxalate Content

 Oxalate Content
Oxalate Content

compounds such as oxalate can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals in immunocompromised persons.

When an individual has a history of kidney stones or is at risk,  monitor your oxalate intake, which includes limiting the consumption of foods and beverages high in oxalates, such as green tea, to reduce the risk of stone formation.

4. Stomach Issues

Stomach Issues
Stomach Issues

Excessive consumption of green tea, especially on an empty stomach, can sometimes lead to stomach upset, acid reflux, or digestive problems.

This is because green tea is mildly acidic and can irritate the gastrointestinal lining in some individuals, particularly if consumed in large quantities.

5. Iron Absorption

Compounds called tannins that can interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods when consumed together are contained in green tea.

This can be concerning for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia, as it may further reduce their ability to absorb the iron they need for good health.

 To solve this, avoiding drinking green tea with iron-rich meals would be necessary.

6. Medication Interactions

Green tea may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of some medications or increase the risk of adverse effects.

It is vital to inform your healthcare provider about your green tea consumption if one is taking medications to ensure he or she is safe and effective.

7. Headaches

One of the common side effects of high caffeine content in green tea is headache.

Caffeine is a  known vasoconstrictor, which means that it narrows blood vessels, and for some people, this can trigger headaches or exacerbate existing ones.

When caffeine intake is decreased,  green tea can help alleviate this issue of headaches.

8. Heart Palpitations 

Intake of extremely high doses of caffeine from green tea, especially if consumed rapidly, can result in irregular heartbeats, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or have underlying heart conditions.

It’s therefore important to take a critical look at your caffeine intake and consider alternatives if you experience these symptoms.

Heart Palpitations 

9. Bone Health 

Increased intake of green tea has been known to be associated with decreased calcium absorption which can potentially affect bone health over time, as calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

To counteract this, individuals who take in a lot of green tea should ensure they get adequate calcium from other dietary sources or supplements if necessary.

10. Pregnancy and Fertility

Pregnancy And Fertility
Pregnancy And Fertility

excessive intake of green tea by a pregnant woman or during pregnancy may pose risks.

Increased caffeine intake during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of complications such as miscarriage and preterm birth.

It’s therefore advisable for pregnant individuals to reduce their caffeine intake, including that from green tea, and consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.

11.Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions
Allergic Reactions of green tea

skin rashes, itching, or swelling are a result of allergic reactions from the consumption of green tea.

One should discontinue its use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist from medical personnel.

Are there any unique combinations with green tea, like honey, lemon, or certain foods?

Certainly, there are indeed many delightful combinations with green tea that can enhance its flavor.

1. Honey 

honey
honey for green tea

Due to the natural sweetness of honey, adding a small drop of it to green tea makes it more pleasant and sweeter to enjoy.

2. Lemon

Because of the citrusy content in lemon, it can enhance the sweetness of green tea and add a twist to its flavor.

3. Ginger

Ginger powder is another unique addition to green tea as it can introduce a warming element. This combination may aid in easing digestion.

4. Fruit 

Infusing green tea with apples creates natural fruity undertones, Enhancing its taste with a refreshing twist, this combination owns. The result is a delightful brew that’s both tasty and bright, A fusion of green tea’s goodness and apple’s sweet delight.

5 Spices 

Incorporate cinnamon to craft spiced green tea’s fine blends, Perfect for warming sips on chilly days, the aroma transcends. With a touch of spice, green tea’s comfort imparts, A soothing, flavorful brew to warm both body and heart.

link to purchase right cinnamon

How to prepare healthy green tea 

Here is the correct guidance for preparing healthy green tea on your own.

First of all, prepare your ingredients 

  • Quality green tea bag
  • Hygienic water
  • Honey or lemon (0btional)

links to order quality and honey and green tea

honey
honey for green tea
good green tea
green tea

Instructions 

Select quality tea: Start by choosing a reputable green tea brand; you can find trusted options through the provided green tea link.

Heat your water: Heat your clean water to the correct temperature; for most green teas, the water should be around 175-185℉ (80-85°C). Boiling water can result in bitter green tea, so allow it to cool slightly after boiling.

Heat your tea cup/pot: Pour a small amount of hot water into the teacup, then discard it.

Add tea leaves: If using loose leaves then take 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves per cup or teapot. But if you’re using a tea bag. I suggest one bag per cup is good.

Pour water:  pour your hot water over the leaves or the tea bag. And make sure the leaves are submerged  

Steeping time: the times vary depending on your green tea type

  • If you choose Japanese green tea. Steep for 1-2 minutes 
  • If you choose Chinese green tea like dragonwall or gunpowder. Steep for 2-3 minutes. 

 Adjust the steeping time to your taste preferences, but be cautious as steeping for too long can result in bitterness. 

Separate the tea leaves or tea bag: after the desired steeping time, gently remove the tea leaves to stop over-steeping. At this stage, you can add a touch of honey or squeeze of lemon to increase the taste.

Recommended video

Enjoy: The green tea is now ready to enjoy. Sip it slowly and carry on with your day or evening. 

 But always make sure to choose the right green tea from the right product listed in the blog post and use the right procedure to prepare.

Perfect Time To Take Green Tea

It’s beneficial to consume green tea in moderation and to be aware of the ideal times to do so to maximize its potential benefits.

Morning: a lot of people like to take green tea in the morning because of the moderate caffeine in the leaves,  which provides gentle energy to start the day. 

Afternoon:  Green tea serves as an excellent afternoon pick-me-up for those seeking a moderate caffeine boost without the jitters or intensity often associated with coffee.

green tea
green tea

 The caffeine content in green tea is generally lower than that in coffee, making it a suitable choice for maintaining alertness during the post-lunch energy slump. Additionally, green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can provide a calm focus, which complements the caffeine effect nicely.

Evening: Some individuals opt for green tea in the evening due to its lower caffeine content compared to coffee or black tea. This characteristic makes it a soothing choice that can help with relaxation as the day winds down. 

Green tea’s subtle caffeine presence can offer a gentle lift in mood and focus without interfering with sleep patterns, which is often a concern when consuming caffeine too close to bedtime.

Before Exercise: Green tea has gained popularity as a pre-workout beverage, primarily due to its potential metabolism-boosting properties.

Before Exercise
Before Exercise

 It contains compounds like catechins and caffeine that might aid in fat oxidation during physical activities. 

This can be particularly appealing to individuals looking to enhance their exercise routines and optimize calorie burning. However, it’s important to note that personal responses to green tea can vary, so experimenting with timing is advisable.

Before Bed: For those who enjoy green tea but are concerned about caffeine affecting their sleep, decaffeinated green tea or blends with low caffeine content are ideal options before bedtime. 

These varieties retain the soothing and comforting qualities of green tea without the risk of caffeine-related sleep disturbances.

 Sipping on a warm cup of decaffeinated green tea can be a calming ritual to help you unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

In essence, the choice of when to enjoy green tea should align with your personal preferences and how your body responds to caffeine. Green tea’s versatility makes it adaptable throughout the day, catering to your specific needs and routines.

Whether it’s for a gentle energy boost, relaxation, exercise enhancement, or a soothing bedtime routine, green tea offers a range of benefits to suit various occasions.

The right way to keep store green tea 

Is good to know the right place to keep your green tea leaves to maintain it freshness. Storen green tea leaves a the right place will help you to save money.

  1. Choose the right Container: Your container to store your green tea plays an important role in storing the green tea. Choose a container specifically made for keeping tea from external factors.
  1.  Keep from Moisture: to maintain the freshness of green tea, keep it away from a moist environment. Moisture can cause oxidation of chlorophyll, which may lead to turning the leaves brown and affect the flavor of the tea. 

To maintain your green tea make sure it dried to  a moisture content of  2% to 3%

  1. Keep away from sunlight: Sunlight is another enemy of tea leaves. It accelerates the oxidation of chlorophyll and reduces the quality of the tea leaves.

To protect the freshness and integrity of green tea leaves tea, it is advisable to store the tea leaves in opaque packaging such as  aluminum bag, or cowhide bags 

Use this link to purchase a tea bag from a trusted brand.

  4. Avoid high temperature: high temperature can expedite chemical reactions which can destroy important components like acid and compromise the quality, taste, and fresh aroma of green tea. So it is recommended to refrigerate green tea and protect it from excessive heat.

Conclusion

Green tea is beneficial to our health only if we consume it in right procedure

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Author

  • Dorcas Mensah

    I’m Dorcas Mensah Join me on this gastronomic journey, where each recipe is crafted with love and a touch of magic. Explore the flavors, techniques, and stories behind every dish as you embark on a delightful adventure through My Kitchen.

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