Side Effects of Green Tea

The health benefits of green tea have outweighed the side effects. But green teas do have some notable side effects. With the right information, you can avoid them.

Significance

• Much is said about the benefits of green tea. However, did you know that there are also side effects associated with green tea? Most side effects can be mild, but a few can be serious especially if you drink high doses of the tea.

Types

• The mild side effects can range from nausea, vomiting, irritability and insomnia usually associated with the caffeine content found in the tea. Some of the serious, but rare side effects are symptoms of high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, seizures and allergic reactions like hives, rashes and itching.

Solutions

• A few ways to avoid these symptoms is to try to drink smaller amounts of green tea and do not drink it on a full or an empty stomach. Most stomach upsets are due to the caffeine in the tea, by drinking green tea in between meals and by drinking, a lesser amount should help. You should also avoid drinking tea three to four hours before bedtime, to avoid insomnia.

Warning

• Green tea can block absorption of certain vitamin, nutrients and proteins, so you should drink it moderately. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not drink green tea or any tea, because of the caffeine. Drinking large amounts of green tea when you are pregnant can cause neural tube birth defects in babies.

Consideration

• Keep in mind that as long as you do not drink to much tea, and drink tea between meals, then the side effects should not be too serious.