Tea is a favorite beverage for many. There are different types of tea, with each having its unique taste but performing almost the same functions. The right amount is healthy, but drinking too much may have negative effects.
We all have our favorite hot drink. Some prefer having a cup of tea in the morning, while others love it at night. Of course, any time of the day is the right time for tea sweethearts to sip on their drink. Drinking tea is considered a healthier choice than options like sodas. However, too much of it may cause some unpleasant outcomes. So, are there any side effects of tea, and should you stop drinking it?
Importance of tea
Before highlighting the negative effects of tea, let’s see why you should still have it in your routine and not entirely avoid it. Tea can be a tasty drink since you can serve it hot or iced. Its benefits are beyond refreshment. Most research studies show that drinking tea is also an effective way of improving your health. It has the following benefits;
It contains antioxidants
Antioxidants serve an important role in protecting your cells from free radicals, keeping you young and protected from cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. Load up on these useful antioxidants with a cup of tea, preferably white tea, which is less processed than green or black tea.
It has less caffeine compared to coffee
Herbal tea contains no caffeine, and traditional types have about 50% less than what is usually found in coffee. That means you can enjoy your cup of tea without unpleasant effects on your nervous system.
It reduces the risks of heart attack and stroke
There’s a strong connection between tea and a healthy heart. Nutritionists claim that drinking green tea assists in the reduction of heart attacks and decrease bad cholesterol in the body.
Helps to protect your bones
Green tea can help prevent bone loss. Moringa, a herbal tea, is also a popular drink praised for its medicinal properties, including bone health. Its high content of calcium, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin will help keep your bones strong.
It may help with losing weight
Some types of tea like green tea and other herbal tea can help shed some extra pounds. However, there is no strong evidence on this claim. Also, the effectiveness depends on an individual’s metabolism reaction.
It’ll help you keep your smile
According to Japanese researchers, tea may help minimize tooth loss. Drinking it changes PH in one’s mouth, which can help prevent cavities. Compared to other beverages, tea does not erode tooth enamel. That makes tea a healthier choice than other drinks.
It may help boost your immune system
Tea improves the functionality of immune cells to help them perform their functions quicker. Ayurvedic practitioners love herbal teas like tulsi tea and holy basil since they help keep the immune system strong after illnesses or injuries. That’s due to their anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
It’s calorie-free and helps with the digestive system
Herbal teas like chamomile are useful to individuals with irritable bowel syndrome because of their antispasmodic properties. Also, ginger tea is helpful in calming nausea. After water, tea comes second as the second-best option of a no-calorie drink. Tea gives you a great flavor and versatility. You don’t have to add anything to it, but if you want, ginger and cinnamon add a great taste. Also, tea is another alternative to hydrate yourself.
Sides effects of tea
Increases anxiety and restlessness
Tea leaves have caffeine. Although it’s less than what is in coffee, overconsuming it may lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and restlessness. Black tea contains more caffeine than white and green tea varieties. The longer you steep your tea, the more caffeine it’ll have.
Solution? Steep your tea for a shorter time to reduce the accumulation of caffeine. Also, opt for herbal teas and white tea because they have less caffeine than other types.
Poor sleep
Due to caffeine, excessive consumption of tea may interrupt your sleep pattern. Individuals at higher risks are those who drink it at night before going to sleep. Researchers suggest that caffeine inhibits the production of melatonin, a hormone that signals the brain to sleep. Thus, causing poor sleep quality.
Solution? Avoid drinking too much tea at night. Instead, drink it in the morning so that at night there’ll be little caffeine in your body. Add sleep-stimulating ingredients like ginger and cinnamon to help you maintain your sleep quality.
Heartburn
Drinking many cups of tea will increase stomach acid production due to high caffeine content. Whether you’ll experience heartburn or not depends on your body. So, if you notice you get heartburn stomach discomfort after taking tea, reduce your intake.
Solutions? Opt for teas with safe pH levels that’ll protect you from heartburns, and they include;
Tea average Ph level
Green 7
Chamomile 6
Black 4
Lemon 3
Rosehip 2
Headaches
Individuals who consume lots of green tea mostly complain of headaches. While intermittent caffeine helps relieve some headaches, overconsumption will cause opposite effects. If you notice recurrent headaches which you suspect are linked to your tea intake, reduce or eliminate this beverage.
Solution? Drink moderately. If headaches persist, stop drinking it and opt for another alternative.
Addiction
Caffeine is addictive if taken regularly. It’s easy to develop dependence on tea, and it can start as soon as three days of consecutive drinking. The severity will increase over time. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms are irritability, headache, fatigue, and increased heartbeat.
Solution? You can avoid being caffeine-dependent by drinking different types of tea instead of drinking one type consecutively. Switch tea with other beverages to avoid being addicted to only one variety.
Conclusion
Apart from water, tea is the other widely consumed beverage globally. There are many healthy types of teas you can try: black tea, chamomile tea, ginger tea, hibiscus tea, mint tea, oolong tea, green tea, ginger tea, and many more. While these drinks are beneficial in many ways, overconsumption comes with some side effects. These damages depend on the type of tea, how you drink it, how often you drink it, and what you add to your tea!
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