Green Tea Side Effects

Although Green Tea Side Effects are not considered to be a very serious concern and there are not many side effects, you still need to be aware of them. Too much of a good thing usually has some consequences and green tea is no exception.

We have all heard of the many health benefits of green tea. Studies have shown that drinking it in moderation is one of the keys to well being, so keep your consumption to a few cups a day and you should be fine.

Tea with all its wonder is not a cure for the many illnesses and diseases but more a prevention. So err on the side of caution for any medical related concerns and whenever in doubt, consult your doctor.


Green Tea Side Effects #1 – Caffeine

Yes, this wonder brew contains caffeine.

This is one of the more common side effects. Green Tea contains caffeine and although its caffeine content is not as high as that of coffee, you still need to be aware of it. Green Tea contains half the amount of caffeine found in coffee. If caffeine has an effect on you, factor this in and limit your consumption accordingly.

Caffeine in Green Tea


Green Tea Side Effects #2 – Too Much Of It!

What is too much? All our bodies react differently and some of us are able to consume more than others with no possible side effects. But in general more than 6 cups is considered too much for some people. What does too much Green Tea do to you? Here are some of the effects:

* Insomnia
* Irregular heart beat
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
* Dizziness
* Headaches
* Loss of appetite


Green Tea Side Effects #3 – Pregnancy and Green Tea

Keeping in mind that green tea contains caffeine, consumption should be limited accordingly during pregnancy.

How does green tea affect my pregnancy and baby?

Here are some of the findings on Green Tea and Pregnancy.


* Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic
* Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby
* Caffeine causes miscarriages
* Caffeine causes infertility
* Caffeine causes birth defects


So, should I or should I not drink caffeine during pregnancy?

Most practitioners will tell you to err on the side of caution and to avoid caffeine or cut back on your caffeine intake to a “moderate level”. The definition of moderate varies anywhere between 150mg – 300 mg. But that again can be somewhat misleading. How much caffeine is in a cup depends on the type of tea and the strength of the brew. Flushing out the first brew will eliminate some of the caffeine content so that may help somewhat.

If you are in any way concerned, eliminate caffeine from your diet while you’re pregnant. If it’s hard to do it cold turkey, cut down on it slowly

Research has also shown that high levels of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) that active compound found in green tea may reduce folate levels. The study showed that women who drink high levels of green tea during conception and pregnancy many place the fetus at risk for neural tube disorders. Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are usually associated with folic acid deficiency.

Green Tea and Pregnancy


Green Tea Side Effect #4 – An Allergic Reaction

Although rare, an allergic reaction to green tea may occur. If you experience this, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms include swelling of lips, tongue or face, hives, difficulty in breathing.


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