As good as it can be for your health, there are still certain green tea extract side effects that you should be wary of when sipping from your cup. We’re going to talk about these negatives, who is more likely to cross paths with them, and what you can do in order to prevent these issues.
Green Tea Extract vs. Green Tea
The main point that we need to send across is that drinking green tea is perfectly safe. If there is anything appropriate enough to set as an example, that’s the green tea average consumption of the Japanese population. The people of Nippon lands chug down up to 10 cups of green tea every day and there have been no reports of intoxication or over-consumption.
Green tea extract pills, however, are an entirely different story. And it makes perfect sense why: they’re not entirely natural, even if they aim to be. Because of this, there are a number of issues which may arise and they are usually the result of excess.
Before starting a routine involving green tea extract, it’s best that you consult a doctor to ensure that you won’t surpass the recommended daily allowance. You are talking about a high dosage of green tea extract when your intake is between 4.54 to 13.15 milligrams for every pound per body weight.
5 Green Tea Extract Side Effects
#1 Liver Damage
According to recent studies conducted by the National Institute of Health, intake of green tea extract supplements has been linked to various types of liver damage. Moreover, it seems that the extract can also lead to the acceleration of several liver diseases.
#2 Stomach Problems
Green tea contains tannins, substances which tend to increase stomach acidity. This can lead to several stomach issues, such as ache, constipation, or nausea. This is why you should avoid taking supplements – or drinking green tea for that matter – on an empty stomach.
#3 Iron Losses
Green tea extract is an impediment to the absorption of iron from foods. However, like in most cases, it would require a particularly high dosage in order for these effects to kick in. The extract mostly obscures the absorption of non-heme iron – by 25% to be precise. You can simply make up for it by eating right after foods rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the intake of non-heme iron.
#4 Sleep Issues
Everybody knows that green tea contains caffeine and extracts make no exception. Depending on how sensitive you are to the actions of caffeine, you may experience episodes of restlessness or anxiety.
#5 Increased Risks
People who are prone to diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, osteoporosis, or who are on a certain type of medication are most likely to develop various health issues. Also, the green tea extracts can pose health risks during pregnancy.
Wrapping Up
Green tea extract side effects are largely the result of a high dosage. Keep the intake to a minimum and you should be free of worries. But just for the sake of being safe, consult a doctor before deciding to go down this path.
