Are There Any Green Tea Side Effects?

Everybody is speaking of the benefits green tea has on our health. What about green tea side effects, are there any? If there are any green tea side effects, what are they? Wherever you look for information about green tea, you will find reports praising the benefits of this herbal product. Among the ailments that the green tea helps with are cancer, arthritis, cholesterol, heart problems, infections and immune system. The latest research studies are showing that green tea is also beneficial in fighting against HIV.

 

Possible Green Tea Side Effects

The green tea is basically free of any side effects. However, pregnant women are advised to limit their intake during pregnancy because it was found in different research studies that the EGCG or the epigallocatechins affect the way folate is used by the body. This element is of extreme significance for pregnant women, since it checks neural tube birth defects in newborns.

The EGCG in the green tea is structurally very similar to another compound called methotrexate. This compound when combined with an enzyme called DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) is thought of to help kill cancerous cells. The same enzyme helps in converting the folate (which is a nutrient) into what the body needs to support normal functions. Because of the chemical similarity of the EGCG with the methotrexate, this too combines with the DHFR and when this happens, the folate processing is affected.

It is not clear how much is too much; hence, the green tea side effects may or may not be prevented by simply cutting down the intake. This is why it is advisable not to have green tea during pregnancy.

Other than the above, there are no known green tea side effects. The medical fraternity is of the opinion however, that there is some amount of caffeine in green tea, which sometimes triggers insomnia much like the consumption of coffee. This is another among the probable green tea side effects that research studies have not yet proved. However, to be on the safe side, the consumption of tea is contra-indicated during pregnancy.

On the other hand, it was found that moderate intake of caffeine, be it from tea or coffee does not actually pose any risk to the would-be mother or her baby. The danger comes when there is a daily consumption of multiple cups of green tea. This could cause low birth weight, premature birth and even fetal death.