Not Safe for Everybody: The Hidden Risk of Green Tea Extract
5 min read
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is one of the most popular types of tea in the world and is known for its health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Green tea is made by steaming or pan-frying the leaves, which stops the oxidation process and preserves the natural antioxidants in the leaves. Green tea has a light, vegetal flavor and is typically less bitter than black tea.
Green tea is not safe for everybody
While green tea has many potential health benefits, it may not be safe for everyone to consume.
Some people may be sensitive to the caffeine in green tea, which can cause side effects such as insomnia, jitteriness, and increased heart rate.
Green tea can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, so it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming green tea if you are taking any medications.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also speak with their healthcare provider before consuming green tea, as it contains caffeine and other compounds that may not be safe for the developing fetus or nursing infant.
People with iron-deficiency anemia should be cautious when drinking green tea, as it contains tannins that can interfere with iron absorption.
Overall, while green tea can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming it, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications.
The Hidden Risk of Green Tea Extract
Liver Toxicity:
Green tea extract supplements have been linked to cases of liver toxicity, including liver failure. This is likely due to the high levels of catechins, a type of antioxidant found in green tea, which can be harmful in large amounts. When consumed in large amounts, green tea extract can cause liver injury and abnormal liver function tests. It’s important to note that these cases of liver toxicity have mainly been reported with green tea extract supplements, not with drinking moderate amounts of green tea.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking green tea extract supplements, especially if you have any pre-existing liver conditions or are taking any medications that could affect the liver. It’s also important to purchase supplements from reputable manufacturers and follow the recommended doses on the product label to avoid high doses of green tea extract
Interactions with Medications:
Green tea extract supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, which can increase the risk of side effects. Some of these interactions include:
Blood thinners, Antidepressants, Stimulants, Chemotherapy.
Caffeine Content:
Green tea naturally contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can affect the central nervous system. The amount of caffeine in green tea can vary depending on the type of tea and the brewing method but typically ranges from 8-30 mg per 8-ounce (240-ml) serving. This is less than the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee, which typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce (240 ml) serving.
Some green tea extract supplements, however, contain high levels of caffeine, which can cause side effects such as insomnia, jitteriness, and increased heart rate. These supplements are not recommended for people who are sensitive to caffeine or who have a medical condition that is affected by caffeine.
Quality Control:
Quality control is an important aspect of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of green tea products. Here are a few things to look for when purchasing green tea or green tea extract supplements:
- Purchase from reputable manufacturers: Look for brands that have a good reputation and have been in business for a long time.
- Check for certifications: Look for products that have been certified by organizations such as the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) or the US Pharmacopeia (USP), which indicate that the product meets certain quality standards.
- Read the label: Make sure the label lists the specific type of green tea or green tea extract used in the product and the number of active ingredients (such as catechins and caffeine) per serving.
Avoid products that make unrealistic claims: Be wary of products that claim to be a “miracle” cure or that make unrealistic claims about weight loss or other health benefits.
High doses:
Even when taking supplements of high quality, consuming high doses of green tea extract can be dangerous and cause health problems.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking green tea extract supplements, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications. It’s also recommended to stick to the recommended doses on the product label and not exceed them.
How does green tea help us to lose weight?
It may help with weight loss by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation. The active compounds in green tea, called catechins, have been shown to boost metabolism and help the body burn fat.
It also contains caffeine, which can increase energy levels and make it easier to engage in physical activity, which can help with weight loss.
Green tea may help to reduce appetite and decrease the amount of food consumed, which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake and weight loss.
It’s important to note that green tea alone is not a magic solution for weight loss. To see results, it must be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It’s also recommended to consume green tea in moderation as excessive consumption can cause side effects like jitteriness, insomnia, and an increased heart rate.
In summary, green tea may help with weight loss by boosting metabolism, increasing energy expenditure, reducing appetite, and decreasing the amount of food consumed. However, it should be consumed in moderation and combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results.
