Is It Bad to Drink Green Tea Every Day?
Green tea has been celebrated for centuries as a healthful and medicinal beverage, and rightfully so. It is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that preserve health, fight disease and even aid in weight loss. But can you have too much of a good thing? Is it bad to drink green tea every day?
Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Every Day
The potential health benefits of drinking green tea daily include:
- Promotes heart health: Green tea is rich in polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant properties that help to lower your risk of heart disease.
- Preserves cognitive function: Both caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are powerful neuroprotectants that may reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Supports weight loss: Caffeine and EGCG in green tea have been shown to increase fat oxidation and thermogenesis, which can improve your ability to burn calories and lose weight.
- Boosts immunity: Carotenoids, catechins, flavonoids and vitamin C in green tea, improve your cells’ ability to fight infection and reduce markers of inflammation.
- Promotes skin health: EGCG and polyphenols stimulate skin cell turnover, promote collagen production and help to protect your skin from sun damage.
Risks of Drinking Green Tea Every Day
Although green tea has numerous health benefits, there are some risks associated with drinking too much. These include:
- Caffeine toxicity: Too much caffeine can result in headaches, restlessness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat and elevated blood pressure.
- Gastrointestinal distress: Green tea may cause stomach upset or constipation due to its caffeine and tannins.
- Interference with medications: Polyphenols found in green tea can interfere with the absorption of certain medications and increase the risk of unwanted side effects.
Conclusion
To reap the health benefits of green tea without running the risk of too much caffeine or other adverse reactions, it is best to limit your intake to no more than two to three cups per day. Enjoy the flavor and potential health benefits of green tea, but remember to always drink it in moderation.
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