Introduction
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. Not only is it delicious and refreshing, but it also has a number of health benefits. But did you know that there are some secret side effects of drinking tea that science has uncovered? From improved brain function to better digestion, drinking tea can have a positive impact on your health. In this article, we’ll explore the secret side effects of drinking tea, according to science. We’ll also discuss the different types of tea and how to choose the best one for your needs. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your tea-drinking experience, read on to learn more!
Secret Side Effects of Drinking Tea, Says Science
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. It’s packed with antioxidants, can help boost your metabolism, and can even help reduce stress. But did you know that drinking tea can also have some unexpected side effects? According to recent research, there are some hidden benefits and drawbacks to drinking tea that you should be aware of.
The Benefits of Drinking Tea
The most obvious benefit of drinking tea is that it can help you stay hydrated. Tea is made up of mostly water, so it can help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, tea is packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Tea can also help boost your metabolism, which can help you burn more calories throughout the day. Finally, drinking tea can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
The Drawbacks of Drinking Tea
While there are many benefits to drinking tea, there are also some potential drawbacks. For example, drinking too much tea can lead to dehydration, as it can cause you to urinate more frequently. Additionally, some types of tea, such as green tea, can contain caffeine, which can cause jitteriness and insomnia if consumed in large amounts. Finally, some teas can contain tannins, which can cause stomach upset if consumed in large amounts.
Bottom Line
Drinking tea can have both positive and negative side effects, so it’s important to be aware of them. Tea can be a great way to stay hydrated and get your daily dose of antioxidants, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks. If you’re looking for a healthy beverage, tea is a great option, but be sure to drink it in moderation.
Our minds may go straight to coffee when we think of the world’s favorite drink. However, tea is actually the cheapest and most widely consumed beverage around the globe. Research shows that the list of benefits for drinking tea is extensive, with outcomes like reduced inflammation, decreased risk of heart disease and chronic illness, lowered blood sugar, and much more.
Even though tea is such a popular choice for comfort and healing, it doesn’t come without some potential downsides. Read on to see what science says about the possible negative effects of drinking tea, and for more, don’t miss The 6 Best Teas To Slow Aging, Say Dietitians.
Depending on what tea you choose, you may be consuming more caffeine than you realize. Black, white, and green teas average anywhere from 14-61 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Although it’s not as much as a cup of coffee (about 96 milligrams per cup), it still has the potential to knock our body’s natural circadian rhythm off balance.
Our circadian system is another way of saying the rhythm our bodies follow over a 24-hour period, including the time we are awake and asleep. Our rhythm can be knocked off balance from things such as light, stress, work, and caffeine. It’s important to maintain our natural rhythm because this helps us feel more alert during the day, sleep better at night, and maintain overall better health.
If we drink too much caffeinated tea in the afternoon or evening, it could disrupt our sleep schedule, which would also disrupt our circadian rhythm. And research shows that a consistently disrupted circadian system can lead to cardiovascular issues, mental health problems, weight gain, and a weakened immune system. So next time you go to grab a cozy nighttime tea, try switching your green tea for an herbal one!
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This one may come as a surprise, but drinking hot tea has actually been linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (or esophageal cancer). In a study focused on Northern Iranian populations, it was discovered that drinking larger quantities of hot black tea was among one of the leading causes of esophageal cancer. Other studies have found similar results, noting that both hot coffee and hot tea have been known to cause lasting damage to the esophagus.
Researchers are still trying to find the exact explanation for this, but many studies believe it has to do with the internal temperature of our esophagus. For example, if our tea is around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, it is said that our esophagus could reach a temperature of up to 127 degrees Fahrenheit. Maybe it’s time we try some iced tea for the summer!
Tea can have amazing health benefits, but studies show that those with anemia or any other type of iron-related deficiency may want to think twice. According to a Food Science and Nutrition study, both black and green tea have been proven to limit iron bioavailability by up to 94%. The bioavailability of something we consume is important because it is the measurement of how much a nutrient is absorbed by our body.
A Current Developments in Nutrition report states that the tannins found in tea may be to blame for the changes in iron absorption in the body. Tannins are a natural compound found in certain teas, wine, and chocolate, and they have been proven to lower the bioavailability of iron after consistent consumption. When you have low levels of iron, you may experience things like exhaustion, restlessness, dry skin, and headaches.
Black and green teas are considered to be diuretics, which are substances that lead to frequent urination. This occurs because diuretics naturally increase levels of sodium in the kidneys, which the body naturally expels along with water. Although tea is sometimes prescribed to people who are retaining too much water, it can often lead to dehydration for someone who isn’t struggling with water retention.
According to a report in The Pharma Innovation Journal, the diuretic nature of green and black tea can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes and dehydration. This can then cause things like lethargy, increased or irregular heart rate, and intense headaches.
Among the many natural compounds found in tea, theophylline is a common one to take note of. This compound is found in both coffee and tea, and is sometimes used to smooth airway muscles for asthma patients. Although it has its breathing benefits, it can also cause some mild but annoying side effects.
According to a report from the Internal Agency for Research on Cancer, consuming theophylline from tea can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Other sources also state that theophylline has been known to cause constipation and nausea. So if you’re someone who already experiences stomach problems from time to time, you may want to keep an eye on how your favorite cup of tea affects your bathroom habits.
A previous version of this article was originally published on July 19, 2021.