Too Much Green Tea Can Be Harmful

Thursday 19th November 2009

There has been a lot of talk recently surrounding the health benefits of green tea, particularly it's use as a weight loss aid. Believe it or not there is no magic cure for obesity that does not require a diet change and more physical activity.

However, there is evidence that the antioxidants in green tea (EGCG) are two hundred times more powerful than vitamin E. Green tea also slows the process of the breakdown of glucose, especially after meals. The rate at which the body burns calories can also be lowered by the consumption of green tea.

Speeding up your metabolism is a great way to supplement weight loss in many cases, the oxidation of body fats can also be increased.

A good way to lose a couple extra pounds is to replace your morning coffee with green tea. The lowering of your calorie intake and the health benefits of green tea combine to make a healthy diet change.

Many of the studies we see on the affects of green tea are conducted in Asia, where people typically drink three cups per day, whereas the United Kingdom Tea Council recommend you drink six cups per day.

While we are constantly told how green tea is good for us, many forget that there are potential side effects, and just like any other food, consuming too much can do more harm than good.

The most common complaint is from those who are caffeine intolerant. Green tea contains about half the amount of caffeine found in coffee, and for the vast majority of us, that would not cause any problems.

For those who are sensitive to caffeine you may experience symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, palpitations, nausea, and even a skin rash.

The tea plant absorbs nutrients from the soil and water during growth. Nutrients such as aluminium and fluoride which are passed on to the consumer and can be harmful when consumed in large amounts over many years.

While the Chinese have been drinking green tea for thousands of years, it was only used for medicinal purposes until AD 600 as a tonic, rather than an everyday beverage. Like any other herbal medicine, the healing powers of green tea had to be carefully harnessed and there are times when one should avoid drinking green tea altogether.

Green tea can cause indigestion to those with sensitive stomachs, and can also reduce the body's ability to absorb iron thus causing potential problems for those already prone to iron deficiency anemia.

While I am a big advocate of herbal remedies, you still have to remember that moderation is the best way forward, and while the health benefits of green tea far outweigh the negatives you still have to be aware of any potential health risks from over consumption.

If you want my advice you should probably stick to around three cups per day. Never drink green tea on an empty stomach or straight after a meal, and to improve the taste, add some mint leaves to the brew too!

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Why You Should Be Drinking Chamomile Tea.

Thursday 17th September 2009


I discovered the benefits of chamomile tea for myself almost eight months ago. I had reached a pretty low point in my life where I was living under a cloud of anxiety, constantly worrying about what might happen if.

Not liking the idea of prescribed anti depressants, I searched the Internet for a herbal remedy that would help me feel calm, that had very little or no side effects, and something that would help me to sleep.

With it's reputation for aiding sleep, chamomile tea was my first choice and I haven't looked back since.

A flowering plant that descends from the daisy family, chamomile actually does much more than aid sleep. It seems to be one of those cure all remedies, but this is one that actually works.

Chamomile acts as a mild sedative, helping to relax the muscles in the brain, but it is also used to treat depression, anxiety and stress. This muscle relaxing attribute also helps combat menstrual cramps, headaches, nausea and can relieve mild to moderate pain as well as excess gas!

As a cumulative treatment, chamomile tea works from the moment you start drinking it, and if you drink it over a long period of time, the cumulative effect can give your immune system a real boost.

Remember what I just said about anti oxidants and essential oils? Well, when you have brewed your lovely cup of chamomile tea, don't throw the tea bag in the bin.

Why?

Well these essential oils and anti oxidants also help with skin irritations. So, if you have managed to burn yourself today, or you have been bitten by an insect, take the burning sensation away by compressing your cooled tea bag on the affected area. You can also do the same thing for treating your acne or eczema. Another (and my favorite) way to use the cooled tea bags is as an eye bag treatment. I know it sounds crazy, but if you go to bed with a wet and cold chamomile tea bag on each eye, it really does help reduce the appearance of those horrible dark under eye circles.

While I was doing my initial research into chamomile tea, I couldn't find anyone who was willing to tell me how it tasted. So, let me tell you when I say the two words 'acquired taste' that is exactly what I mean. The first few cups tasted dreadful and were washed down with some dry bread in an attempt to make the taste go away. However after a week or two I grew to like it, and now I think it tastes like good healthy stuff.

Now, please be aware that you should not drink chamomile tea if you are pregnant (as it can stimulate abortion) or if you are taking any blood thinning medications (as chamomile naturally contains the blood thinning substance, coumarin.

If you are sitting at home or work at the moment and you are feeling stressed, you now have a great reason to take a break, grab yourself a cup of chamomile tea and let it weave it's magic.

Any questions? Ask them now.

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