Who should limit drinking green tea?

Green tea contains many antioxidants that help boost metabolism and provide natural energy from caffeine. However, this drink is not suitable for everyone.

Sensitive stomach or acid reflux

Green tea can increase stomach acid secretion due to tannin content, thereby causing discomfort, bloating, constipation or aggravating acid reflux and stomach ulcers. In some cases, high tannin levels also hinder nutrient absorption. People with gastritis or sensitive digestive systems should drink green tea after meals, avoid drinking it on an empty stomach or right after waking up.

Iron deficiency, anemia

Green tea may interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron – the type of iron found in plant foods, milk and eggs. This effect can adversely affect people with iron deficiency or anemia. Adding foods rich in vitamin C such as lemons and citrus fruits in meals helps increase iron absorption.

Pregnant and lactating women

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women should not drink a lot of green tea. This drink contains caffeine, which if consumed in excess can increase the risk of miscarriage and affect fetal development. Catechin in green tea can also hinder the absorption of folic acid. Women should not drink more than two cups of tea per day during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Sensitive to caffeine

In sensitive people, even small amounts of caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid heartbeat, irritability or tremors. Consuming a lot of caffeine also reduces calcium absorption, causing bones to weaken over time. This group should prioritize herbal tea or non-caffeine beverages.

Children

Green tea is not suitable for children because the caffeine content can overstimulate the nervous system. Tannins also hinder the absorption of important nutrients such as protein and fat, affecting the growth and development of children.

Suffering from certain diseases

Green tea may worsen symptoms in people with anxiety disorders, blood clotting disorders, heart rhythm disorders or diabetes. This beverage can also increase intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma and increase the risk of liver damage, especially when used as a concentrated extract. People with osteoporosis should limit green tea because caffeine can promote calcium excretion through urine.

To protect your health, you should limit drinking about 2-3 cups of green tea per day. If adverse symptoms appear, stop use and consult a doctor.