Is Green Tea as Healthy as We Think?

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When I hear the person in front of me ordering a green tea at the local coffee shop, I assume they’re the picture of health. After all, we seem to hear about the benefits of green tea (and many other teas) everywhere, and this antioxidant-rich drink has been taking the health world by storm for years.

But is it really healthy to drink green tea every day? And are there any side effects? Let’s find out!

Is green tea healthy to drink?

Green tea has many health benefits (including some you’ve probably never heard before). It seems to benefit just about every organ in your body, and new research is always coming out to add additional proof.

What are some health benefits of green tea?

Green tea can help prevent serious chronic health conditions as well as everyday woes like acne and fatigue.

Drinking green tea each day has been linked to not only preventing cancer but actually shrinking tumors as well. Green tea can also keep your heart healthy. It contains antioxidants called flavonoids that help reduce LDL (or bad) cholesterol. Plus, it can prevent blood clots.

Green tea is a superfood for your brain, too. The beverage has been linked to better concentration and can help prevent cognitive decline as we age.

What are some other benefits of green tea?

While a healthy heart and nimble brain are your main priorities, green tea has another benefit: It helps you look better! Green tea has been proven to help clear up acne and plump up tired-looking skin. Try placing wet green tea bags under your eyes to reduce puffiness in just 15 minutes.

Is it safe to drink green tea every day?

Green tea is safe to drink every day, but not all day. With all of the proven health benefits, you may be preparing to dive into a bath of green tea right now. While it’s safe to drink regularly, it’s always possible to have too much of a good thing. Studies have found benefits from drinking anywhere between one and five cups per day.

If you’re aiming for the five-cup end of that range, avoid consuming extra chemicals and make sure your green tea is organic.

What are the side effects of drinking green tea?

While it’s one of the healthiest drinks out there, green tea still carries side effects. The beverage contains caffeine, so drinking too much, especially before bedtime, can lead to disturbed sleep, anxiety and headaches. (See if you’re drinking too much caffeine.)

Drinking too much green tea can also affect how your body absorbs iron. Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins. And while catechins are loaded with health benefits, ingesting too many can prevent your body from absorbing iron in your diet, potentially leading to anemia. Keep in mind that these side effects should not be a problem unless you drink an excessive amount of tea. You should be fine if you limit your consumption to five cups (or less) per day.

Next, learn about eight herbal teas with unbelievable health benefits.