One of the most popular beverages in the world, green tea is not only famous for its pleasant taste. According to research, this antioxidant-rich tea reduces inflammation, has beneficial effects on heart health, supports weight loss by accelerating metabolism, and may play a role in reducing the risk of breast, prostate, colon cancer and many other chronic diseases. However, a scientific review shows that green tea may have some side effects.
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN LIVER DAMAGE AND GREEN TEA?
Professor Stephen Malnick, head of internal medicine at Kaplan Medical Center and lead author of a scientific review published in the journal GastroHep, warns that green tea sometimes consists of tea leaves from different countries that can contain small amounts of heavy metals. That’s why “Always make sure you buy high-quality green tea from a reliable source,” she says.
CAN CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE
This also applies to tablets made from green tea extract, which in rarer cases have been suggested to cause liver problems. Writing in the scientific review, the researchers found that the disorders could result from a metabolic reaction triggered by toxins in the tea plants that can cause hepatitis, acute liver failure, or other liver damage in some people that can take months or years to heal. However, it is important to emphasize that only 100 such cases have been recorded worldwide so far.
IT HAS NOT YET BEEN LEARNED WHICH SUBSTANCES ARE HARMFUL
This may also be due to the serious difficulty of diagnosing the relationship between tea consumption and liver failure. The substances that cause liver damage are not yet clear, but there are indications that the combination of green tea with drugs or other herbs may be related to the occurrence of liver diseases.
WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN DRINKING GREEN TEA?
According to experts, moderation is emphasized. Limit yourself to 2-3 cups of green tea a day to reduce the risks. Also, try to pay attention to your body’s signals: If you experience unusual symptoms after drinking, such as stomachache, jaundice, or dark urine, do not drink more and consult a doctor as soon as possible.