Known Green Tea Extract Side Effects
It is okay to talk about the positive benefits of green tea extract but what about green tea extract side effects, are there any?
Amongst the commonly listed ailments that green tea extract is supposed to help with are cancer, arthritis, cholesterol, heart problems, infections and immune system.
The latest research studies are showing that green tea is also beneficial in fighting against HIV.
It is harder to find details of green tea extract side effects but here some issues we have gleaned so far from information generally available:
Potential Green tea extract side effects
Although it is felt that green tea extract is generally free of any side effects taking too much of anything is rarely good for you.
But how much is too much? Firstly, obviously read the labels on any green tea extract you buy, but also remember the often quoted advice, that taking around four cups a day of normal green tea to drink is considered the norm.
Obviously, green tea extract is a more refined and concentrated form of green tea therefore, the amount you consume should be much less. We can only suggest that you follow the instructions on the packaging and labels as to dosage.
Pregnant women are advised of a green tea extract side effect to limit their intake during pregnancy because it was found in different research studies that the EGCG or the epigallocatechins affect the way folate is used by the body.
This element is of extreme significance for pregnant women, since it checks neural tube birth defects in newborns.
The EGCG in the green tea is structurally very similar to another compound called methotrexate. This compound when combined with an enzyme called DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) is thought of to help kill cancerous cells.
The same enzyme helps in converting the folate (which is a nutrient) into what the body needs to support normal functions.
Because of the chemical similarity of the EGCG with the methotrexate, this too combines with the DHFR and when this happens, the folate processing is affected.
It is not clear how much is too much; hence, the green tea extract side effects may or may not be prevented by simply cutting down the intake.
This is why it is advisable not to have green tea during pregnancy.
The medical fraternity is of the opinion that there is some amount of caffeine in green tea, which sometimes triggers insomnia much like the consumption of coffee.
This is another among the probable green tea extract side effects that research studies have not yet proved. However, to be on the safe side, the consumption of tea is contra-indicated during pregnancy.
On the other hand, it was found that moderate intake of caffeine, be it from tea or coffee does not actually pose any risk to the would-be mother or her baby.
The danger comes when there is a daily consumption of multiple cups of green tea. This could cause low birth weight, premature birth and even fetal death.
Finally, as with all herbal remedies you should take the advice of your doctor or physician before consuming any especially if you have had any health problems.
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