On a cold evening or during winter, people would love some warm drinks like coffee. But for tea lovers, they would usually dive into their favorite cup of tea. And usually, it's green tea because it is one of, if not the most popular and satisfying teas there is to drink. But before plunging into your favorite green tea, maybe you would care to know about its advantages and disadvantages?
Therefore, listed below are some green tea pros and cons that you need to know to guide you. Remember that it is unhealthy to just try a particular drink without knowing its possible consequences to you.
Advantages
Green tea has various advantages and health benefits. It is very rich with numerous nutrients that will allow your body to move and function very well. Hence, here are some of its pros.
1. Boosts Heart Health
If you have a problematic heart condition, drinking green tea will positively affect your heart stability since it regulates the good cholesterol and lowers your body's bad cholesterol. Green tea also regulates the circulation of your blood flow, and as a consequence, your blood pressure will be stabilized. Lastly, since green tea boosts your heart health, it also follows that your other cardiovascular problems will disappear.
2. Prevents Cancer
Yes, there may still be no cure for cancer, but there are ways to prevent it. And one of which is drinking green tea. Why? Studies have shown that this type of tea contains elements such as anti-carcinogens. The function of these elements is to prevent the development of cancer cells in your body. And in effect, it stops and lowers the risk of having cancer.
3. Burns Calories
Green tea contains catechins, which is a crystalline flavonoid compound that has antioxidants. And these substances are responsible for the breaking down of your calories and unwanted fats. Even if you are just sitting down and sipping your hot cup of green tea, the calories you got from consuming many sweets are still burning down. That's why people who are fans of buffets drink green teas afterward.
4. Improves Skin
As mentioned earlier, green tea contains antioxidants. And the good thing about these antioxidants is that it can enhance your skin, thereby making it radiantly smooth and young. Thus, by drinking green tea, it helps your body eliminate free radicals. These free radicals are toxins inside your body that develop wrinkles, dark and aging spots. So why not cancel your facial spa appointment and just make it a habit to drink green tea.
5. Enhances Your Memory
Scientists have proven that green tea optimizes the functions of the brain. Thus, it enhances your memory and analytical process. It also helps you organize your thoughts. Green tea is best for the human mind, especially during old age, where the said brain is somehow worn out already.
Disadvantages
Of course, like any other food, drink, thing, or object, green tea has disadvantages too. And it's important to know them for you to be aware of its possible side effects so you'd be spared from any harmful effects. Hence, here are some of its cons.
1. Can Cause Insomnia
For people who have difficulty sleeping at night, drinking green tea may not be a good idea. Green tea causes caffeine. And caffeine is what triggers insomnia. Therefore, do not consider taking this if your body is caffeine intolerant if you do not want to develop sleep problems.
2. Can Cause Heart Palpitation
While green tea boosts heart health, it also causes heart palpitations too if you are the kind of person who is not adoptive of caffeine. The caffeine content is what causes heart palpitations. These pulses make your heart beat faster, and as a consequence, it increases your anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Thus, you may not drink green tea or at least drink moderately to prevent this from happening.
3. Can Cause Diarrhea
Since green tea helps your body burn fats, it can also be concluded that it also aids your digestive system. And when your body burns fats, these fats are excreted through your bowel movement. However, if you drink too much of it, it may cause diarrhea. Therefore, you need to analyze your body's mechanism first before drinking tea. Having diarrhea is terrible for your body since you will be dehydrated, and dehydration leads to further sickness.
4. Can Cause Teeth Discoloration
Green tea can cause teeth discoloration because it contains tannins, and tannins are an astringent and bitter compound responsible for the stain on your teeth. So if you are a green tea lover, try only minimal consumption of it to avoid having your teeth stained.
5. Can Cause Nausea
More sensitive individuals are likely to experience nausea because of green tea's tannins content. And tannins are responsible for the tea's bitter or dry taste, thereby leading to illnesses like nausea or stomach ache. Thus, if you are highly sensitive to green tea, avoid consuming it in one sitting. Drink only at least one small cup of green tea.
Takeaway
It's not wrong to indulge in your favorite green tea as long as you know its negative consequences. Green tea will always bring you the authentic oriental experience. However, do remember that your health always comes first. Green tea's beauty is its health benefits. But it's still good to assess if you are flawlessly compatible with it.