When it comes to citing the negative side effects of green tea, there really isn’t a whole lot to discuss. Any problems associated with green tea are related not to the product itself, but rather how it is consumed. But before we explain such precautions, let’s take a look at what green tea is and its numerous health benefits.

Green tea is unique among teas. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale lime-green hue. But perhaps the most popularized aspect of green tea is its many health benefits, particularly when 4-5 cups per day are consumed.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Some health experts laud green tea as a weight loss product. The popular health guru, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, claimed that people can lose 10 pounds in six weeks by drinking green tea rather than their daily latte. Is Perricone correct? Historically speaking, the production of oolong and black teas began in southern China circa 1650 A.D. in reaction to hungry laborers who recognized that green tea depleted the body fat reserves badly needed for survival during that time of social upheaval. Thus, while still officially unproven, green tea with its fat-burning catechins may indeed aid weight loss. Other research has shown that drinking five cups of green tea per day burns up to 80 calories.

Green Tea and Heart Health

Like the Mediterranean staple, olive oil, green tea is recognized for reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and raising beneficial HDL cholesterol. Also, green tea contains heart-healthy polyphenols.

Green Tea and Cancer

Some health experts believe the antioxidant properties of green tea can help battle against or even prevent certain types of cancer. Green tea accomplishes this by destroying free radicals that occur during oxidization.

Green Tea and Neurological Disorders

Some health experts believe green tea has the ability to actually stop some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Thus, it promotes cognition as well.

Green Tea and Caffeine Intake

Green tea contains about one-third less caffeine than coffee, and thus is suitable for people who must restrict their caffeine intake.

Potential Side Effects of Green Tea

Essentially, any side effects to green tea depend on the amount of tea consumed.

1) Caffeine: although green tea contains approximately one-third the amount of caffeine as coffee, drinking too much can result in irritability and nervousness in those sensitive to excessive caffeine intake.

2) Green tea extract: consuming too much green tea in concentrated extract form may result in liver toxicity. Thus, one should never believe drinking too much green tea from extracts is a good thing. Always use caution and follow directions.

3) Weight loss: while most wouldn’t consider this a negative side effect, the apparent ability of green tea to promote weight loss by increasing metabolism and burning fat may not necessarily benefit every person in every situation. In some situations where a patient needs to gain weight for health reasons, green tea consumption may not be suitable.

Not surprisingly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the health claims associated with green tea; yet many scientists and health experts continue to tout its numerous health benefits. By watching your caffeine intake, ensuring you’re not drinking too much green tea extract per day, and making sure any potential weight loss you may experience is healthy for you, green tea can lead to better health and well being.