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Are You One Of The Six Types Of People Who Cannot Have Green Tea? Here’s What You Can Have Instead

<span>Green tea</span> is healthy. A statement we hear every now and then. It surely is a healthier option, but how healthy is it really? Can everyone drink green tea? Or is it only for some people, while others may have to find alternatives? 

Well, first things first, green tea is actually a healthier option, however, a 2024 study published in Chemosphere shows that the tea bags these green teas are sold in expose the consumers to microplastics. This means while green tea in its purest form is healthy, the packaging may actually be harmful. What is even more surprising is that there could actually be certain people who cannot drink green tea. Are you one of them? Let's find out. 

Here are the 6 kinds of people who cannot drink green tea. But, worry not, we also have some alternatives for you!

<h2>Are You Someone With Chronic Stomach Issues?</h2>

Green tea contains catechins, these are antioxidants that make green tea better than the tea we usually drink. However, they can also irritate your stomach lining and alter acid levels. These catechins increase the production of stomach acids and it could lead to discomfort, bloating, constipation, and could even worsen your acid reflux and ulcers. This is, given that you already struggle with stomach issues. 

The best thing to do? Do not consume green tea on an empty stomach. Ensure that you have eaten something before you go take a sip of it. 

<h2>Do You Have Anemia? Green Tea Could Make It Worse</h2>

The same catechins that we talked about earlier could in fact block the absorption of iron in your body. This could cause anemia. In fact, a 28-year-old Lynn Shazeen, who was a Matcha-enthusiast, the purest form of green tea, ended up in the ER due to 'dangerously low iron levels'. The reason? You guessed it right. She drank too much Matcha, as a result, her iron levels went down from 23 to 13. 

What can you do instead? Make sure that you are consuming enough iron otherwise. Include vitamin C-rich food in your diet, as they too can help boost iron absorption. 

<h2>Green Tea May Not Be The Best Pregnancy Practice</h2>

If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, consuming large amount of green tea could affect your baby's health. The caffeine in green tea could increase the risk of miscarriage and the catechins could interfere with folic acid absorption. These two passed to the baby through breast milk could overstimulate the baby. 

What can you do? Experts say that new mothers or pregnant women must limit their intakes to no more than 2 cups a day. 

If you are someone who does not react well to caffeine, do not drink green tea. Yes, green tea is sold as a healthier alternative, but not because it is caffeine-free, but because the amount of caffeine is less. An 8-ounce cup of green tea has somewhere between 20 to 45mg of caffeine, compared to a cup of coffee that has 95mg. 

What can you do instead? Go for non-caffeinated drinks like juices, chamomile teas, or turmeric latte to ditch your Matcha latte. 

Like we do not let our kids drink tea; green tea comes under the same category. The caffeine content in it could overstimulate their nervous system. Green tea also contains tannins, which gives it its bitter taste, this could block the absorption of important nutrients and could even make your kid anemic. 

What to do instead? You can give your young ones unsweetened milk, or coconut water for some taste. Talk to a nutritionist to ensure that whatever drink you give your kids do not spike their blood sugar levels. 

<h2>If You Have Any Of These Health Conditions, You May Not Want To Drink Green Tea</h2>

<ul><li>Anxiety disorders</li><li>Bleeding disorders</li><li>Heart rhythm problems</li><li>Diabetes </li><li>IBS or diarrhea</li><li>Liver disease</li></ul>

Then, it is best to stay away from green tea, as caffeine and tannins could further make your conditions worse. 

<h2>So, What Are The Safer Alternatives?</h2>

You can go with herbal tea like chamomile, or lemongrass. They are great alternatives to green tea, and also do not contain any caffeine. You can also add a little cinnamon to make it flavorful. 

<ul><li>Lemongrass Tea</li><li>Chamomile Tea</li><li>Turmeric Latte</li><li>Coconut Water</li><li>Rose Tea</li><li>Oolong Tea</li></ul>

You can also add a little cinnamon to make it flavorful. While giving up tea could be hard, as the ingredients in it are what makes it addictive, however, the first step is always the harder one. Once you make the first move, which is to find an alternative, all that is left for you is to make it a routine. Voila! You are now healthier. 

<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> <em>Before making any changes in your diet, always consult your GP or a registered Nutritionist.</em>

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Green tea is healthy. A statement we hear every now and then. It surely is a healthier option, but how healthy is it really? Can everyone drink green tea? Or is it only for some people, while others may have to find alternatives? Well, first things first, green tea is actually a healthier option, however, a 2024 study published in Chemosphere shows that the tea bags these green teas are sold in expose the consumers to microplastics. This means while green tea in its purest form is healthy, the packaging may actually be harmful. What is even more surprising is that there could actually be certain people who cannot drink green tea. Are you one of them? Let's find out. Here are the 6 kinds of people who cannot drink green tea. But, worry not, we also have some alternatives for you!Are You Someone With Chronic Stomach Issues?Green tea contains catechins, these are antioxidants that make green tea better than the tea we usually drink. However, they can also irritate your stomach lining and alter acid levels. These catechins increase the production of stomach acids and it could lead to discomfort, bloating, constipation, and could even worsen your acid reflux and ulcers. This is, given that you already struggle with stomach issues. The best thing to do? Do not consume green tea on an empty stomach. Ensure that you have eaten something before you go take a sip of it. Do You Have Anemia? Green Tea Could Make It WorseThe same catechins that we talked about earlier could in fact block the absorption of iron in your body. This could cause anemia. In fact, a 28-year-old Lynn Shazeen, who was a Matcha-enthusiast, the purest form of green tea, ended up in the ER due to 'dangerously low iron levels'. The reason? You guessed it right. She drank too much Matcha, as a result, her iron levels went down from 23 to 13. What can you do instead? Make sure that you are consuming enough iron otherwise. Include vitamin C-rich food in your diet, as they too can help boost iron absorption. Green Tea May Not Be The Best Pregnancy PracticeIf you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, consuming large amount of green tea could affect your baby's health. The caffeine in green tea could increase the risk of miscarriage and the catechins could interfere with folic acid absorption. These two passed to the baby through breast milk could overstimulate the baby. What can you do? Experts say that new mothers or pregnant women must limit their intakes to no more than 2 cups a day. Caffeine Sensitive PeopleIf you are someone who does not react well to caffeine, do not drink green tea. Yes, green tea is sold as a healthier alternative, but not because it is caffeine-free, but because the amount of caffeine is less. An 8-ounce cup of green tea has somewhere between 20 to 45mg of caffeine, compared to a cup of coffee that has 95mg. What can you do instead? Go for non-caffeinated drinks like juices, chamomile teas, or turmeric latte to ditch your Matcha latte. Away From The Kids, PleaseLike we do not let our kids drink tea; green tea comes under the same category. The caffeine content in it could overstimulate their nervous system. Green tea also contains tannins, which gives it its bitter taste, this could block the absorption of important nutrients and could even make your kid anemic. What to do instead? You can give your young ones unsweetened milk, or coconut water for some taste. Talk to a nutritionist to ensure that whatever drink you give your kids do not spike their blood sugar levels. If You Have Any Of These Health Conditions, You May Not Want To Drink Green TeaIf you have:Anxiety disordersBleeding disordersHeart rhythm problemsDiabetes IBS or diarrheaLiver diseaseThen, it is best to stay away from green tea, as caffeine and tannins could further make your conditions worse. So, What Are The Safer Alternatives?You can go with herbal tea like chamomile, or lemongrass. They are great alternatives to green tea, and also do not contain any caffeine. You can also add a little cinnamon to make it flavorful. The alternatives are as followed: Hibiscus TeaLemongrass TeaChamomile TeaTurmeric LatteCoconut WaterRose TeaOolong TeaYou can also add a little cinnamon to make it flavorful. While giving up tea could be hard, as the ingredients in it are what makes it addictive, however, the first step is always the harder one. Once you make the first move, which is to find an alternative, all that is left for you is to make it a routine. Voila! You are now healthier. Disclaimer: Before making any changes in your diet, always consult your GP or a registered Nutritionist.