Matcha tea has been gaining a lot of popularity lately and for good reason. Rich in antioxidants, Matcha Tea can help boost metabolism, detoxify the body, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. However, with health benefits come side effects. While most of these effects are mild and pose no serious harm to your health if consumed responsibly, some may be more severe depending on many factors such as age or health condition. In this article we will talk about the 15 matcha tea side effects you must know before consuming it!
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha tea is a unique type of beverage that is produced through a traditional Japanese process. It starts with the shading of green tea leaves to increase their chlorophyll content, before they are de-veined, de-stemmed and stone-grounded into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with hot water to create a smooth and vibrant green colored drink reminiscent of the leaves themselves. Matcha tea has been around for hundreds of years and has numerous health benefits, including the potential to improve heart health, aid weight loss, boost metabolism and concentration, and provide antioxidants. In Japan, matcha has become a popular flavor for food items such as cakes and ice cream which adds another fun dimension to this incredible beverage!
Nutritional Value of Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is packed with numerous nutritional benefits. It contains high amounts of polyphenols and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and boost the immune system. Additionally, this type of green tea has loads of chlorophyll that can protect our cells from harmful toxins. Matcha also contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids such as potassium, zinc, selenium, iron, manganese and much more. Plus it has less caffeine than coffee but enough to give one a little caffeine kick without causing jitters or fatigue after consumption. All these benefits make matcha a great choice if you're looking to maintain a healthy nutritional lifestyle.
15 matcha tea side effects
1- Contaminants
Contaminants can cause a range of matcha tea side effects. Unfortunately, matcha tea is one of the most contaminated teas on the market due to its delicate and porous nature when exposed to the environment. Contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental toxins can build up in matcha tea leaves during production and harvesting. Some of the matcha tea side effects these contaminants may cause are headaches, digestive upset, and skin irritation. Therefore, it is important to purchase matcha from a trusted certified supplier if looking to avoid potential matcha tea side effects caused by contaminants.
2- Liver and kidney toxicity
matcha tea, which has surged in popularity due to its numerous nutritional benefits, can be subject to potential liver and kidney toxicity. Several studies have found that matcha tea could reduce oxidative stress on the organs, however regular or continual matcha tea intake can have an opposite effect, stressing the liver and kidneys leading to toxicity. While matcha tea addicts shouldn't worry too much, it's important to pay attention to the potential side effects of matcha tea: nausea and vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice and dizziness. Remember balance is key - matcha tea offers many wonderful benefits but if you find yourself feeling any of its negative side effects after consuming matcha drinks rather frequently than it's time to take a break from your matcha habit.
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3- Cause digestive Issues
It’s no secret matcha tea is a world class beverage, boasting many health benefits. But as with anything, matcha tea has its own unique side effects that can be cause for concern. One of the more common matcha tea side effects are digestive issues, especially when consumed in excess. With matcha being high in caffeine and containing antioxidants which can interfere with digestion, regular overconsumption can lead to an upset stomach, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal discomfort. To avoid these issues, it’s best to limit matcha tea intake to one cup per day or as directed by your doctor or nutritionist.
4- Contains Caffeine
Matcha tea is gaining much popularity due to its purported health benefits, however matcha should be consumed with caution. Like all caffeinated beverages, matcha contains caffeine and thus can cause side effects when it is consumed in excess. Common matcha tea side effects range from difficulty falling asleep to feeling irritable and anxious. Therefore, it's important to be aware of your matcha intake when considering its consumption in order to manage the potency of matcha's effects.
5- Raise Blood Sugar Levels
matcha tea is widely known for its numerous health benefits. However, those with diabetes may need to be aware of matcha tea’s potential side effect - a rise in blood sugar levels. As matcha contains caffeine, it can work to stimulate the body and increase glucose production in the liver. For this reason people with diabetes should monitor their glucose levels when drinking matcha, as well as exercising caution when consuming matcha products that contain added sugar or calories. Additionally, matcha should not be taken as a replacement for typical therapies such as insulin; talk to your doctor before incorporating matcha into your diet if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
6- Insomnia
Whether it be a function of genetics, habits, or lifestyle, sleeping can be elusive at times. Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder in which individuals have difficulty falling and/or staying asleep, often resulting in fatigue and irritability during the day. As matcha tea has become increasingly popular for its calming effects and abundance of antioxidants, matcha tea side effects should be taken into consideration when treating insomnia. While matcha may improve sleep quality in certain individuals due to its stress-reducing properties, matcha tea contains caffeine that could potentially disrupt sleep patterns if consumed close to bedtime. Before using matcha to assist with insomnia symptoms, it is important to consider potential side effects that could further impact an individual's sleep quality.
7- May Contain Lead
When it comes to matcha tea side effects, one key concern to be aware of is the potential for lead contamination. As matcha’s popularity has soared, inferior products lacking in quality control and safety measures have flooded the market. This could put consumers at risk of ingesting unsafe levels of lead. While there are matcha green teas that are produced up to industry standards and considered safe, it’s important to source your matcha from reliable vendors and make sure any product you buy is verified as containing low amounts of lead. This is particularly important for pregnant women, infants, and young children, who may be even more sensitive to matcha tea side effects like lead contamination.
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8- Cause An Allergic Reaction
Matcha tea has recently become quite popular due to its potential health benefits, but there are matcha tea side effects that may cause an allergic reaction and should be noted. Ingesting matcha tea powder can lead to symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, throat and face area; itching or hives; nausea; vomiting; or difficulty breathing. Though these side effects are not common, especially with matcha tea in moderate doses, someone who is unsure of their sensitivity to matcha powder may want to speak with a doctor before trying it. Additionally, always purchase matcha from a trusted source, as contamination can occur if processing standards are not met.
9- Interact With Medications
When taking any medications, it is important to be aware of matcha tea side effects. Both matcha and matcha-containing teas can interact with many drugs, specifically blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medications, even those bought over-the-counter. In some cases matcha may increase the potency of certain drugs causing serious hypotension or heart arrhythmia, so it's best to avoid matcha or matcha teas when taking any kinds of medications to limit the possibility of an adverse reaction. Consult your healthcare provider before mixing matcha with any prescription or OTC drugs as well as dietary supplements for an assessment of risk factors.
10- Cause Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can be caused by matcha tea side effects. Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves and is a popular drink for its nutritional benefits and detoxifying effects. However, matcha tea contains oxalate, a type of salt derived from various plant sources including spinach, rhubarb, and nuts, which has been linked to kidney stones. Oxalate binds with calcium in the body and may lead to painful kidney stones if not properly managed through drinks like matcha tea or food that are high in oxalate. People diagnosed with kidney stones should consult their doctor to determine the right matcha tea side effect management plan for their specific situation.
11- Best to Avoid It If You’re Pregnant
Matcha tea is a popular form of green tea, grown in Japan and used for centuries as part of traditional Temae tea ceremonies. While matcha has its virtues, from possibly promoting heart health to serving as an immune system booster and providing mental clarity, pregnant women should avoid matcha. Studies have found that matcha may cause side effects such as withdrawal symptoms and possible uterine contractions in pregnant women, making it best to avoid if you're expecting.
12- Not Be Suitable for Children
Matcha tea has recently become popular as an energizing or calming beverage, but it is important to note that matcha tea has some side effects which may not be suitable for children. Due to matcha tea's high caffeine content, it can cause agitation, nervousness and restlessness in small children. It also contains a high amount of oxalic acid, which can be damaging to the kidneys and potentially lead to kidney stones. For these reasons, matcha tea should only be enjoyed by adults in moderation.
13- May Cause a Rash
Matcha tea is a popular drink due to its reported health benefits, but can also come with unwanted side effects. One of these is a rash, as matcha tea contains catechins - a mild allergen that may cause unpleasant reactions on the skin. Symptoms vary from person to person, and while they may be minor in some cases, those with more sensitive skin may experience more extreme issues. Unfortunately, matcha tea isn’t the only food product with such potential side effects so it’s important to get familiar with particular allergens and body reactions that result from different substances.
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14- Anemia
Anemia is a condition where there is a decrease in red blood cells which can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other more serious medical issues. Matcha tea has been known to work as a natural remedy for those suffering from anemia due to its high levels of iron. Although matcha does have some potential side effects, when taken in moderation it can help replenish the body's iron levels naturally. It is important, however, to discuss any intents of drinking matcha tea with your primary care physician in order to ensure that it will not interfere with other medications or treatments you may be taking.
15- Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the potential matcha tea side effects, and is caused by the over-hydration of food particles in your gut. In most cases, diarrhea is a temporary condition that can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids, eating light meals, and avoiding foods to which you may have an allergic reaction. However, if it persists for more than three days or you experience other symptoms like abdominal pain and fever, seek urgent medical care as this could be a sign of a more serious health issue and should not be taken lightly.
Conclusion
Overall, matcha tea is a relatively healthy beverage. However, it does have some potential side effects that you should be aware of before consuming it on a regular basis. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine from other sources if you plan on drinking matcha tea regularly. If you experience any adverse effects after drinking matcha tea, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider immediately. Have you ever experienced any of these side effects after drinking matcha tea? Let us know in the comments below!
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