This is why too much tea is bad for your health

Tea is one of the most favourite drinks across the world. It is usually said to have positive effects on the life of a human being. But, is it that healthy? Well, if we look at the studies and researches, many would argue about its health benefits. While a moderate amount of tea is said to be beneficial, an excessive consumption of this mighty drink can have some dangerous side effects on the human body. The tannins found in tea may affect the body's absorption of certain nutrients, and can cause side effects like anxiety, sleep problems and headaches. Here are a few side effects of consuming too much tea and this is why its consumption should be limited. (Images courtesy: Canva)

Among the most discussed side effects of tea, it’s effects on iron are prominent. As per a study published in the journal Food Research Internatinal, tea is a rich source of compounds called tannins which binds with the non-heme iron, and affects the absorption of iron in your digestive tract. Some of the foods rich in this iron are spinach, nuts and beans. Iron deficieny can lead to anaemia, which is a serious problem.

Since tea naturally contains caffeine, consuming it in excess can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Various studies have depicted that caffeine can inhibit melatonin production, resulting in poor sleep quality. Melatonin is a hormone that signals your brain to sleep. Inadequate sleep is linked to a variety of mental and physical health problems. Thus, it is suggested to consume more than 2-3 cups of tea a day.

An excess caffeine can also cause heart burn issues. Various researches have shown that caffeine increases the production of acid in the stomach, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn.

High levels of caffeine can increase the complications during pregnancy which can be fatal. From miscarriage to low birth weight. However, more studies and research are needed on this. However, most research suggests that the risk of complications is relatively low if you keep your daily caffeine intake below 200-300 mg.

As per a study published in the paper Journal of Toxicology, the more the tea is brewed, the more harmful it is. When the tea is brewed from 3-15 minutes, the amount of lead and alumininum increases in a cup of tea, which can further lead to several health issues.