Today, tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and there are many different types: black, green, pu-erh, and many more additions to the classic, such as tea with bergamot, chamomile, marigolds, and even milk.
It is drunk with sweet tea for pleasure, tonicity during the day, calming and even healing. But is tea really so useful? What is dangerous about pu-erh tea or black tea with marigolds? How much tea can be harmful? In this article, we will consider in detail the benefits and harms of black, green tea, as well as pu-erh and variants with chamomile, bergamot, marigolds and milk.
Read also: How to increase testosterone and signs of its decrease: advice from a urologist
Benefits of tea: general properties
It’s not for nothing that tea has become so popular around the world and is drunk every day; it is even recommended by nutritionists, because most types of tea contain:
- antioxidants ( catechins – neutralize free radicals, protect cells from stress, lower cholesterol levels, strengthen blood vessels and have anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties , as well as polyphenols – powerful antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress, inflammation and diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, neurodegeneration) );
- caffeine (long known as a powerful stimulant – increases mental and physical performance, improves concentration, and reduces fatigue);
- vitamins (A, C, group B – good for eyes, skin, etc.)
- microelements (potassium, magnesium, fluorine – a basic set of vitamins that every healthy person needs).
However, please note that different types of tea have their own composition and concentration of different beneficial properties. Below we will analyze in detail each of the above-mentioned types of tea and its additives to understand the benefits and harms.
Black tea: benefits and harms
Benefits of black tea (classic version)
- Contains caffeine, which invigorates and increases performance throughout the day;
- Improves digestion (if there are no contraindications);
- Reduces the risk of heart disease, due to polyphenols;
- Has antioxidant properties
Harm of black tea
- Excess or abuse (more than 2 cups per day or before bedtime) can cause insomnia;
- Increases blood pressure in sensitive people and those struggling with hypertension;
- Can be addictive (due to caffeine in its composition);
- Reduces the body’s ability to absorb iron.
Green tea: benefits and harms
Benefits of green tea
- A powerful antioxidant — slowing down aging and the development of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, metabolic disorders);
- Helps with weight loss (speeds up metabolism);
- Improves skin condition (due to vitamin A in its composition);
- Lowers cholesterol levels (excess “bad” cholesterol (LDL) leads to the formation of plaques in blood vessels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke).
Harm of green tea
- In large quantities, it irritates the stomach and is not recommended for people with serious gastrointestinal problems;
- May cause headaches due to caffeine;
- Not recommended for gastritis and ulcers.
Chamomile tea: benefits and harms
Benefit
- Calms the nervous system;
- Helps with insomnia (all due to its calming effect on the nervous system);
- Has anti-inflammatory properties;
- Improves digestion.
Damage
- May cause allergies;
- Not recommended in large doses for pregnant women;
- Can lower blood pressure, which is a problem for people with low blood pressure.
Tea with bergamot: benefits and harms
Benefit
- Improves mood due to its composition and caffeine;
- Promotes concentration;
- Has a mild antidepressant effect;
- Helps digestion.
Damage
- May cause sun sensitivity (due to the key ingredient – bergamot);
- With excessive use – headache and dizziness;
- Possible allergy.
Marigold tea: benefits and harms
Marigolds are a traditional plant known in Ukrainian folk medicine since ancient times.
Benefit
- Anti-inflammatory effect (like chamomile tea);
- Support of immunity (due to beneficial composition and vitamin C);
- Improved vision;
- Body cleansing.
Damage
- Individual intolerance;
- Not recommended during pregnancy without consulting a doctor.
Read also: Acne on the face (face): causes and what really helps against acne
Tea with milk: benefits and harms
Benefit
- Softens the effect of caffeine (dilutes its concentration);
- Protects the gastric mucosa;
- Contains calcium and protein;
- Well suited for people with high acidity.
Damage
- May reduce the antioxidant activity of tea;
- Causes bloating in some people (lactase deficiency);
- Not everyone is suitable for taste and digestion (especially for people with lactose intolerance).
Puer tea: benefits and harms
Pu-erh is a special type of fermented tea that originates from China and is known for its rich flavor and medicinal properties. There are two main types of pu-erh: shen (raw) and shu (aged, fermented) .
Benefits of Pu-erh tea
- Helps lower cholesterol levels;
- Improves digestion, especially after fatty meals (as is known, in ancient times it was brewed and drunk by shepherds who lived in mountainous areas and ate only heavy and fatty meat, in order to help the stomach digest complex meat);
- Helps with weight loss (speeds up metabolism);
- Has a detox effect (removal of toxins);
- Invigorating, but milder than coffee;
- Supports cardiovascular health.
Harm of Pu-erh tea
- Contains caffeine – may cause insomnia;
- More than 1 serving per day is not recommended;
- Not recommended for gastritis in the acute stage and other gastrointestinal problems;
- May increase stomach acidity and cause irritation;
- Excessive use causes nervousness and rapid heartbeat (not recommended for high blood pressure).
When tea can be harmful
Regardless of the type, tea can harm your body if:
- drink more than 4–6 cups a day;
- drink very strong tea;
- drink on an empty stomach (due to acidity and stomach irritation);
- wash down the medicine with tea;
- consume before bedtime (especially black or green).
Read also: Why are marshmallows so healthy that nutritionists recommend them with tea?
Conclusion
Tea is not just a drink, but a true natural remedy for maintaining health. Black and green tea are invigorating, chamomile is soothing, bergamot improves mood, marigolds strengthen the immune system, and milk makes tea softer for the stomach.
However, the main rule is moderation . Even the healthiest tea can become harmful if consumed excessively.
