Health & Life

3 Types of Tea That Are Extremely Harmful to Your Liver That You Should Stay Away From

Indulging in a cup of tea is a beloved ritual for many, but not all teas are created equal when it comes to your health, especially your liver. Uncover the truth about three types of teas that are incredibly detrimental to your liver's well-being, and steer clear of them to maintain a healthy liver.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

While tea is often regarded as a healthy beverage, certain types of tea can be detrimental to your liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Here are three types of tea that pose potential health risks and should be consumed with caution:

1Moldy Tea

Improper storage can cause tea to become moldy, leading to the production of dangerous toxins such as aflatoxin and ochratoxin on the tea leaves. Consuming tea contaminated with these toxins can result in food poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can also damage liver and kidney function.

Moldy tea can irritate the digestive tract, promote inflammation, and lead to bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, food poisoning, and increased stomach acid production due to damage to the intestinal and stomach lining.

Not only does mold ruin the delicious flavor of tea, but it also destroys valuable nutrients such as catechins and theaflavins, rendering the tea worthless.

Moldy Tea

Tea Storage Tips:

Keep tea in a cool, dry place: High humidity provides an ideal environment for mold growth. Store tea in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Use airtight containers: When not in use, store dry tea leaves in airtight containers such as tin cans, glass jars, or ziplock bags. This prevents air and moisture from entering, protecting the tea from mold and other spoilage factors.
Avoid high temperatures: High temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of nutrients in tea. Do not store tea near heat sources such as stoves, microwaves, or windows with direct sunlight.

Notes:

Regularly inspect your tea: Check your tea occasionally for any signs of mold, unpleasant odors, or color changes. If you notice any of these indicators, discard the tea immediately to prevent health risks.
Don’t hesitate to throw away spoiled tea: Tea is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t hesitate to discard tea that has gone bad. Drinking moldy tea can cause digestive issues and other health problems.

2Tea Left Overnight

It is common for people to brew tea the night before and drink it the next morning. However, this practice is not advisable for the following reasons:

Risk of bacterial poisoning: Tea left overnight, especially at room temperature, provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth, particularly E. coli and Salmonella. Consuming tea contaminated with these bacteria can lead to food poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential severe impacts on liver health.
Breakdown of antioxidants: When left overnight, the pH of the tea decreases, causing the tea to spoil and become more acidic. This acidic environment promotes oxidation, breaking down valuable antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins in the tea, diminishing its inherent health benefits.
Stains on teeth: Tea, especially black tea and strongly brewed tea, can stain teeth when left overnight. These stains adhere to the teeth, building up over time, causing tartar, discoloration, and increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues.

Tea Left Overnight

Recommendations:

Brew tea fresh before consumption to ensure optimal flavor and safety.
If brewing a fresh batch each time is not feasible, store brewed tea in the refrigerator and consume it within 24 hours.
Use glass or ceramic containers for storing tea instead of plastic ones.
Clean your tea container thoroughly after each use.

3Strong Tea

Strong tea not only delivers a robust flavor but also carries potential health risks, particularly for the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

Liver strain: The high concentration of tannins and polyphenols in strong tea overworks the liver, leading to potential overload and, over time, possible liver cell damage and impaired liver function.
Higher risk for liver patients: Consuming strong tea further stresses the liver, exacerbating existing liver conditions and making it harder for the liver to recover.

Strong Tea

Advice:

Avoid drinking strong tea, especially if you have liver, kidney, or cardiovascular issues.
Brew tea to a milder strength and consume in moderate quantities.
Drink tea at least 30 minutes after a meal to prevent interference with iron absorption.
Listen to your body and adjust your tea consumption accordingly.

This article has provided insights into the types of tea that can be harmful to your liver. We hope it helps you make informed choices to protect your health and that of your loved ones.

Source: Vietnamese Women’s Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

The three types of tea that are mentioned in the article as potentially harmful to liver health are Pu-erh tea, Oolong tea, and Green tea. The article emphasizes that excessive consumption of these teas, especially when combined with an unhealthy lifestyle, can lead to liver damage.

Pu-erh tea, Oolong tea, and Green tea all contain natural substances that, when consumed in excessive amounts, can put a strain on the liver. For example, Pu-erh tea is fermented and aged, resulting in higher levels of caffeine and a unique compound called tetramethylxanthine, which has been linked to liver toxicity in animal studies. Oolong tea, though partially oxidized, still contains caffeine and certain polyphenols that can be challenging for the liver to process. Green tea, despite its well-known health benefits, contains high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones and interfere with mineral absorption.

Moderation is key. Enjoying tea in moderate amounts is generally considered safe for most individuals. It is recommended to vary your tea choices and not exclusively consume the teas mentioned above. Additionally, pairing tea with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can promote overall health and reduce the risk of liver damage.

Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, those taking certain medications, and pregnant women should exercise caution when consuming any substance that may impact liver function, including tea. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine safe consumption guidelines based on your specific circumstances.

Pu-erh tea, Oolong tea, and Green tea have all been associated with potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. For example, Green tea is renowned for its antioxidant properties and potential contributions to weight loss and improved brain function. Oolong tea is believed to aid in digestion and may contribute to healthy skin. Pu-erh tea is said to aid digestion and promote weight loss, although more human studies are needed to confirm these effects. As with any food or beverage, the key is moderation and being mindful of any potential interactions with your unique health status.