So, how much tea should you drink without experiencing nasty side effects? This is a common question among tea enthusiasts who consume multiple cups to stay alert.
Black tea is made from fermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
According to WebMeD, black tea contains two per cent to four per cent caffeine, which affects thinking and alertness.
Drinking more than four cups of black tea daily is possibly unsafe, meaning you should limit yourself to three or a maximum of four cups per day to avoid harm.
The right amount of tea offers numerous benefits besides staying alert.
Benefits of drinking tea
Drinking black tea can significantly improve mental alertness, according to WebMeD.
It is also used to alleviate headaches, regulate both low and high blood pressure, and prevent conditions like Parkinson's disease, depression, dementia, and stroke.
Regular black tea drinkers seem to have a lower risk of heart attacks.
Furthermore, consistent consumption of black tea may slightly improve bone health and reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who rarely or never drink tea.
On the other hand, Healthline highlights the benefits of green tea, noting that its caffeine and catechins boost metabolism and increase fat burning.
Studies indicate that consuming green tea can help burn an additional 75-100 calories per day, contributing to significant weight loss over time.
However, drinking excessive tea can lead to some side effects.
Effects of drinking too much tea
Healthline warns that tannins in tea can bind to iron in certain foods, reducing iron absorption in the digestive tract.
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including tea leaves, and which have astringent properties. This is what gives tea, wine, and some fruits their characteristic dry, puckering mouthfeel.
Additionally, the caffeine in tea can increase anxiety, stress, and restlessness when consumed in excess.
Overconsumption of caffeine may also inhibit melatonin production, a hormone that signals your brain it's time to sleep, leading to poor sleep quality.
Excessive tea consumption can also lead to heartburn or acid reflux.
Research suggests that caffeine can relax the sphincter separating the oesophagus from the stomach, allowing acidic contents to flow into the esophagus.
Regular tea intake can lead to caffeine dependence, with withdrawal symptoms including headache, irritability, increased heart rate and fatigue.