SHARE

Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia?

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: October 23, 2017
Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia?

It is no secret that green tea is a drink that is full of wonders. From cancer prevention, to prevention of heart disease, this drink is thought to do it all!

Several studies have shown that drinking 2 cups of green tea a day can significantly lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol, which in turn lowers the risk of death by cardiovascular (heart) disease by 22-33%! Seeing as cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, that isn´t too bad!

Other studies on animals and some studies on populations have shown evidence for green tea being protective for various types of cancer as well. And if that is not enough to convince you that green tea is amazing, several sudies also suggest that it may reduce body mass!

In fact, it seems as though green tea is a wonder potion that can do no harm. But have you heard that you shouldn´t drink green tea if you are anemic? Is there any truth to this?

Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia?

It is true that certain substances in tea, like caffeine, tannins and polyphenols can reduce the absorption of iron in the intestine. If you have iron-deficiency anemia, the last thing you need is to decrease the rate of iron absorption in your body. You might want to read our article on Chyawanprash, an Ayurvedic preparation that helps absorb more iron.

Luckily, caffeine and tannins are found in higher quantities in black tea. Unfortunately, there are still some substances in green tea that have been shown to limit iron absorption.

What do you do?

Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia? - Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia?

Should I stop drinking green tea if I am anemic?

Green tea only has an effect on iron absorption when it is taken shortly before, during or shortly after iron intake. As long as you avoid drinking green tea while you´re eating an iron-containing meal or when taking iron supplements, it is perfectly safe to enjoy a cup or two a day.

The decision is yours to make. Given the countless benefits of green tea, it may be wise to not cut it completely out.

Remember that green tea contains caffeine, that, if taken at night, can prevent you from sleeping. Like all products, enjoy with moderation! Especially if you have anemia, it is recommended to drink 1-3 cups a day.

Apart from those who suffer anemia or have calcium problems, there are other contraindications in which it's not recommendable to drink tea, for example:

  • In patients with heart problems, as its content is a great stimulant.
  • People with anxiety and nerves problems, as this drink can alter them.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Those who suffer from insomnia.
  • Patients with diabetes, as it can affect levels of sugar.
  • Patients with glaucoma as it increases eye pressure.
  • If you have osteoporosis as it enables calcium to disappear through urine
  • In liver diseases and hepatic lesions

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia?, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

Write a comment

What did you think of this article?
2 comments
Rating:
Geetanjali Deymunshi
I am a anemic. Can I take green tee.
Dave
When you say "Green tea only has an effect on iron absorption when it is taken shortly before, during or shortly after iron intake," do you mean 30 min? 1 hour? 2 hours? Thanks
OneHowTo Editor
It is usually considered to be 30 minutes though 1 hour would be ideal
Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia?
1 of 2
Can I drink green tea if i have anaemia?

Back to top ↑