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What are the Contraindications of Black Tea

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 25, 2017
What are the Contraindications of Black Tea

One of the most popular teas in the world is black tea thanks to its many properties including its antioxidant effect and its ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. However, we must not forget that it is a drink that contains a large amount of theine, also making it a very stimulating one.

This is one of the reasons why caution should be exercised when routinely drinking this kind of tea, but there are other things that we should also know. In this OneHowTo article we reveal the contraindications of black tea so that you know about them and control your consumption of this infusion.

You may also be interested in: What are the Benefits of Chai Tea
Steps to follow:
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Black tea is one of the most nutritious varieties of tea as it contains a great source of minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus among others. It is also rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids that we help to keep the body in a perfect state and free from the attack of free radicals. Furthermore, another benefit of black tea is that it has positive health effects that help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce bad cholesterol in the blood.

However, as we have pointed out, it is a type of tea rich in theine. This substance is comparable to caffeine and has the ability to stimulate the body. Precisely for this reason it may be contraindicated for some people and, above all, we must never overdo its consumption as it could be harmful to our health.

What are the Contraindications of Black Tea - Step 1
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Black tea has astringent properties, which can cause gastrointestinal health problems. This is because this type of drink has tannins which can cause such effect on the body. Therefore, black tea is not recommended for patients suffering from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and so on.

In fact, tannins in black tea can cause constipation and so it is likely that if you take this tea frequently you will notice it is more difficult to sit on the toilet. The reason this happens is that tannins cause the intestines to dehydrate and dry out due to the astringent effect, so if you have any of these conditions, it is best to limit your consumption.

What are the Contraindications of Black Tea - Step 2
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Tannins are also responsible for minerals such as iron not being properly absorbed by the body. People who are prone to anaemia best not take black tea as it could be harmful to their condition. If you do not want to stop taking this infusion then at OneHowTo we suggest you drink it at least 1 hour before eating, this will reduce the effect of the tannins and the iron will be better absorbed.

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We have already commented that this variety is one of the ones that contains most theine and, therefore, produces a stimulant effect which can cause anxiety, stress and / or tachycardia. Tea contains alkaloids that can affect the nervous system and harm the health of the person taking it. Some of the side effects of this condition include:

  • Headaches
  • Insomnia or trouble sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Acceleration of cardiac rhythm or tachycardia
  • Tremors
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures

By altering the nerves it is possible that the heart ceases to pump properly. This can result in oxygen and nutrients running through the blood to not be allocated correctly and so these symptoms may begin to be noticeable. Hypertensive patients should not drink black tea as it could worsen their situation.

What are the Contraindications of Black Tea - Step 4
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We have said that the tannins impair the absorption of minerals such as iron but they also affected other minerals such as sodium and potassium. This is because black tea taken in excess can produce a demineralizing effect that may cause cramps and related disorders.

This condition is also linked to the diuretic effect of this drink that can cause electrolytes to be lost through urine. If these are not recovered in the diet symptoms may appear.

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Another contraindication of black tea is that it is a very diuretic product which may further increase the demineralising effect just mentioned. In fact, if excess consumption (more than 3 cups a day) takes place it is likely to lead to the loss of those minerals that are so necessary for the proper functioning of our body.

What are the Contraindications of Black Tea - Step 6
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Thus, in summary black tea is not recommended for:

  • People with blood pressure problems or those suffering from hypertension.
  • Pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding because its high theine content stimulates the body and can affect pregnancy and the embryo.
  • People suffering from anaemia.
  • Patients with gastrointestinal problems or constipation.
What are the Contraindications of Black Tea - Step 7

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 What are the Contraindications of Black Tea, we recommend you visit our Healthy living category.

Tips
  • It is not recommended to drink more than 3 cups a day of black tea.

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