On May 21 of each year, the world celebrates World Tea Day, and on this occasion we learn about the benefits of this drink, and highlight health conditions that are recommended to reduce it.

Tea is a beverage from Camellia sinesis, the most consumed beverage in the world after water. Tea consumption is believed to have begun in northeastern India, northern Myanmar and southwestern China, but the exact place where the plant first grew is unknown, and there is evidence that it began to be consumed in China 5,<> years ago.

Drinking tea has health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weight-loss benefits.

Black & Green

Tea comes in two forms: black and green, and its type is based on a process called oxidation, in which the leaves turn from green to dark brown, which is also described as black.

Oxidation means that the leaves are exposed to humid oxygen-rich air, and tea makers can control their amount.

Black tea is a fully oxidized tea, while green tea is non-oxidizing.

Conditions and diseases that are recommended to reduce or avoid tea

The majority of negative effects on patients stem from the caffeine found in tea, and this applies to it in both black and green types.

Therefore, in the following cases and diseases, caution should be exercised when drinking tea:

1- Breastfeeding

Like many elements in food, caffeine is transported to form part of breast milk and can therefore affect the infant.

A large intake of caffeinated milk (more than 2-3 cups a day) can cause sleep problems, irritability and increased bowel activity.

2- Anemia

Drinking tea may make anemia worse.

3- Anxiety disorders

The caffeine in tea may worsen anxiety.

4- Bleeding disorders

The caffeine in tea may increase the risk of bleeding, so don't drink tea if you have a bleeding disorder.

5 - heart disease

Consuming the caffeine in tea in large quantities may lead to arrhythmias.

6- Diabetes

The caffeine in tea may affect blood sugar control, so if you drink tea and have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar carefully.

7- Diarrhea

The caffeine in tea, especially when consumed in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea.

8- Seizures

High doses of caffeine may cause epileptic seizures or reduce the effects of medications used to prevent seizures. If you've had a seizure before, don't take high doses of caffeine or substances such as tea.

9- High blood pressure

The caffeine in tea may increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

10- Irritable bowel syndrome

The caffeine in tea, especially when consumed in large amounts, may worsen diarrhea in some people with irritable bowel disease.

11 - liver diseases

Taking green tea extract supplements has been linked to rare cases of liver damage, and green tea extracts may worsen liver disease. Talk to your doctor before taking green tea extract.

12- Osteoporosis

Drinking tea can increase the amount of calcium eliminated in the urine, and this may weaken the bones. If you have osteoporosis, don't drink more than 6 cups of tea a day.

Maximum daily tea allowance

Drinking tea in moderate amounts is generally safe for most people, and there is no specific appropriate amount, as the wide variation of the ingredients and quality of the supplements, makes it difficult to determine an ideal amount, however it is advised not to exceed 4 or 5 cups per day.

Although tea in moderation is often considered healthy, too much tea can cause collateral damage.

In contrast, drinking large amounts of tea — more than 4 or 5 cups a day — can cause health problems, mostly due to caffeine-related side effects.

Other side effects of tea

Side effects of tea when drunk in large quantities may include:

  • Anxiety.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Headaches.
  • Increased urination.
  • Arrhythmias.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomit.
  • Nervousness.
  • Insomnia.
  • Hypertension.
  • Anemia.