As with everything in life too much of a good thing can have its side effects. And this is also true for Tea. Although it’s been used since thousands of years for its flavors and health benefits, drinking too much Tea can have its side effects. And by too much we mean more then 4-5 cups a day.  Most of the side effects of tea are due to caffeine. Below you can find the most common side effects of tea:

Caffeine: Caffeine-containing beverages such as tea may increase the production of stomach acid, and worsen ulcer symptoms. Caffeine is also known to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Diabetics should minimize their consumption of caffeine as it increases blood sugar levels. However it’s important to note that tea has much less caffeine then coffee and therefore depending on the type of tea, many cups of tea have to be consumed daily to have the same effect as coffee. An average one serving of tea contains ½ to 1/3 less caffeine then coffee. It is also important to note that decaffeinated tea is not caffeine free entirely. It still contains a very small quantity. 

Fluoride: Fluoride was once considered very important for dental health and is even added to drinking water. Nowadays fluoride is being linked to decreased thyroid function Alzheimer’s disease, increased fracture risk, arthritic conditions and lowered mental functioning.

Tea can become very high in fluoride because tealeafs, especially older leaves accumulate more fluoride from pollution of soil and air than any other edible plant.  All tea leaves contain fluoride, while White tea contains less fluoride than green tea and black tea. Decaffeinated teas also contains more fluoride that non-decaffeinated teas. This may be caused by the fluoride level in the water used in the decaffeination process.

 

  

  

Tannin: Tannin gives tea some of the health benefits that help to prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke. Tannin in tea can possibly decrease the body's ability to absorb iron. But if you are not iron deficient you don't need to worry about this, especially if you are eating healthy.

Please note these side effects can become evident in rare cases, when there is excess daily tea consumption. It is not recommended to drink more then 4-5 cups of tea daily.