The One Ingredient You Should Watch Out For In The Tea You're Drinking

Tea is an incredibly popular beverage that is enjoyed around the world. While there are many benefits to this drink, there are also some potential downsides you should be aware of. Tea contains tannins, which are a type of chemical compound that can combine with other molecules (via Healthline). Tannins are also found in other plants like spices, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They are most commonly found in tea, coffee, wine, and chocolate.

The overconsumption of tannins can cause adverse effects. Tannins have been known to reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. These compounds bind to iron and don't allow the body to absorb it, which can lead to health issues in people who already have an iron deficiency. Tannins can also cause nausea in some people. If you experience nausea after drinking tea, you may want to reduce your consumption of this drink. You can also avoid getting nauseous by adding milk to your tea. Milk can bind with tannins and reduce the irritation they cause in the digestive tract.

If you don't go overboard, tea can offer many health benefits. According to Penn Medicine, different types of tea have different benefits. White tea is high in antioxidants and shows the most promise in fighting against certain forms of cancer. It may also be beneficial for your teeth by fighting plaque and making your teeth more resistant to sugar and acid. Herbal teas also offer many health benefits. Chamomile tea can help you relax while peppermint tea can aid digestion.

Green tea is widely known as a healthy drink. It's packed with antioxidants and naturally contains caffeine, making it a natural source of energy (via Health). Green tea has been shown to improve brain health thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine. Combined with caffeine, L-theanine can improve memory, cognitive performance, and mood. Green tea can also support healthy weight management, boost your immune system, and protect against bone loss. It can even balance blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. Most people will benefit from drinking green tea more often.