Drinking tea every day has tons of health benefits. But if you've ever drunk green tea on an empty stomach, you most likely know that it can make you acutely nauseous. Poosh Life-style therefore found out; Why does green tea make you nauseous?
WHY: The main reason why you get nauseous from green tea on an empty stomach is due to the high amount of tannic acids that the tea contains. Tannic acids are polyphenols with various neuroprotective benefits, and these acids are what give tea its bitter, dry taste. However, depending on how sensitive your digestive system is and how much tea you drink, the acids can irritate your stomach and cause symptoms such as nausea and stomach pain.
"Green tea contains a tannic acid called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, also known as ECGC, which provides incredible antioxidant benefits, but can also cause mild stomach irritation, nausea, gas and heartburn in some people," says Serena Poon, celebrity chef, nutritionist and founder of Culinary Alchemy.
In addition, both tannic acids and the caffeine content of green tea can cause an increase in stomach acid, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and heartburn. Some research results also point to tea as a possible trigger for gastroesophageal reflux.
Tannic acids and caffeine are also found in other teas made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant - i.e. oolong, white and black tea - which means that these can all cause similar symptoms when consumed on an empty stomach.
DRINK TEA - ELIMINATE THE NAUSEA: There are several things that can help prevent tea-induced nausea, the first and most obvious being, of course, drinking your tea after a meal.
"In my work with Culinary Alchemy, it is crucial that my clients listen to their bodies, even if what they find seems to contradict popular dietary recommendations," says Serena. "If green tea upsets your stomach, you can either try consuming it with food or seek antioxidants from other foods."
If for some reason you insist on drinking your tea on an empty stomach, try adding some milk or plant-based milk so that the tannins bind to milk proteins instead of your stomach lining.
Depending on your sensitivity, you can also try reducing the amount of tea you drink or brewing it for less time (the longer you brew tea, the more tannic acids will be present).
Image for the post is taken from Pexels, photographer is: Anna Pou.
