Does green tea limit the assimilation of iron in our body?
If we know the benefits of green tea, some side effects exist. Does green tea limit iron absorption? The answer is yes, the iron levels can be impacted by too much green tea consumption. However, this side effect is only to be feared in the event of high consumption of green tea. Indeed, excessive consumption of green tea (beyond one and a half liters per day) could have consequences on the assimilation of iron by the body. Remember that a person with varied and balanced diet can definitely drink a cup or two of green tea during the day without the slightest risk.
How to detect an iron deficiency?
A person suffering fromanemia (because ofiron deficiency punctual) may feel abnormal fatigue, headaches or dizziness. This iron deficiency is characterized by abnormal fatigue, paleness, headaches, dizziness... If in doubt, Kusmi advises you to consult your doctor.
If you are worried that your iron levels will decrease due to your high consumption of green tea, try to take your tea breaks outside of meals.
Everything you need to know about iron
The iron is a mineral playing an essential role in the proper functioning of the body. If we have to pay attention to our iron needs, this is because it plays an important role for our health.
Iron is necessary for the manufacture of:
- Hemoglobin (protein present in red blood cells which helps transport oxygen throughout the body).
- Myoglobin (muscle protein that stores oxygen).
- Enzymes involved in respiration and DNA synthesis**.
Iron and diet
Did you know? As with vitamin C, the body is not capable of producing iron itself. This is why we must fill our daily needs through food. Hence the famous adage: eat varied and balanced to diversify the sources of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
What are the food sources of iron
Animal sources are rich in iron. For example, some of the foods richest in iron include black pudding, seafood, offal and red meat.
Obviously, vegetarian diets are not devoid of iron. Whole grain foods, nuts, legumes (lentils), certain green vegetables (spinach) are also good sources of iron.
Is drinking green tea problematic for some people?
Pregnant women
Pregnancy is a period during which the iron level is to be monitored. This is why, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is advisable not to drink a cup of tea during or just after meals so as not to modify your iron levels.
Anemic people
Kusmi is far from being a doctor. If in doubt, ask your doctor. Green tea consumed in large quantities still influences the assimilation of iron by your body. If you know you are sensitive, perhaps prefer the black tea, the white tea or even the organic infusions… Believe us, you will definitely find what you are looking for in our range of organic teas and infusions made in Normandy.
What alternative to green tea?
100% caffeine-free infusions
100% caffeine free and organic,brew is always a great gourmet alternative that we like to recommend to our customers. Without theine, our infusions are suitable for pregnant women and children and will have no impact on the assimilation of iron by the body. Fruit infusion, rooibos, spicy herbal tea…the choice is wide at Kusmi Tea.
In conclusion, with a balanced diet and unless you drink large quantities, green tea does not seriously influence the assimilation of iron by the body.
However, to limit the risks:
- Limit your consumption and do not drink more than one and a half liters of green tea per day.
- Drink your green tea outside of meals ideally.
- Try 100% caffeine-free organic infusions.
** According to the National Food Safety Agency (ANSES)