Tea Harm Liver:
For millions of people, a cup of tea is a comforting daily ritual. However, new research suggests that your favorite beverage could impact your liver if consumed in excess. A study published in BMC Nutrition examined how tea-drinking habits affect liver enzyme activity and found both positive and negative outcomes based on how and when tea is consumed.
Tea especially green and black varieties contains antioxidants called polyphenols and catechins that help protect liver cells and improve metabolism. The study noted that people who drank two to four cups of tea per day had healthier liver enzyme levels, particularly ALT and AST, which are key indicators of liver function.
However, the study also warned that drinking too much or overly strong tea can be harmful. When consumed in high amounts, the caffeine and catechins in tea may overload the liver’s detoxification process. Researchers found that individuals who drank more than five cups daily or brewed tea too strong had higher enzyme levels, indicating liver strain.
Dr. Dipak Bhangale, a gastroenterologist, explained that tea isn’t harmful when consumed correctly. He advises avoiding tea on an empty stomach, as it can trigger acidity and stress the liver. Instead, he suggests having tea 30 to 45 minutes after meals, allowing digestion to start. He also recommends limiting intake to two to three moderate cups daily, avoiding excessive sugar or very hot tea.
Interestingly, adding a little milk can help reduce acidity, but herbal or detox teas should be used carefully, as some may contain strong ingredients that can affect liver enzymes.
In short, tea can support liver health when consumed moderately, but too much of it—or drinking it without food—may have the opposite effect. The key lies in balance: a few cups of mildly brewed tea after meals, combined with proper hydration and a healthy diet, help keep your liver functioning smoothly.
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