Does green tea prevent cancer or heart disease?
Green tea is not a proven guarantee against cancer or heart disease. It can fit into a balanced diet, but concentrated extracts differ from the beverage and may cause liver injury or interact with medicines.
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Interpret possible benefits carefully
Cancer research is inconsistent. A modest change in a marker such as cholesterol does not establish protection from heart attacks for everyone. Tea does not replace smoking cessation, blood pressure or diabetes treatment, or appropriate screening.
Count caffeine
Caffeine varies with the product and brewing method. Include coffee and energy drinks when considering intake, particularly during pregnancy or with insomnia or palpitations. One cup limit does not fit everyone.
Be more cautious with extracts
Check capsules with a pharmacist, particularly alongside cardiovascular medicines. Jaundice, dark urine or abdominal pain during a new supplement warrants stopping it and seeking assessment. A weight-loss product is not necessarily safe because it contains green tea.
Related reading: Can coffee worsen anxiety, and how can I recognise caffeine sensitivity?.