Studies follow and often resemble each other to demonstrate the health benefits of green tea. Prevention of diabetes and obesity, certain oral cancers colorectal,stimulating effect of anti-cancer drugs, protective role against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Its virtues can no longer be counted and everything leads us to believe that the consumption of green tea can only do us good. But according to a recent study published in the medical journal Journal of Functional Foods, it would seem that things are not so simple since in fact, a excessive consumption of green tea could affect certain functions such as development and reproduction.
Reproduction affected by excessive consumption of green tea
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine (United States) evaluated the toxicity of green tea on the Drosophila fly by exposing embryos and larvae to different doses of green tea polyphenols.
The findings of these experiments showed that larvae exposed to 10 milligrams of green tea are slow to develop and later give rise to smaller offspring with a significant reduction in the number of “offspring”.
The researchers observed that flies exposed to 10 milligrams of green tea become more sensitive to food deprivation and heat, but seem better protected against dehydration.
They also found that their female offspring showed a decrease in reproductive capacity and a 17% reduction in their lifespan, however their male offspring are unaffected.
Importantly, high doses of green tea seem to increase apoptosis (cell death).
“Green tea may therefore have health benefits at low doses, but adverse effects at high doses. If further research still needs to be conducted, we suggest consuming green tea in moderation.
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