Green tea might decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking green tea along with midazolam might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam. Caffeine, especially in large amounts, can reduce potassium levels in the body. Taking large amounts of caffeine along with “water pills” might decrease potassium in the body too much. Some drugs decrease how quickly the liver changes and breaks down green tea. This could change the effects and side effects of green tea. Green tea appears to reduce how much imatinib gets into the body.
Most evidence, however, is epidemiological, observational, or based on a mouse model. There is no RCT with significant evidence to establish the effect of ECGC in preventing cancers.
Green tea is rich in protective polyphenols including catechins and epigallocatechin gallate . These serve as potent antioxidants, which help to strengthen the body against disease. Over the years countless studies have been conducted on how green tea benefits our health. Observational studies suggest that green tea might reduce the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Some health claims suggest that green tea extracts may prevent cell damage, lower bad cholesterol and excess blood sugars as well as reducing stress and inflammation in the body. Since confounding factors could affect the results, future studies should eliminate such factors to better understand the benefits of green tea for human health.
Note that green tea may inhibit the absorption of iron and other minerals, so it is best to drink it between meals. Loose-leaf tea tends to yield a more complex flavor, as the water can flow through more of the leaf’s surface, infusing at a higher concentration.
One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had an approximately 42% lower risk of type 2 diabetes . Type 2 diabetes involves having elevated blood sugar levels, which may be caused by insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. Several studies show that the catechin compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons in test tubes and animal models, possibly lowering the risk of dementia . Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared with coffee. A review on the weight-loss effects of oxidized tea polyphenols.