Not all substances are to be taken during the menstrual period. Substances like caffeine can cause menstrual cramps by preventing blood flow during menstruation.
However, since green tea is not free of caffeine, you may want to ask, can I drink green tea during my menstrual period? Don’t you worry! You will know if green tea is good or bad during periods in a jiffy.
You will also get an answer to some other questions that may be bothering your mind regarding green tea and periods in a moment. Just read on!
Is Drinking Green Tea During Periods Good?
Of course, it is good to drink green tea during the menstrual period. Green tea is highly rich in anti-oxidants and some other components that are beneficial during the menstrual period.
For instance, the tea contains vitamin K and magnesium which can help coagulate blood in the uterine, thereby reducing menstrual flow.
Besides, the presence of epigallocatechin in green tea (EGCg) makes it very easy to promote blood flow during menstruation.
Apart from these, other benefits of green tea during periods include:
Reduces Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome usually arises as a result of hormonal changes in the body. When hormones like estrogen or progesterone increase in the body, it can result in mood swings, anxiety, irritability, breast tenderness, and lots more.
But the good news is that green tea can help reduce some premenstrual syndrome. The tea is rich in a compound that can help reduce PMS.
For instance, the tea contains L-theanine – a compound that helps calm and relaxes the body against mood swings.
Reduces Bloating
If you normally become bloated during your menstrual period, then sipping one or two cups of green tea per day isn’t a bad idea. Green tea can help with bloating.
The tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenol, these duo works in synergy to aid digestion and remove build-up gas in the stomach. Also, the presence of caffeine in green tea makes it a great diuretic.
Help Soothe Cramp and Dysmenorrhea
One of the major causes of menstrual cramps is the contraction of the uterine muscle during periods. And this often arises as a result of inflammation.
Green tea has an anti-inflammatory effect which makes it very easy to soothe menstrual cramps.
Is Drinking Green Tea During Menstrual Period Bad?
Different side effects are attached to the consumption of green tea during the menstrual period. However, most of these side effects can only occur when you consume the tea excessively.
For instance, green tea contains caffeine. Caffeine and menstrual period don’t see eye to eye.
So, whenever you consume this tea excessively, too much caffeine will be released into the body system, thereby, causing several complications. Some of them include:
Low Iron Absorption
The menstrual period is often characterized by loss of blood. Therefore, during this period, your body needs to absorb adequate iron.
Meanwhile, when you drink green tea excessively during periods, a compound called tannins is released excessively into your body system.
Tannins will bind with the iron in your body, thereby causing iron absorption inhibition in your body.
Irregular Cycle
By irregular cycle, I mean short cycle.According to a study, green tea can shorten your menstrual cycle. This is due to the caffeine in it.
So when you drink green tea excessively during your periods, the caffeine in it will reduce the blood flow in your uterine, thereby, shorten your menstrual cycle.
Meanwhile, green tea can only shorten the menstrual cycle; it cannot hasten or delay the menstrual period.
Although there is a study that shows that green tea can lower estrogen levels which hasten period, this is true in animals (Rat) not in human beings. So it is a myth to say green tea can hasten period.
Menstrual Pain
I know you may be perturbed since I earlier said green tea can help soothe cramps. Well, it is nothing but the truth. Green tea can also cause menstrual pain and cramp if consumed excessively.
As already mentioned, green tea contains caffeine. And caffeine usually narrows the blood vessels, thereby resulting in pain and cramps.
Does Green Tea Make You Bleed More During Periods?
Again, one of the substances that can cause more or heavy bleeding during periods is caffeine. When there is too much caffeine in the body, it slows down blood clotting, consequently, resulting in more bleeding.
However, green tea contains little caffeine compared to coffee or other caffeinated drinks. Although the amount of caffeine in green tea varies from brand to brand and type to type, nevertheless, no type of green tea contains greater than 50 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz cup.
So, green tea should not make you bleed more during periods, but it might increase the risk of bleeding. So, I will advise you to stay away from green tea be it decaf or non-decaf if you have a bleeding disorder.
Does Green Tea Cause Blood Clot?
Without much ado, green tea can cause a blood clot. But is blood not normal during periods? Green tea is highly rich in vitamin K. And according to the research, 90 mcg of vitamin K should be an adequate intake for women every day.
This amount is so significant and anything above it could result in frequent blood clotting. In this regard, caution must be taken while drinking green tea during periods. Ensure you don’t exceed 2-3 cups per day.
Final Thoughts
Hormonal changes, mood swings, and menstrual cramps are common during periods. And drinking something that promotes blood flow and soothes your stomach can make your menstrual days go smooth.
Green tea, being rich in antioxidants, is safe and good to drink during periods. It helps reduce bloating in the stomach making you calm and relaxed.
Meanwhile, since most of its side effect occurs as a result of excessive intake, don’t drink more than 3 cups per day. Once you’ve done that, you are good to do.
Alternatively, you can drink milk tea with ginger and cardamom added to it. I wish you safe periods!