“Tea May Have A Dark Side”
We are constantly bombarded with ads extolling the beneficence of antioxidants, especially those in tea. Well, it is not that simple. I have 12 books on the subject at www.amazon.com, in which I discuss the downside to over consumption of antioxidants, including some of those in tea. Dr. Carolyn Sevier, assistant professor of molecular medicine at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says, “We’re realizing that free radicals serve as useful messengers to cells, and completely quashing them (with antioxidants) can keep cells from forming their own protective defenses.” Wiping out free radicals with antioxidants can keep cells too complacent to build beneficial protective pathways free radicals normally spur. No doubt, some studies show benefits to drinking tea, but there are others that suggest a dark side. Experts warn green tea can weaken the effects of a commonly prescribed blood pressure pill (nadolol, a beta-blocker).
