Frequently Drank Green Tea Instead of Water? Experts Warn Why It's Not Good for Your Health

Should Be Consumed in Moderation with Water... Cannot Serve as a Substitute

A stock photo of green tea, which is considered a tea that should not be excessively consumed instead of water. Pixabay

Experts have issued a warning that the habit of drinking tea instead of water on a regular basis can put a strain on your health. They point out that tea cannot structurally replace water and that daily intake should be limited.

A video uploaded by Dr. Jung Seyeon, a doctor of Korean medicine, on the YouTube channel "Jung Seyeon's Life Laboratory," which has 1.11 million subscribers, has recently regained attention online. In the video, Dr. Jung explains, "Tea that we drink in our daily lives cannot substitute for water," and adds, "The flow of fluids in our bodies and the cellular purification process can only be smoothly maintained with pure water." She further emphasizes, "Tea itself is not bad, but it is best to drink it in moderation along with water."

Dr. Jung pointed out that teas which should not be consumed as a replacement for water share several common characteristics. First, teas with strong diuretic effects can excessively increase fluid excretion, raising the risk of dehydration. Green tea, cassia seed tea, job's tears tea, corn silk tea, mate tea, and hibiscus tea fall into this category.

Additionally, teas containing caffeine are also not suitable as substitutes for drinking water. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause heart palpitations and disrupt sleep. Green tea, black tea, pu-erh tea, and mate tea are cited as examples.

Teas that may raise blood sugar levels should also be approached with caution. Job's tears tea, ginger tea, and citron tea do not inherently raise blood sugar, but many commercially available products contain sugar or other sweeteners, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels.

Barley tea and brown rice tea were introduced as teas that are relatively less burdensome when consumed with water. However, Dr. Jung advised, "Drinking water is always best, and when it comes to tea, it is advisable to limit intake to about two or three cups a day, taking into account your constitution and any underlying health conditions."