Earl Grey Tea: Caffeine Level & Side Effects

Bergamot tea is another name of Earl Grey tea. This beverage contains oil of bergamot, which is a type of citrus flavoring, according to drugs.com. Bergamot oil is also used in aromatherapy and cosmetics that may lead dermatitis, especially if you are sensitive to the fruit. However, the extract used in this tea is usually considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts. Drugs.com reports that the incidence of side effects increases if you drink a lot of this beverage.

Ingredients

The Bergamot oil is a derivative of the Bergamot orange. According to English Tea Store, the Bergamot orange is originated from Vietnam, and it is a relative of sour orange and pear lemon. Drugs.com also reports that bergamot plants are also cultivated in the South-East of Italy. Bergamot oil is a flavoring for this beverage. 

Health benefits

Black teas, such as Earl Grey, contain antioxidant polyphenols. Antioxidants often help prevent cell damage from free radicals. Citrus fruits, such as Bergamot orange, contain vitamin C, another type of antioxidant. The National Center for complementary and alternative medicine reports that there is a misconception those black teas to promote cardiovascular health. A study conducted by the American Heart newspaper found that differences in terms of blood pressure, lipid and metabolic rate among those participants who drank black tea and those who drank water there are no.

Side effects

Drugs.com reports that Earl Grey tea can cause loss of potassium, cramps, blurred vision, muscle spasms, twitching and numbness. This relates to a component of bergamot oil called bergapten. According to Drugs.com, a study conducted in a 44-year-old man found that these side effects experienced after consuming a gallon of this beverage a day. These disappeared when it was changed to pure black tea.

Earl Grey tea caffeine content

Tea with bergamot oil can be consumed daily, but do not overtighten to prevent side effects. Earl Grey, as any other black tea, is also contains caffeine. The caffeine content is another reason why you should limit your consumption. The Mayo Clinic recommends that not to consume more than 200 to 300 mg of caffeine per day to avoid insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, changes in heart rate and nervousness. The Black tea approximately contains 40 mg per Cup.

Considerations

Drugs.com reports that few studies have been conducted on any possible oil bergamot drug interaction. Therefore, such interactions are not known. Do not use oil of bergamot and this beverage to treat any type of health condition without talking to a doctor, especially if you take drugs, and report any side effects. According to drugs.com, bergamot oil should not be used by pregnant women and breast feeding, since their effect on infants is unknown.