Bad combination of green tea and iron

Green tea inhibits inflammatory processes and protects cells from attack by free radicals. However, the positive influence could be undermined if the beverage is taken together with ferrous products or iron preparations. This could show scientists of Pennsylvania State University.

Better not consume iron & green tea together. Image: Grafvision - fotolia

The main active ingredient of green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has the ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO). The scientists were able to demonstrate in the mouse model that iron is binding to the EGCG substance after iron-rich foods. As a result, the tea loses its antioxidant property, which protects the cells from reactive oxygen compounds and thus from oxidative stress. The same applies to ferrous preparations.

This impairment takes place mutually: namely, the iron absorption is impaired. This is important for people with iron deficiency (eg CED). You should know that one substance influences the other. The study can be found here.