Is Green Tea Acidic? Find Out Here (Updated 2024)

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If you are a tea lover but also have gastritis or ulcers, you need to find out if green tea is acidic.

Green tea has taken the world by storm with its aromatic smell and nutty, bittersweet taste. Today, this drink is not limited to those living in Asia, it is readily available everywhere.

Home-brewed teas are proven to have health benefits but there are also side effects.

In this article, we are going to learn the pH scale of green tea as well as its reaction to the digestive system.

Read on to learn the types of tea that are most acidic and the best ways to protect your body from their side effects.

What Is Green Tea?

Green tea comes from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis, an evergreen shrub originating in China.

The plant thrives in cool temperatures and has a distinct sweet and nutty taste compared to other tea plant varieties.

Two Asian countries dominate green tea production, Japan and China.

Aside from its delicious taste, it also helps you slow down and relax because of the natural chemical theanine found in the plant.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

More than the calming properties of green tea, it also offers numerous health benefits.

This drink was first used in China as a medicinal herb to reduce blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels.

Additionally, it also helps prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

According to Harvard, compounds like catechins and epicatechins are responsible for the health effects of this tea.

These two compounds are flavonoids. Flavonoids help reduce inflammation and reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.

However, increased tea intake can still pose health problems, especially for those who have digestive issues.

Is Green Tea Acidic?

To answer this question, we need to assess the pH level of green tea to find out if it’s acidic or not.

If food is below a 7.2 pH level, then it is considered acidic; whereas, food greater than this number provides alkaline reactions.

Acidic foods need to be taken in moderation to avoid illnesses and medical issues. Luckily, green tea is alkaline in nature, which means its pH level is above 7.2.

This type of tea neutralizes the acid levels in the body when taken in moderation.

In fact, green tea helps aid digestion, as compared to other drinks like coffee and black tea. Therefore, drinking it after a meal makes a difference in digestion.

Other types of tea including black tea, herbal tea, lemon tea, and blackberry tea have a lower pH level, making them acidic.

The most acidic of all is blackberry tea with a pH level of 2, whereas lemon tea is 3, black tea is 4.99 to 5, and herbal tea is 6.

How to Know If You Are Acidic

Human bodies differ from each other, as some people are less acidic than others. If your bodily fluids contain too much acid, this condition is called acidosis.

This issue happens when your kidneys and lungs cannot keep your body’s pH in balance.

One method to know your body’s acidity level is through a pH test. This will determine the acid-alkaline state of your fluids.

You can purchase urine pH level test kits in pharmacy stores over the counter. Testing your urine will indicate whether you are acidic or not.

In the event that your acid level is higher, you can consult a doctor for further evaluation. This way, you can find out if you need medication or not.

Effects of Acidity on Your Stomach

Several studies show the importance of drinking green tea for conditions like acid reflux.

Excessive acid reflux is called Gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, which features a burning sensation in the esophagus and intense heartburn.

When drinking a cup of tea, adding a few teaspoons of milk can also balance the drink and help the stomach produce less acid than regular tea.

However, there is also evidence that some people feel discomfort when drinking green tea. It is important to check for yourself if drinking this type of tea irritates your stomach.