Is it okay to use supplements that contain green tea?
Question
Gramps,
I know that green tea is against the Word of Wisdom. It seems like there are so many supplements with green tea in it. I know it is wrong to drink green tea but I was wondering what your thoughts are about Indian green tea in a supplement. I am finding it in so many things. Thank you!
Lori
Answer
Lori,
The usage of green teas as to the Word of Wisdom is somewhat controversial in my experience. I know those who argue fervently that it is not included therein, and others who firmly believe it is. The only standard given by the church is “tea”. To some that clearly includes green tea because it is the same plant, leaf, etc., as black tea, but a younger version of it that is processed differently.
I, admittedly, fall on the side of those who stay away from it. But my opinion does not dictate truth. And in this case, whereas the Church has not given specific details in this regard, it falls to each of us to make these decisions through prayer, thought, and listening closely to the spirit.
I would quote the following from the church, however, from a talk by Boyd K. Packer:
“Members write in asking if this thing or that is against the Word of Wisdom. It’s well known that tea, coffee, liquor, and tobacco are against it. It has not been spelled out in more detail. Rather, we teach the principle together with the promised blessings. There are many habit-forming, addictive things that one can drink or chew or inhale or inject which injure both body and spirit which are not mentioned in the revelation.
“Everything harmful is not specifically listed; arsenic, for instance—certainly bad, but not habit-forming! He who must be commanded in all things, the Lord said, “is a slothful and not a wise servant” (D&C 58:26).”
My thinking is that if we consider the addictive nature of these sorts of things in general, we would be wise to avoid use of it that would lead to addiction. Using a supplement of some sort on a daily basis that contains addictive substances doesn’t seem like an ideal way to follow this counsel.
Based on these two ideas: 1. I feel that green tea is “tea”, and 2. It’s addictive even if not in drink form — I choose to avoid it.
Gramps
The Church has always been clear that while tea is against the Word of Wisdom, herbal tea is ok. Furthermore, the text of D&C 89 seems to imply that everything, even those things prohibited by the Word of Wisdom, has its own designed, natural, intended purpose, including medicinal purposes. I’m not a botanist; I can’t say for certain whether the plant from which green tea is made qualifies as an herb or not, which would if so make green tea herbal and therefore Word of Wisdom acceptable. It’s better to be safe rather than sorry though and just refrain from any tea that isn’t specifically labeled as herbal and caffeine-free.
I’ve heard from a few individuals that served their missions in Korea that the word “tea” is translated as “green tea” in all church materials there. So I certainly believe that Green Tea is included in being against the Word of Wisdom.
There are many good sources of nutrition and health without immediately seeking green tea.
I agree with that, i am a registered pharmacist and we do make drugs and all sorts of stuff that may also include supplements. It’s pretty challenging for me and also for those medical practitioners who experience such kind of things, whether to dispense or not.. but all i can say is, its better to prevent than to cure. There really are benefits taking up these drugs, yet there are also risk factors that may happen. I highly recommend to use other supplements that is more useful and less risk.
I’m a converted member of the church (like everyone for that matter) and I miss my coffee and a nice glass of Cabernet. If 12 apostles and the presidency of the church start bending the rules someone get to me ASAP otherwise I err on the side of caution 🙂
When my wife and I joined the church in the 70’s we were struggling to learn to live by some of these new rules. For instance “pot” is often referred to as “herb” by its users. Not as a means around something but a fairly common definition of the substance by many of those who use it. My interpretation of what happened is that the Lord is aware of us as individuals, and aids and watches over us for no reason but our own good. The desire for some things was abruptly removed from us. No longer comely or desirable. This made it easier to successfully embark upon stopping the other things which our newly chosen life style had obligated us to. I thought at the time that the Lord wanted to make it easier for us. Not easy, but easier than it could have been. I have no desire to revisit those days again. The help was wonderful. To unnecessarily ask for it again, could be considered as an insult to the one who helped before when my need was great.
I bought some sparking ice drinks for my kids and they loved it and started drinking it and then I realized it had green tea extract in it should I still let them drink it?