What is the harmful substance in tea?
                                
                                
                                •
                                
                                
                        
                                    
                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                Globally, people drink more tea than any other beverage besides water, according to a 2014 report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. While celebrated for its antioxidant benefits, tea also contains several substances that, if consumed in excess or under specific conditions, may pose health concerns.