Matcha green tea has been around for centuries, and it is loved for its many health benefits. Yet, there are concerns about its effects, especially with pregnant women.
Can pregnant women drink matcha? Matcha tea is safe to drink during pregnancy, as long as consumed in moderation.
According to many studies, it contains caffeine which is not healthy for pregnant women. Yet, the caffeine content in it is not as much as in a cup of coffee.
This article will provide you with detailed information related to this topic. Keep reading for more information!
Is Drinking Matcha Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
We will shed some light on this question by answering the following questions:
What Is the Main Ingredient of Matcha Tea?
Its main ingredient is caffeine. In addition, it contains theanine, which is the most abundant amino acid in green tea.
Also, gallic acid, succinic acid, and theogallin give matcha the umami flavor.
Is It Good for Pregnant Women and Unborn Babies?
Let’s see what problems this drink can cause and how it interacts with your body while pregnant.
Matcha, Caffeine, and Pregnancy
Experts recommend that pregnant mothers consume less than 200mg of caffeine per day. A high intake of this substance during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and increase the rate of premature birth.
So, it is essential to reduce caffeine intake as much as possible.
Remember that one teaspoon of matcha can contain about 70 mg of caffeine. So, it is best to enjoy a matcha cup per day and two cups of tea on special occasions. If you consume more than recommended, you could get your kids in trouble.
Matcha, Folate, and Pregnancy
Vitamin folic is also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid. Pregnant women often take it during pregnancy to reduce the risk of congenital disabilities, such as neural tube defects (NTDs).
Regular folic acid supplementation can cut the number of cases of NTDs in half, making it highly recommended for pregnant women.
However, according to one study, consuming green tea regularly may decrease the bioavailability of vitamin B9, leading to an increased risk of fetal harm from NTDs.
Pregnant women who consume more than two cups of Matcha tea per day have a very high risk of formulating congenital disabilities.
Matcha, Iron absorption, and Pregnancy
Women need iron during pregnancy because it transports the oxygen needed by the fetus. If iron-deficient, your fetus may develop anemia. It can lead to an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, pale skin, and more in the long term.
Matcha tea is thought to limit the absorption of iron from non-meat sources.
According to some studies, it can reduce iron absorption by up to 65% because it contains tannins and polyphenols, which interfere with absorption.
5mg of tannin can prevent iron absorption by up to 20%, while some single polyphenols can reduce iron absorption by about 70%.
How Much Matcha Can You Drink When Pregnant?
Do not abuse this drink.
Consuming large amounts of caffeine while pregnant can increase the risk of miscarriage. So, it is essential to limit caffeine intake during these 40 weeks.
On average, a cup of this drink contains 70mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains about 150mg of caffeine. So, drinking matcha while pregnant can be considered safe if it is done correctly.
You will only be allowed to consume the recommended amount of caffeine for any caffeinated beverage.
Besides, bear in mind that the effects of this substance in Matcha usually last longer, about three to six hours. So, the best thing is to drink one cup a day.
Overall, during pregnancy, you shouldn’t get more than 200mg of caffeine per day from any drink, including coffee, tea, or other beverages. In addition, you need to keep other eating habits suitable for pregnancy.
When Should You Not Drink This Tea?
Pregnant should drink a cup of tea before meals instead of after or during meals. As a result, you can avoid problems with iron absorption during pregnancy.
This drink is the perfect caffeine alternative for pregnant women and nursing mothers. However, always remember that you should not consume more than 300 g of coffee per day if you are a nursing mother.
In addition, you need to pay attention to the children’s expressions to adjust the amount of coffee you consume.
For example, if your child has changes in their sleep patterns, reducing the amount of tea you drink each day is essential. It will make a difference.
Benefits of Having Matcha
This tea, if appropriately used, will bring a lot of health benefits to both pregnant women and ordinary people.
1. Protect the Liver
Researchers believe that this drink can improve liver health. One study showed that a diabetic rat had improved liver health after sixteen drinkings tea.
2. Prevent Cancer
According to a study done with rats in 2001, green tea extract can reduce tumor size and slow down the growth of breast cancer.
According to experts, polyphenols and the antioxidants in them can prevent cancer. However, more research is needed to verify this claim.
3. Improve Brain Health
Many studies indicate that certain ingredients in this drink can improve brain function. Specifically, researchers have found that it can improve memory, attention, and even the brain’s reaction time.
In addition, another study has also suggested that consuming two grams of green tea powder daily for two months will allow you to improve brain function.
It also contains the compound L-theanine, promoting alertness and reducing energy loss.
4. Promote a Healthy Heart
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death due to increasing stress levels or unhealthy lifestyles. Researchers suggest that drinking green tea may help protect your heart. It may even reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
5. Provide Lots of Antioxidants
This drink also contains high levels of catechins, which are considered natural antioxidants. According to a study, the content of this substance in matcha is about 137 times higher than in most other teas.
As a result, adding this drink to your menu can increase the antioxidant content of your body. It works to help you prevent and limit cell damage and reduce the risk of serious chronic diseases.
Conclusion
In general, this drink is an excellent option and often a pleasant method to enjoy a relaxing moment. Yet, when you’re pregnant, it is best to keep everything in moderation.
Matcha green tea is a safe drink for pregnant women but in moderation. You need to attempt to keep a nutritious and comfortable balance in life.
Last but not least, if you have any doubts, you should contact your trusted healthcare professional. If this article is helpful, please share it with other pregnant women!
Thank you for reading. See you in the next articles about drinking boba tea, hot chocolate, Liquid IV Electrolyte Powder, and alkaline water.
