Green tea during pregnancy: benefits and harms, reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

During pregnancy, a woman has to slightly adjust her eating habits, since so many foods are either allowed to be consumed in limited quantities, or even on the banned list. Here you don’t have to choose: if you want a he althy baby, follow the recommendations of specialists. And there is nothing to be capricious.

Drinks suffered the same fate: many are banned, such as coffee or strong black tea, as they have a negative effect on blood vessels and the heart. In this situation, some pregnant women begin to think about the possibility of drinking green tea. Why not? But is it possible to drink green tea during pregnancy? Let's figure it out.

What is the difference between green tea and black tea

Green tea leaves are harvested from the same bush as black tea leaves. The point is not in the place of collection, but in their further processing. Black tea is subjected to a fermentation process, as a result of which its aroma is greatly enhanced. However, at the same time, it loses some of its useful properties.

Process processingraw materials for green tea are somewhat different: first, moisture is removed from the leaves, then they are simply twisted and they are completely ready for use. Therefore, there are more useful components in green tea, that is, its composition is almost similar to the composition of fresh leaves.

Useful properties of green tea

Green tea is especially in high demand among those who are committed to a he althy lifestyle and, in particular, nutrition. The reason for such popularity is the beneficial properties of this product:

• The product contributes to a significant strengthening of the immune system, improves the condition of bones, teeth and heart muscle, as it contains minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium.
• Inhibits the formation of cancer cells.
• Green tea is an excellent remedy for aging, namely cell destruction, as this magical drink contains antioxidants.
• Significantly improves the condition of pregnant women suffering from toxicosis.
• Helps prevent fat deposits and, as a result, normalize weight.
• The drink is extremely invigorating, toning and refreshing. All this happens because of the large amount of caffeine contained in it (by the way, more than in coffee).

Note! The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire call green tea a "miracle doctor" and treat about 400 diseases with it.

Chemical composition of green tea

Green tea chemical composition:

• Tannins. They are represented by variouscompounds of tannin, catechins, polyphenols and their derivatives.
• Alkaloids: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, under the action of which vasodilation occurs.
• Vitamins: C, P (enhance immunity and protect cells from destruction); A (enhances the elimination of free radicals and has a beneficial effect on vision); as well as group B (strengthen cell membranes and have an antioxidant effect on the body).
• Minerals and trace elements. These are iron, fluorine, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, sodium and potassium.
• Amino acids and enzymes
• Essential oils.

The effect of green tea on the body of a pregnant woman

Is green tea good for pregnancy? If for everyone else (of course, in the absence of certain diseases) this drink is undoubtedly a boon, then pregnant women should use it with some degree of caution. Why? The fact is that drinking such delicious green tea leads to a decrease in the absorption of folic acid, which is the cornerstone of a child's development.

Green tea intake during pregnancy can be a barrier to the absorption of iron from other foods. And this, in turn, will inevitably lead to anemia, which is a danger to the vital functions of the fetus and the formation of its internal organs.

And one more nuance: caffeine, which is one of the components of the green drink, has an exciting effect on the central nervous system of the mother, and hence the child. And this is notgood.

Advice for pregnant women! If you really want to enjoy green tea, then you can do it: only no more than two small cups a day, preferably during the day, and not before bedtime and 40 minutes after eating, that is, you do not need to drink it immediately after eating or in the process.

About caffeinated drinks during pregnancy

It makes no sense to refute the fact that caffeine is not the best substance for women in an "interesting position". What do the experts say? The fact is that if you drink caffeinated drinks in small doses, then, most likely, they are unlikely to significantly affect the he alth of the mother and her baby. That is, in everything you need to know the measure so that there are no troubles and complications. And then the issue of green tea (the benefits and harms of which are not in any doubt) will be “removed from the agenda.”

Besides this, a lot depends on how a woman's pregnancy proceeds:

• If the baby does not show too much activity, and mommy leads a rather calm and quite measured lifestyle, then drinking a cup of green tea or even coffee will not have any negative impact on either the he alth of the child or the he alth of the woman.
• But if the baby is hyperactive, and the mother is a little worried or annoyed, then you should not aggravate the situation and use products containing caffeine in your diet.
• In some cases, it is the doctor who insists on stopping the use of green tea, the benefits and harmswhich are discussed in this article. And the medical worker should be obeyed. Otherwise, there may be problems with bearing.

What tea can pregnant women drink without fear

If green tea during pregnancy can be dangerous, then which teas can you? What about the ones with less caffeine? It can be white, black (you are surprised, but black long leaf has less caffeine than green) or hibiscus tea, which removes excess cholesterol, strengthens blood vessels and simply tones up.

Important! Due to the high acid content of hibiscus tea, it should not be consumed by people with certain stomach problems.

Can pregnant women have jasmine green tea

Drink with jasmine flower petals has a huge number of benefits:

• Is an excellent antidepressant.
• Reduces blood pressure.
• Removes toxins from the body.
• With it, you can quickly get out of a state of stress and calm down.
• Improves psycho-emotional state.
• Helps with colds.
• Promotes better blood circulation to the brain.
• It is a prophylactic of oncological diseases.
• Helps manage insomnia.

With jasmine petals, green tea during pregnancy, in principle, is not prohibited. By the way, it is great for motion sickness in a car or bus. But it is better to use it in small quantities. Better yet, consult withyour doctor. And do not forget about certain rules for drinking and brewing this amazing drink:

• Never brew pure jasmine petals. This can cause severe allergies or even poisoning.
• The drink is prohibited for people suffering from diseases such as gastritis, hypotension, as it further lowers blood pressure, and peptic ulcer disease.
• Don't drink jasmine tea just before going to bed, as the product is very invigorating.
• The misconception that the drink helps to kill the feeling of hunger. Everything is exactly the opposite - it promotes appetite.

Important! Herbs such as hops, ginseng, sage, red elm, mugwort, oregano, licorice and fennel are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. Be vigilant.

Green tea with mint

Can pregnant women have green tea with mint? A very common question, since mint is quite popular as an additive to various drinks. Why is it so good and why is it so in demand, besides the fact that it just tastes good:

• By using mint, you can get rid of a headache.
• It helps to stabilize the hormonal background of a woman.
• It has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-allergic effects.
• Reduces blood pressure.
• Essential oils contained in this herb can make breathing easier.

Pregnant women should be very careful when drinking mint tea. The point is that thisthe plant contains a large amount of estrogen, which can help increase the tone of the uterus. And this is not he althy at all, since such a situation can lead to a miscarriage or premature birth.

Important! For any hormonal imbalance with mint, green tea during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

If the pregnancy is going well and the woman feels great, then 1-2 cups of mint drink a day will not be dangerous. Moreover, it is better to brew it as follows: 1 teaspoon of chopped herbs and boiling water is enough for a cup; then leave for 10 minutes and can be mixed with either green tea or black tea.

Green tea with milk

Is green tea with milk recommended during pregnancy? Yes, because the dairy product contains calcium, which is necessary for both mother and baby. Moreover, adding milk to tea leads to a decrease in the concentration of caffeine in the drink. And this is very good.

Can I drink green tea with milk during pregnancy? Can. And not only during gestation, but also during breastfeeding, because this drink promotes lactation, is rich in vitamins and has low allergenicity.

We make green tea according to all the rules

The most important thing in the process of brewing green tea is to beware of boiling water. The temperature of the poured water should be 80-85 degrees (no more). You should not insist for a long time - 10 seconds will be enough to get an excellent aroma and taste. If you overdo it, thenthe drink will be bitter. Properly brewed tea has a light greenish-yellow hue.

Important! Tea can be (without loss of quality) brewed as many as 15 times and it is preferable to drink it without sugar.

Green tea at different stages of pregnancy

Can I drink green tea during early pregnancy? In the first three months of bearing a baby, many women often have high blood pressure. By drinking green tea, it can be normalized. That is, the drink helps to increase the diameter of the vessels, thereby reducing the spasm of the veins and arteries. Naturally, you should drink green tea in moderation (no more than two cups a day), reducing the amount of brewed product (one teaspoon per cup).

Advice! Experts recommend drinking a green drink with milk, and first pour slightly warmed milk into a cup and only then add brewed tea to it.

Can I drink green tea during late pregnancy? The main argument of opponents of this drink is that it interferes with the absorption of folic acid, which allows the child's nervous system to develop normally. But in the later stages, this problem is no longer so relevant. And a few cups of green drink a day won't flush out all the folic acid.

In closing

Regarding the use of green tea during pregnancy: the reviews of women carrying babies are very contradictory. Someone claims that they drank this wonderful drink throughout their pregnancy and feltyourself perfectly. Someone adhered to the strict recommendations of doctors and also does not regret it. Once again, we repeat that everyone has a different process of bearing a child. Therefore, each specific situation must be de alt with separately. And by and large, it is better to play it safe than to take risks and endanger not only your he alth, but also the he alth of an unborn baby. Do not be stupid and go on about your whims. Therefore, if there is no certainty on the question of whether green tea is possible during pregnancy, read the article again and consult with specialists.