Can You Drink Matcha While Pregnant?

When it comes to pregnancy, there are many things that women have to worry about. Can I drink this? Is it safe to eat that? One of the most common questions that pregnant women ask is whether or not they can drink matcha tea. This blog post will answer that question and give information on the health benefits of drinking matcha while pregnant.

What Is Matcha Tea?

Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are ground into a fine powder and then mixed with water to make tea. Matcha tea has been consumed in Japan for centuries and has only recently become popular in other parts of the world.

Matcha tea is rich in antioxidants, which benefit pregnant women and their babies. In addition, antioxidants help protect cells from damage and improve the immune system. Matcha also contains catechins, a type of flavonoid that has been shown to reduce cancer risk.

The History of Matcha Tea

Matcha green tea originated in China and was first mentioned in a medical text from the Tang Dynasty. Matcha green tea was used in traditional Chinese medicine. Matcha tea has been consumed in Japan for centuries. It was introduced to Japan in the 12th century by Buddhist monks who brought it back from China. It was initially used in Buddhist ceremonies and was believed to have medicinal properties. Matcha tea became popular among the samurai class in the 12th century and eventually spread to other parts of Japanese society. Matcha tea began to be exported to other countries in the 18th century, but it was in the 21st century that it became widely known outside Asia.

Main Concerns of Expecting Mothers When Drinking Matcha Tea

1. Caffeine Intake: One of the main concerns for pregnant women who want to drink matcha tea is its amount of caffeine. Matcha does contain a higher level of caffeine than regular green tea, but it is still much lower than what you would find in coffee or energy drinks. The recommended maximum daily intake of caffeine during pregnancy is 200 mg. One cup of matcha tea contains about 35 mg of caffeine, which is well below the recommended intake for pregnant women.

2. Oxalate Content: Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds in some foods and beverages, including matcha green tea. Although oxalates can potentially harm those with certain medical conditions, there is no evidence that they pose any risk to pregnant women.

3. Nutrient Content: Matcha tea has many beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The polyphenols in matcha are thought to provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which can be especially helpful for expecting mothers who need these nutrients for the health of their babies.

4. Potential Allergens: As with any beverage or food, it is essential to be aware of the potential allergens that may be present in matcha tea. Some matcha products may contain ingredients such as nuts, soy, or dairy, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Therefore, it is vital to check the label's ingredient list and ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients before consuming matcha tea.

5. Potential Contamination: As with any food or beverage, it is essential to check for contamination when consuming matcha. If the tea is not sourced from a reputable company, bacteria, fungi, and heavy metals could pose a risk to expecting mothers.

Why Is Matcha Safe To Drink While Pregnant?

Matcha is safe to drink while pregnant because it is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that benefit pregnant women and their babies. Matcha also contains a small amount of caffeine, which is Safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. You can drink up to two cups of matcha tea daily while pregnant. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before drinking tea during pregnancy, and to choose the best matcha brands to avoid contamination and ensure 100% organic growing process.

The Benefits of Drinking Matcha Tea While Pregnant

There are many benefits of drinking matcha tea while pregnant. Let's take a look at some of the most important benefits:

Matcha Helps To Boost The Immune System:

When pregnant, it is vital to take extra care of your immune system. This is because your body works hard to protect you and your baby from illness. Matcha is a great way to help boost your immune system naturally.

In one study, it was shown that matcha was able to help increase the production of immune cells. The study found that those who consumed matcha had a higher concentration of immune cells in their blood. The study also found that matcha was able to help increase the activity of these immune cells.

Matcha Is A Good Source Of Vitamin C:

Matcha is a good source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for pregnant women. Vitamin C helps to protect against infection and can also improve the absorption of iron.

Matcha Helps To Improve Digestion:

Matcha contains polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that can help improve digestion. This is important for pregnant women because it can help to prevent constipation and other digestive problems.

Matcha Can Help To Reduce Stress:

Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. This is important for pregnant women because stress can lead to problems such as preterm labor.

Matcha Can Help To Increase Energy Levels:

Matcha contains caffeine, which can help to increase energy levels. However, matcha also contains L-theanine, which can counteract caffeine's effects and help you feel more alert without the jitters.

Matcha Can Help To Detoxify Your Body:

Matcha green tea contains chlorophyll, which helps to detoxify your body and remove toxins from your liver. This is important for pregnant women because it can help to protect their babies from harmful toxins.

Matcha Helps The Body Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure in pregnant women can lead to complications such as preeclampsia. Matcha contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin that has been shown to help lower blood pressure.

Help Keep Blood Sugar Under Control:

Did you know that matcha is a great way to help keep blood sugar levels under control? Safe during pregnancy, matcha can be enjoyed by those expecting without any worry. This is because matcha contains a unique antioxidant known as EGCG, which has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. So if you're looking for a natural way to help keep your blood sugar levels in check, add some matcha to your diet!

Matcha May Help To Prevent Morning Sickness:

As any woman who has been pregnant can attest to, morning sickness is no fun. It can make you feel nauseous and fatigued, and sometimes it can be so severe that you can't even keep down water. If you're struggling with morning sickness, try matcha. Matcha is a type of green tea that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and helps combat nausea.

Alleviates Mood Swings:

Mood swings are a common symptom during pregnancy, and various things can cause them. Matcha may help to alleviate them due to its high concentrations of L-Theanine. This amino acid is known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness and improving focus and attention. Because of this, it can help to even out your mood and reduce stress levels.

Reduces The Risk Of Birth Defects:

Folic acid is an important nutrient for pregnant women because it can help to reduce the risk of congenital disabilities. Matcha is an excellent folic acid source, making it an ideal drink for pregnant women.

Finding The Best Matcha Option for You

When choosing a matcha powder, selecting one of high quality is important. Look for a powder that is bright green and has a fine texture. Avoid powders that are harsh or bitter. It is also important to choose an organic powder, as this will ensure that the tea leaves used to make the powder are not treated with chemicals or pesticides. Encha offers a variety of high-quality organic matcha powders that are perfect for pregnant women. Encha harvests their matcha directly from their organic farm in Uji, Japan, to ensure that the powder is of the highest quality. The flavors of Encha matcha are authentic to the natural taste, slightly grassy, and full of umami with a thick frothy texture. Lastly, they offer 100% organic and pure ceremonial grade matcha, the highest quality matcha you can find in the market. Its vibrant green color speaks of its freshness and purity. Visit Encha.com today to find the perfect matcha powder for you!

Summary

Embarking on the journey of pregnancy often prompts questions about dietary choices, and one common query is whether it's safe to consume matcha during this delicate time. In our blog, 'Can You Drink Matcha While Pregnant,' we explore the nuanced relationship between matcha and pregnancy. Delving into considerations like caffeine intake, matcha caffeine levels, and the potential benefits of decaffeinated green tea, we aim to provide expecting mothers with informed insights. Navigate the world of matcha lattes, powdered green tea, and decaffeinated options as we shed light on making mindful choices in caffeine consumption during pregnancy, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience for both mom and baby

FAQ's

How does matcha help with fertility?

As far as we know, there are no direct studies which link matcha to fertility, however, what we do know is that matcha can be recommended for those looking to conceive. Matcha contains catechins (EGCG), which helps to protect the DNA of our cells (including egg supply), which is a results of the reduction in free radicals caused by the catechins.

Is it safe to drink green tea while pregnant?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to drink matcha during pregnancy, however, we do recommend that pregnant mothers never drink more than 2 cups of matcha per day. If you are not someone who normally drinks matcha, we would recommend consulting with your doctor before drinking matcha during pregnancy, as any dietary changes during pregnancy should be monitored.

Does matcha reduce chances of getting pregnant?

Matcha does not reduce the chances of getting pregnant. In fact, it can increase fertility due to the catechins which reduce free radicals and help to protect our DNA and egg supply.