Advantages And Disadvantages Of Green Tea During Pregnancy
There have always been doubts about the consumption of green tea during pregnancy, mainly because it contains caffeine among its properties. As consuming caffeine is a risk during pregnancy, it is often recommended to consume it as low as possible or even not to consume it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Green Tea During Pregnancy
Consumption of caffeine in large amounts during pregnancy is a risk to the baby. Therefore, in case of drinking green tea, it should have 25 to 50 mg per cup, and this will depend on the brewing time. Also, you should always consult your doctor.
In fact, green tea has far more disadvantages than advantages during pregnancy, mainly due to its caffeine levels which can be noticeably harmful to the baby. Let’s talk about this in detail:
Disadvantages of Green Tea During Pregnancy
- High consumption of green tea has been linked to babies born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. This is because this tea makes it difficult to absorb folic acid, a key component during the first 12 weeks.
- It hinders the absorption of nonheme iron, which can be a problem if the mother is on a vegetarian diet or is prone to anemia.
- By containing caffeine, green tea during pregnancy can act as a stimulant. This can occur mainly at the end of pregnancy, when it is usually difficult to fall asleep.
- Exceeding the recommended dose, a miscarriage may occur.
Advantages of Green Tea During Pregnancy
- Contains polyphenols, which prevent cardiovascular disease.
- It also contains antioxidants, which slow cell aging.
- It protects against certain types of illnesses, such as diabetes.
- When consuming green tea, you will be consuming a lot of water. This makes certain discomforts typical of pregnancy decrease in intensity, such as constipation, headaches, among others.
According to some surveys carried out by the University of Granada, 95% of pregnant women take caffeine preparations at some point during pregnancy.
Other unrecommended teas, like green tea, during pregnancy
Some teas are less recommended than others during pregnancy. Generally, this type of drink is known for its multiple health benefits. But during pregnancy, caffeine can become a problem that can harm the baby.
Therefore, we will explain below which are the teas that are not recommended during pregnancy:
Sage tea
This type of tea contains a compound called thujone. It is believed to stimulate the uterus and cause miscarriage as well as high blood pressure.
valerian tea
Although this type of tea is known to help you fall asleep, it can be harmful during pregnancy. If you are drinking valerian tea, it is critical that you see your doctor.
chamomile tea
This tea offers several benefits for the body, including during pregnancy, as it helps to fight insomnia, nausea and digestive problems. Even so, it is not recommended as it can cause circulatory problems in the baby.
eucalyptus tea
Eucalyptus can be really beneficial for the treatment of respiratory problems, but when it comes to pregnancy, it’s best to avoid it. This is because it can cause nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.
parsley tea
When this type of tea is consumed in large quantities, it can be harmful during pregnancy. It can affect the proper development of the baby and, in many cases, it can even cause miscarriage.
rhubarb tea
Rhubarb is a plant that stimulates smooth muscle movement in organs such as the stomach, liver and intestines. Furthermore, it can have abortifacient effects because it causes very strong uterine contractions. It is one of the most dangerous.
pennyroyal tea
Another of the most dangerous teas during pregnancy is pennyroyal tea. This is because, when consumed, the baby can suffer malformations.
Green tea offers many health and body benefits, but because it contains caffeine, it can be harmful during pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to consume a very small amount, and always consult the doctor before doing this.
