During pregnancy, a woman has to slightly adjust her eating habits, since so many products are either allowed to be consumed in limited quantities or are generally on the forbidden list. Here you don’t have to choose: if you want a healthy baby - follow the recommendations of specialists. And there is nothing to be capricious.
Drinks suffered the same fate: many are banned, for example, 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 get it right.
What is the difference between green tea and black
Leaves for green tea are collected from the same bush as the leaves for black. It is not a gathering place, but their further processing. Black tea is subjected to a fermentation process, as a result of which its aroma is significantly enhanced. True, in doing so, he loses some of his useful properties.
The processing of raw materials for green tea is slightly 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 demand among those who adhere to a healthy lifestyle and, in particular, nutrition. The reason for this popularity is the useful properties of this product:
- The product helps to significantly strengthen the immune system, improve the condition of bones, teeth and heart muscle, as it contains minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium.
- Prevents the formation of cancer cells.
- Green tea is an excellent anti-aging agent, in particular, the destruction of cells, as the composition of this magical drink includes antioxidants.
- Significantly improves the condition of pregnant women suffering from toxicosis.
- Helps prevent the deposition of fats and, as a consequence, the normalization of weight.
- The drink is extremely invigorating, tones and refreshes. All this happens because of the large amount of caffeine contained in it (by the way, more than in coffee).
On a note! The inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom call green tea “miracle doctor” and treat about 400 diseases with it.
The chemical composition of green tea
The chemical composition of green tea:
- Tannins. They are represented by various compounds of tannin, catechins, polyphenols and their derivatives.
- Alkaloids: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, under the influence of which vasodilation occurs.
- Vitamins: C, P (increase immunity and protect cells from destruction); A (enhances the elimination of free radicals and has a beneficial effect on vision); as well as groups 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 blessing, then pregnant women should use it with some degree of caution. Why? The fact is that the use of such delicious green tea leads to a decrease in the absorption efficiency of folic acid, which is the cornerstone of the development of the child.
The intake of green tea during the period of gestation can become a barrier to the absorption of iron from other products. And this, in turn, will inevitably lead to anemia, which poses 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 a green drink, has an exciting effect on the central nervous system of the mother, and hence the child. And this is not good.
Advice to pregnant women! If you really want to enjoy green tea, then you can do it: only no more than two small cups per day, preferably in the afternoon, and not before bedtime and 40 minutes after eating, that is, you should not drink it immediately after eating or in the process.
Regarding caffeinated drinks during pregnancy
There is no point in refuting 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 health 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 question of green tea (the benefits and harms of which are not in any doubt) will be "removed from the agenda."
In addition, a lot depends on how the pregnancy in a particular woman proceeds:
- If the baby does not show too much activity, and the mother leads a fairly calm and quite measured lifestyle, then a cup of green tea or even coffee will not have any negative impact on the child’s health or on the woman’s health.
- But if the baby is hyperactive, and the mother is slightly worried or irritated, then do not aggravate the situation and use products containing a caffeine component in her diet.
- In some cases, it is the doctor who insists on stopping the use of green tea, the benefits and harms of which are discussed in the article. A medical professional must obey. Otherwise, there may be problems with bearing.
What kind of tea can pregnant women drink without fear
If green tea can be dangerous during pregnancy, what teas are there? And, can those that contain less caffeine? It can be white, black (you are surprised, but there is less caffeine in black long leaf than in green) or hibiscus tea, which removes excess cholesterol, strengthens blood vessels and simply tones.
Important! Due to the high acid content in tea, hibiscus tea should not be consumed by people who have certain stomach problems.
Can pregnant women have jasmine green tea
A drink with jasmine flower petals has a huge number of advantages:
- It is an excellent antidepressant.
- Lowers pressure.
- Removes toxins from the body.
- With it, you can quickly get out of stress and calm down.
- Improves the psycho-emotional state.
- Helps with colds.
- Promotes better blood circulation to the brain.
- It is a prophylactic of oncological diseases.
- Helps to cope with insomnia.
With jasmine petals, green tea during pregnancy is, in principle, not prohibited. By the way, it helps a lot with motion sickness in a car or bus. But it is better to use it in small quantities. Better yet, consult your doctor about this. And do not forget about certain rules for the use and brewing of this amazing drink:
- Never brew pure jasmine petals. This can cause severe allergies or even poisoning.
- The drink is prohibited for use by people suffering from diseases such as gastritis, hypotension, as it further lowers blood pressure, and peptic ulcer.
- Do not drink jasmine tea just before bedtime, as the product is very invigorating.
- The misconception that the drink helps to interrupt the feeling of hunger. Everything is exactly the opposite - it promotes appetite.
Important! Herbs such as hops, ginseng, sage, red elm, Chernobyl, oregano, licorice and fennel are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. Be carefull.
Green tea with mint
Is it possible for pregnant women to use 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, in addition to the fact that it just tastes good:
- 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-allergenic effects.
- Bring pressure back to normal.
- The essential oils contained in this herb can ease breathing.
Pregnant women should be very careful when drinking mint tea. The fact is that this plant contains a large number of estrogens, which can help increase the tone of the uterus. And this is not at all great, since such a situation can lead to miscarriage or childbirth ahead of time.
Important! For any hormonal imbalance with mint, green tea during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.
If the bearing of the baby proceeds normally and the woman feels fine, then 1-2 cups of mint drink per 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 insist 10 minutes and can be mixed with either green tea or black.
Green tea with milk
Is green tea with milk recommended during pregnancy? Yes, since the milk product contains calcium, which is necessary for both mother and baby. Moreover, the addition of milk to tea leads to a decrease in the concentration of caffeine in the drink. And this is very good.
Is it possible to use 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 (not more). You should not insist for a long time - 10 seconds will be enough to get an excellent aroma and taste. If overexposed, the drink will be bitter. Brewed according to all the rules, the tea has a light greenish-yellow hue.
Important! Tea can be brewed (without loss of quality) as much as 15 times and it is preferable to drink it without sugar.
Green tea at different stages of pregnancy
Can green tea be used during early pregnancy? In the first three months of bearing a baby, many women often have higher blood pressure than normal. By using 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 need to drink green tea in moderation (no more than two cups per day), reducing the amount of brewed product (one teaspoon per cup).
Advice! Experts recommend drinking a green drink with milk, and first pour a slightly warmed milk into a cup and only then add brewed tea to it.
Can green tea be used during late pregnancy? The main argument of the 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 not so urgent. And a few cups of a green drink per day will not wash all the folic acid.
Finally
Regarding the use of green tea during pregnancy: reviews of women carrying babies are very controversial. Someone claims that they drank this beautiful drink throughout pregnancy and felt great. Someone adhered to the strict recommendations of doctors and also do not regret it. We repeat once again that everyone has a different process for bearing a child. Therefore, in each specific situation, you need to understand separately. And by and large, it is better to be safe than risking and endangering not only your health, but also the health of the unborn baby. Do not be silly and go about your vagaries. Therefore, if there is no certainty in the question of whether it is possible to have green tea during pregnancy, read the article again and consult with specialists.