Green tea in pregnancy

Properties of green tea

Green tea is ranked as one of the healthiest drinks known to mankind. Its regular consumption can prevent the development of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis or reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. In addition, drinking green tea protects against obesity, as it facilitates fat reduction. Do not forget that green tea contains many micro- and macro-elements needed by our body, among others. calcium, potassium, zinc and vitamins A, B, C and E. It is believed that regular drinking of the brew can reduce cancer risk due to the presence of antioxidants in the tea. They prevent the formation of free radicals, which are responsible for aging of the body and the development of various diseases. For these reasons, many people reach for a cup of green tea on a daily basis.

Is it okay to drink green tea while pregnant?

Women who drank green tea regularly before pregnancy often ask doctors if they can continue to safely consume the brew during those nine months. Opinions of specialists are divided on this subject. The positive impact on reducing the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy or the onset of vascular disease is obvious. However, it is important to remember that green tea contains caffeine, which is not prohibited during pregnancy, but you should limit its consumption. Besides, substances in green tea can reduce the absorption of nutrients such as folic acid, which is very important in the development of the baby’s nervous system at the very beginning of pregnancy, as well as iron, which can lead to the development of anemia. Most often, after hearing the question of whether it is okay to drink green tea during pregnancy, doctors answer that it is not dangerous if it is not drunk in excessive amounts. A cup a day should not lead to any complications. However, choose blends with known composition, purchased from reliable sources, better not on the Internet.

Green tea in pregnancy- effect on the baby

Green tea in pregnancy drunk in small amounts has no effect on the development of the baby. Recently, however, there have been reports of the possible negative effects of excess antioxidants, especially toward the end of pregnancy. Their anti-inflammatory effects may affect the inhibition of prostaglandin production, which prevents during pregnancy, among other things. Premature closure of the arterial conduit. This prevents the child from developing pulmonary hypertension, for example. So if a woman drinks green tea in large quantities in III. trimester theoretically this type of complication can occur. For this reason, some doctors advise against consuming the brew during the last weeks of pregnancy.

Read also:
Pregnancy cravings-can I eat everything while pregnant?

Bibliography:

National Center for Nutrition Education