Rich in antioxidants, good for reducing blood pressure, great for metabolism, relieves hypertension, eases digestive issues, protects against dental issues, alleviates mood swings, aids in keeping blood sugar under control and resolves skin problems.
Being pregnant means you have to steer clear of so many things you like to eat and drink to ensure that your baby is perfectly healthy when it’s born. For the Matcha lovers out there, whether it’s safe to drink Matcha during pregnancy is a big concern.
Read More:Bubble Tea During Pregnancy: Is it Safe?
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha means “powdered tea.” When you order traditional green tea, components from the leaves get infused into the hot water, then the leaves are removed and thrown away. With matcha, you’re drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered and made into a solution, traditionally by mixing about a teaspoon of matcha powder with a third cup of hot water (heated to less than a boil), which is then whisked with a bamboo brush.
Basically, Matcha contains the same nutrients that you find in green tea, the only difference is that you are actually consuming the green tea leaf rather than just boiling it in hot water. This means you are consuming a bigger dose of all the active ingredients of regular green tea.
Read More:10 Herbal Teas to Avoid during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Is Matcha Green Tea Safe for my Baby?
It is the healthiest of all green teas available, with a strong, grassy and umami flavour. In addition to this, it is recommended to minimize any stimulating beverage during your first trimester so ideally try and hold off from even Matcha lattes (while different from caffeine available in coffee, matcha has about 50mg of caffeine per cup) just during the first few months of pregnancy. According to medical professionals, a pregnant woman should not consume any more than 300mg of caffeine daily. Others recommend keeping that intake down to around 200mg of caffeine.
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Matcha Tea for Pregnancy
Packed with Nutrients Essential for a Growing Baby
It is rich in proteins, vitamin C, and B (1,2,6) and very high in folate – all of which are very important for your growing baby.
Rich in Antioxidants
Because matcha is made from high-quality tea, and the whole leaves are ingested, it’s a more potent source of nutrients than regular steeped green tea. In addition to providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals, matcha is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-ageing. Another polyphenol in matcha called EGCG has been shown in research to boost metabolism, and slow or halt the growth of cancer cells.
Read More:Can I Have Ceylon Tea During Pregnancy?
It is a Versatile Ingredient
Matcha is a hot trend, not just as a beverage, but as an ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. If you look up matcha recipes, you’ll find everything from matcha muffins, brownies and puddings, to matcha soup, stir fry, and even matcha guacamole.
Good for Reducing Blood Pressure
Matcha is a natural blood thinner, with numerous studies showing that green tea consumption helps relax the arterial walls and lower blood pressure. So Matcha is great for those wishing to lower their blood pressure naturally without resorting to medication.
Great for Metabolism
Matcha is a great addition to a healthy diet by boosting metabolism and burning fat. It doesn’t raise blood pressure or heart rate, making it a safe alternative to questionable quick fixes or pharmaceuticals ridden with side effects. At the same time, matcha does not put any stress on the body. It is not at all safe to have green tea specifically for burning fat during pregnancy because not only does it affect your nutritional intake, but also denies your fetus the required energy for growth.
Read More:Is Chrysanthemum Tea Safe to Drink While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Relieves Hypertension
A serious complication known as preeclampsia can develop in pregnant women who suffer from hypertension, and this can be dangerous for the pregnancy. Green tea can regulate blood pressure efficiently which is beneficial for pregnant women.
Eases Digestive Issues
Indigestion and stomach ailments are common during pregnancy. Green tea can help by easing your digestion.
Protects against Dental Issues
Studies have also indicated that green tea can promote oral health and enhance bone strength. Pregnant women may suffer from gingivitis due to fluctuating hormone levels. During pregnancy, you are prone to dental problems such as cavities, gingivitis, etc. The antioxidant catechin, present in green tea, has the power to destroy the bacteria and virus causing these issues.
Resolves Skin Problems
Acne and breakouts are common due to the hormonal changes in pregnancy. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea will help reduce these skin problems
Alleviates Mood Swings
Antioxidants in green tea increase the metabolism rate, which works in countering mood swings during pregnancy. Also, the amino acid called Theanine in green tea provides relaxing effects on the body and helps treat mood swings.
Aids in Keeping Blood Sugar Under Control
Matcha tea monitors glucose levels by controlling the sugar levels in the body. Green tea is also beneficial if you have gestational diabetes.
Basically, anything in moderation is good for you and your baby. If matcha makes you happy, then it will make your little one happy too!
Sources
https://www.romper.com/p/can-you-drink-matcha-green-tea-while-pregnant-the-trend-is-everywhere-61585
