Pineapple leaf tea prevents constipation during pregnancy, boosts immune system, high in dietary fiber, helps for weight loss, rich source of vitamin c, prevents blood clots, chronic diseases and premature ageing , repairs any damage in the gastrointestinal tract, relieves anxiety, improves mood and metabolism and reduces inflammation.
You might have heard many variations in teas throughout life but have you ever heard of pineapple tea? Yes there exists something called pineapple tea which couldn’t make its way in the popular teas list, but is equally healthy. Generally people tend to either eat a pineapple in slices or take it in the form of juice, but now it’s time that you try this interesting version of the pineapple fruit.
Basically many women are warned to avoid certain fruits during pregnancy. Pineapple is one such fruit which is blamed to be a bad choice during pregnancy, since it is assumed to induce labor or lead to miscarriage. But no scientific studies have reported consuming pineapple harmful during pregnancy. Therefore, it clearly is a myth. So if you are a pregnant lady who is craving pineapples then probably eating a reasonable amount of this fruit will do you no harm.
One cup of pineapple contains 100% of a pregnant woman’s recommended daily intake of vitamin C. It is also good source of folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, and many other.
All You Need to Know About Consuming Pineapple Leaf Tea During Pregnancy
What is Pineapple Tea?
So now that the myth is broken, lets learn what pineapple tea is. You might have taken pineapple in various forms but have you ever tried the pineapple tea? If no, then you surely should. Pineapple tea has impressive health benefits from eliminating excess water from your body to providing you with good amounts of nutrients.
Pineapple tea is a floral beverage which can be made with the actual fruit, the peel, seeds or its leaves. It can be made by blending it with your regular tea. Regardless of the preparation or consumption method, the health benefits are still the same. It is mostly popular in the tropical regions where pineapples are grown.
How to make Pineapple Tea?
If you are now convinced to try this interesting version of pineapple, here is the recipe to make your job easy,
- Step 1: Bring a saucepan of water to boil on the stove (approx. 4-6 cups)
- Step 2: Add 4-5 tea bags to the boiling water and allow them to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and then remove the pan from heat.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar and add 1/2 cup of fresh-squeezed pineapple juice.
- Step 4: Mix thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved.
- Step 5: Store in a jar overnight in the refrigerator and serve cold, over ice.
If you are lazy enough to make this tea at home, there is another easy to go option through Starbucks. You heard it right! Starbucks has a ‘Teavana Shaken Iced Pineapple Black Tea’ in its menu. You can choose this option if you liked the taste of this refreshing tea.
Health Benefits of Pineapple Tea During Pregnancy
Fiber in Pineapple Prevents Constipation During Pregnancy
Due to the increased abdomen and other factors, most women tend to experience constipation during pregnancy. And since pineapple is a good source of fiber, it helps you to ease this problem.
Boosts Immune System
This tropical fruit is rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. Consuming it helps you boost the immune system and helps aid indigestion and builds strong bones.
High in Dietary Fiber
Pineapple is a rich source of ascorbic supplement in your diet. It contains high amounts of dietary fiber which aids digestive problems.
Helps for Weight Loss
Since pineapple aids indigestion and burns fat, it automatically results in you losing some fat. For women who want to lose weight after delivery, pineapple can be a good option. But make sure to take it in small amounts, since over intake can lead to other health conditions.
Rich Source of Vitamin C
Consuming one cup of pineapple or drinking two cups of pineapple tea in a day provides you with 100% of the pregnant woman’s recommended amount of vitamin C. Pineapple is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin B-6
Prevents Blood Clots
Scientific studies suggest that bromelain in pineapple can thin blood, prevent blood clots and prevent clot formation in pregnant women. Consuming too much of bromelain is also harmful.
Repairs any Damage in the Gastrointestinal Tract
The digestive enzymes and bromelain present in pineapple, prevents any harmful microbes from entering the stomach. It also repairs any damage in the gastrointestinal tract.
Relieves Anxiety
Pineapple contains vitamin B-6 which helps the body make several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin which influences the mood. Deficiency of this vitamin is said to increase anxiety. Therefore, drinking pineapple tea provides you with the vitamins needed to relieve anxiety.
Improves Mood
Pineapple increases your serotonin levels which effects on mood and behavior. It also enhances the quality of your sleep. It boosts you your mood. Since pregnancy can bring in insomniac issues in women, give pineapple tea a try for good sleep and better mood.
Improves Metabolism
Pineapple contains manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar level, aids in calcium absorption and plays a role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Vitamin B-6 present in pineapple is critical for brain health and metabolism of carbs.
Reduces Inflammation
The proteins enzymes and bromelain present in pineapple have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence it helps aid inflammation.
Prevents Premature Aging
Since pineapple is a rich source of many nutrients and minerals, the anti-inflammatory inflammatory properties, vitamin C and an enzyme called polyphenols prevents premature aging. It boosts collagen production which keeps your skin firm and elastic.
Prevents Chronic Diseases
Most of the chronic diseases are caused due to unhealthy health habits, like alcohol consumption, tobacco and poor nutrition. Since pineapple is a nutritious fruit, adding it to your diet can reduce the risks of any kind of chronic disease.
Risks of Having Pineapple Tea During Pregnancy
Until and unless you are consuming the right and sufficient amounts of pineapple, you are under a safe roof. The actual harm causes if you consume it in excess amount. These are the few risks you may need to know before eating pineapple during pregnancy.
- The acids in this fruit will contribute to acid reflux or heartburn.
- The bromelain in pineapples is said to soften the cervix leading to miscarriage or premature labor.
- It can cause vomiting or rashes during the first trimester.
- It contains excess sugar which is not recommended for women with gestational diabetes.
- It is high in calories, therefore is not advisable for pregnant women who are overweight
- Bromelain also causes diarrhea if consumed in high amounts
- Women with lower blood pressure should avoid pineapple, since it can lower blood pressure even more.
Eating pineapple for the first time can result in itching or swelling in the mouth, runny nose or asthma in some cases. Therefore consult our doctor before you plan to take this fruit in any form. Consuming it in the right amount will not cause you any harm.
How much Pineapple can a Pregnant Woman Eat?
You can mostly avoid eating pineapple in the first trimester. In the second trimester you can consume about 50 to 100 grams of pineapple a week. In the third trimester you can eat about 250 grams of pineapple in a day. Since pineapples can induce contractions, make sure to eat it in limited amounts. It would be best if you check with your doctor about the amount of pineapple that can be taken during pregnancy.
Pineapple Tea During Nursing
Not just during pregnancy but nursing mothers can also include pineapple tea into their diet. The nutrients present in the fruit can be passed to the baby through this. Also since you are using very limited amount of juice in your tea, or the leaves or peel of pineapples, it is considered safe to add this to your diet. But make sure to take it in limited amount and also have a talk with your doctor before starting it. Some health benefits of consuming pineapple tea during nursing include,
- The natural anti-inflammatory nature of pineapple, aid blocked milk ducts.
- Contain antiemetic and diuretic properties that are useful for new moms
- Reduces joint and muscle pains
- Stimulates digestive process and cures stomach disorders, constipation and haemorrhoids
- Reduces headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness
When to avoid Pineapple Tea
Avoid pineapple tea in the following cases:
- If you have gestational diabetes, since it has high sugar content.
- If you have low blood pressure, as it can lower it further.
- If you are in your first trimester, to avoid consuming bromelain, since it can lead to miscarriage
- If you’re allergic to latex or pollen, you may be allergic to the fruit.
- If you have a high-risk pregnancy and you may already be at risk of miscarriage, it is best to avoid eating pineapple as a precaution.
Now that you have learned about all the amazing benefits of pineapple tea, you can give it a try and add it to your diet if it appeals to you. But make sure to take it in limited amounts, the amount which is referred safe to consume. Having a check with you physician before adding it to your diet is always a good idea.
References
Is It Safe to Eat Pineapple in Pregnancy?
https://www.verywellfit.com/pineapple-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4114409
