Matcha is a type of green tea made and consumed slightly differently from the regular green tea you see in the supermarket. It is prepared by grinding down green tea leaves into powder form and whisking it with hot water, with the occasional addition of milk. Unlike regular tea, consuming matcha tea is not steeped but instead consumed fully, which means that the caffeine content and nutrients are both higher and better absorbed. And on that note of having higher caffeine content raises the question- is matcha tea safe during pregnancy?
The short answer to can you drink matcha while pregnant?
The short answer to the question can you drink matcha while pregnant- is a resounding yes! Matcha green tea is very safe to drink in moderation while pregnant. It is generally safe to consume a teaspoon of matcha alone during pregnancy, with the recommendation of 1-2 servings per day or 3 to 4 grams of matcha powder is a good place to start for expecting mothers. Matcha releases caffeine into the bloodstream more slowly than coffee, which means that it may be a better option for pregnant women who want to limit their caffeine consumption.
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How much caffeine does matcha tea have?
Usually the concerns about the safety of drinking matcha while pregnant stem from the caffeine content. On average, a cup of coffee has 95-200mg per cup depending on the type of drink and the way it is brewed, while a cup of black tea can hold around 50mg. Matcha has even less, it roughly contains between 19 to 44 mg of caffeine per gram of matcha tea (mg/g).
Matcha’s caffeine content depends on several factors, but on average, a cup of the beverage can contain 30-100mg. This can be contingent on the age and quality of the plant as well as how the drink is made, but in general, matcha sits somewhere in between tea and coffee when it comes to caffeine.
The FDA recommends that the average person’s caffeine intake should not exceed 400mg, but in pregnant women, this is halved, at 200mg. This means that pregnant women can safely consume up to two cups of matcha per day without exceeding the recommended caffeine intake. However, many foods and drinks contain high and often hidden amounts of caffeine, so it’s important to be vigilant to avoid having too much caffeine.
What are the benefits of drinking matcha green tea during pregnancy?
Matcha is full of antioxidants which can help protect the body against free radicals – these are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of diseases. It also contains moderate amounts of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that aids digestion, which is great for pregnant women who experience a lot of acid reflux. During pregnancy, antioxidants from matcha green tea consumption are especially important because they can help prevent oxidative stress, a condition that can damage foetal development.
Because of the way it is grown, matcha also contains a high amount of chlorophyll, which can assist with the removal of harmful toxins, particularly in the liver. Matcha matures in the shade which increases the chlorophyll content in the leaves, causing them to turn bright green. Matcha contains almost six times more chlorophyll than regular green tea, making it a great natural way to detoxify the body.
Other health benefits of drinking matcha include:
Matcha is loaded with antioxidants that can help protect the body against free radicals, promoting healthy skin and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- The high concentration of L-theanine in matcha can help reduce stress and anxiety, improving mood and cognitive function.
- Matcha contains caffeine and other natural compounds that boost metabolism, helping women maintain a healthy weight and burn fat.
- The polyphenols in matcha have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and autoimmune disorders.
- The chlorophyll in matcha can help detoxify the body by removing harmful toxins and heavy metals, promoting liver health and improving overall well-being.
For a full in-depth explanation of how amazing matcha tea consumption is when it comes to improving your overall health, check out our article talking about the 23 health benefits of matcha green tea.
Can I make the switch from coffee to matcha green tea?
If you're pregnant and feeling like a zombie before you've even had your morning cup of coffee, it might be time to switch to matcha. Not only is matcha loaded with antioxidants that can give you a much-needed energy boost, but it also releases caffeine into your bloodstream more slowly than coffee does. That means you'll get a steady, sustained buzz that won't leave you feeling jittery or anxious. Plus, with its vibrant green color and trendy reputation, drinking matcha will make you look way cooler than those tired old coffee drinkers. So put down that mug of boring brown liquid and pick up a bowl of bright green goodness. Your taste buds (and your baby) will thank you!
If you are an avid coffee drinker and you are curious what does matcha actually taste like, click the article and you will be surprised.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a time when women need to be careful about what they eat and drink, but that doesn't mean they have to give up everything they love. If you're a coffee addict, don't worry – you don't have to suffer through nine months of withdrawal. Instead, you can make the switch to matcha and enjoy all the health benefits without sacrificing your daily caffeine fix. Plus, let's be honest, drinking something as cool and trendy as matcha is way better than boring old coffee. For more tasty and healthy matcha experience, you can start with our easy-to-brew emerald class organic matcha.
Matcha green tea can be a great addition to a pregnant woman’s diet. Aside from the numerous benefits it offers, its caffeine content is also lower than coffee, making it a great option- nae, dare I say it, a replacement for coffee in your everyday life. With its trendy reputation and bright green color, drinking matcha tea is a cool and refreshing change that every expecting mother will surely enjoy.
