Can I Drink Hibiscus Tea While Pregnant?
Pregnancy is a time where you have to be extra careful with the foods and drinks you consume. This can be tricky, since there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there. One question that frequently comes up: Can I drink hibiscus tea while pregnant?
The Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea has some potential health benefits. It’s high in antioxidants which may help improve your overall health. It may also help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system.
Risks to Consider
The main concern with drinking hibiscus tea when pregnant is its effects on blood pressure. Hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure, and if your blood pressure is too low during pregnancy, it can be dangerous for you and your baby.
How Much Is Safe?
If you do decide to drink hibiscus tea while pregnant, it is important to be mindful of how much you are drinking. The general recommendation is to limit yourself to one cup per day, and consult your obstetrician to make sure this is safe for you and your baby.
Alternative Ways to Get the Benefits
If you want to get the potential benefits of hibiscus tea without the risks, you can instead:
- Try different teas: There are many other herbal teas that are safe to drink during pregnancy, such as ginger, chamomile, and lemon balm.
- Eat fresh hibiscus: You can get the same antioxidants from fresh hibiscus without any of the risks.
- Consider supplements: Talk to your doctor about taking a hibiscus supplement.
At the end of the day, it is always important to consult with your doctor before changing any part of your diet while pregnant. You should get the okay from your doctor before drinking hibiscus tea or consuming hibiscus in other forms.
