Is Black Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy comes with many changes, and sometimes when it comes to beverage choices it can be difficult to know what is safe and what isn’t. Here, we provide an overview of black tea and if it is safe to drink when expecting.
What is Black Tea?
Black tea is a type of tea made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. It has a bolder and more distinct flavor than other types of tea, such as green or white, due to its increased oxidation time. It is among the most widely consumed teas in the world.
Is Black Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
In general, moderate consumption of black tea is considered safe during pregnancy. Caffeine is present in black tea, however, it is only at a low level of around 40 milligrams per a cup. This is less than half the amount of caffeine found in coffee, so if you limit it to one cup a day, you should be okay.
If you are worried, you can also choose decaffeinated black tea. These are tea leaves that have gone through a process to remove the majority of the caffeine, without changing the flavor of the tea greatly. This can be a great option if you’re looking to still enjoy a cup of black tea but don’t want to worry about caffeine.
Benefits of Black Tea During Pregnancy
Black tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help with overall health. There is also some evidence that it may have certain beneficial impacts on anxiety and depression. During pregnancy, these are very common, so if you are able to safely consume black tea it can be beneficial.
Things to Consider
It is important to note that some people can be more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you are especially sensitive to its effects, you should limit your intake to one cup or less a day or opt for a decaffeinated option to be safe.
Another thing to consider is all of the different additives that can come with a cup of tea. If you are having a cup of tea in a cafe or restaurant, be sure to check what the ingredients are and how much sugar or other add-ins might be in it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is generally okay to have a cup of regular black tea or a decaffeinated version while pregnant. Just be mindful of the additives and caffeine levels in store-bought options, as well as how sensitive it can make you. If you are still worried, talk to your doctor or midwife for further advice.
