Is Green Tea Safe for Pregnant Women?
It’s no secret that green tea can have a multitude of health benefits for everyone, pregnant or not. But is drinking green tea actually safe for pregnant women? It’s important to understand the potential risks of consuming green tea during pregnancy.
Potential Benefits
There is potential for green tea to help with some pregnancy related issues, including:
- Reducing nausea
- Lowering blood pressure
- Boosting energy levels
These effects are due to the polyphenols naturally present in green tea, and can help greatly.
Potential Risks
Unfortunately, as with anything else, there are potential risks to drinking green tea during pregnancy. These include:
- Caffeine: Green tea naturally contains caffeine, which can cross the placenta and result in premature delivery, low birth weight and even miscarriage. For this reason, pregnant women are generally advised not to drink more than two cups of green tea daily.
- Aluminum: Green tea has been found to contain elevated levels of aluminum, a metal that can potentially cause harm to the baby.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there can be many potential benefits of drinking green tea while pregnant, but there are also risks to consider. If you are pregnant and are thinking of consuming green tea, it is always best to seek advice from your doctor or midwife to ensure it is safe for both you and the baby.
