Can you drink matcha tea while pregnant? Advice for safe consumption
That's it, the long-awaited baby is on the way! A memorable time in a woman's life, but one that also comes with a lot of questions about our eating habits—including what we put in our cups. That's why it's legitimate to wonder whether matcha tea, the Japanese green tea renowned for its many benefits, is compatible with pregnancy.
In other words: is it safe to drink matcha while pregnant?
With this item, I want to answer questions from expectant mothers who are concerned about their health and that of their baby, and provide them with clear advice on consuming matcha during pregnancy.
Is matcha safe? during pregnancy?
To date, there are no official recommendations against consuming matcha tea during pregnancy.
That said, even though matcha can be consumed during pregnancy, it should not be concluded that it is totally risk-free. Pregnancy is a delicate period during which:
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Nutritional needs change to allow for proper fetal development.
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Certain nutrients may become deficient, making the body more sensitive;
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Foods or beverages may slow down the absorption of essential nutrients (such as iron or vitamin B9).
That's why, despite its many benefits, matcha should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy.
What are the possible side effects of matcha during pregnancy?
High consumption of matcha can cause side effects , including three important ones, which are next:
- Excessive consumption of caffeine;
- Poor iron absorption;
- Poor absorption of vitamin B9.
Caffeine and pregnancy: be careful not to consume too much
First and foremost, it is important to know that there is a consumption limit of caffeine (or theine) recommended daily intake for pregnant women, set at 200 mg of caffeine per day by EFSA . Excessive consumption of caffeine can be dangerous: potential side effects include an increased heart rate in the infant, an increased risk of premature birth, and an increased risk that the baby will be born with a low weight. By way of comparison, a cup of coffee contains an average of 95 mg of caffeine, which is more than matcha (around 70 mg), making it a smoother alternative during pregnancy.
Can matcha reduce iron absorption?
As for fer , it plays a key role in transporting oxygen from the mother to the baby. The problem is that the tannins and polyphenols in tea, by binding to iron, can inhibit its absorption.
Matcha tea and vitamin B9 during pregnancy
Finally, the vitamin B9 , also known as folic acid, is very important for preventing birth defects. Many pregnant women take vitamin B9 supplements to avoid this risk. However, according to some studies, high consumption of green tea, and therefore matcha, is often associated with low levels of folic acid.
For all these reasons, moderate consumption of beverages containing caffeine, including matcha, is recommended. I particularly encourage pregnant women to seek advice from their doctor to ensure that their health allows them to drink matcha safely.
Why drink matcha? matcha while pregnant? The benefits
By respecting the daily limit mentioned previously, matcha
A relaxation and energizing effect
Matcha
Support for gestational diabetes
Another benefit is matcha tea.
Protective antioxidants for the skin and cells
And above all, the polyphenols contained in this green tea
What quantity of matcha tea should you drink during pregnancy?
As we have seen, the recommended daily caffeine intake during pregnancy is 200 mg/day. A cup of matcha tea contains on average up to 70 mg of caffeine: it is therefore recommended not to exceed 2 cups of matcha per day to limit any side effects.
It is also important to space out your matcha consumption from meals as much as possible to promote proper iron absorption.
Matcha tea and breastfeeding: are they compatible?
Yes, it is perfectly possible to drink matcha tea while breastfeeding! Matcha is currently considered safe during breastfeeding.
That said, as with pregnancy, EFSA recommends maintaining a maximum consumption of two cups a day .
Matcha is a stimulating drink, so it could prevent your baby from sleeping well. Too much caffeine could make them more irritable and anxious, and cause digestive problems.
In short, unless there are specific contraindications, matcha is perfectly compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with everything, the key is to consume it in moderation!
Choose organic matcha for your baby's health
Did you know that when a mother breastfeeds, she can pass on certain harmful products in her diet, such as pesticides or heavy metals, to her baby through her breast milk?
To protect your health and that of your child, it is essential to choose organic matcha tea. This choice has several advantages:
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It reduces exposure to toxic substances, such as pesticides, that could potentially be passed on to the baby.
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It respects the environment by limiting the use of products containing chemicals in crops.
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It preserves the nutritional quality of matcha, without any unwanted residues.
At Kumiko Matcha, I am committed to offering only teas that are organically grown and carefully cultivated by passionate producers, such as premium matcha. High-quality, organic matcha may come at a higher price, but it guarantees a pesticide-free product that is ideal for pregnancy.
>>> Discover my organic matcha now by clicking here
FAQ: your questions about matcha during pregnancy
Can you drink matcha on an empty stomach when pregnant?
Yes, it is possible to consume matcha on an empty stomach during pregnancy, but it depends on each individual's sensitivity. Some women may experience slight stomach discomfort when drinking matcha in the morning on an empty stomach due to its caffeine content. If this is the case for you, it is advisable to drink it after a light meal.
What drinks should be avoided during pregnancy?
In addition to limiting matcha consumption, certain beverages are not recommended during pregnancy:
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Beverages that are very high in caffeine (such as very strong coffees or energy drinks);
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Infusions containing plants with stimulating or abortive effects (sage, licorice, mugwort, etc.);
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Alcoholic beverages;
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Some sodas containing caffeine and artificial additives.
Note that it is possible to consume matcha-based drinks, such as matcha lattes, while following the advice given in this item for reasonable consumption.
Is there a better time of day to consume matcha when pregnant?
The ideal time to drink matcha is in the morning or early afternoon, so you can enjoy its energizing effects without disrupting your sleep. It is also advisable to avoid consuming it with meals so as not to interfere with iron absorption.
Can matcha be consumed throughout pregnancy?
Yes, as long as you consume it in moderation. It is perfectly possible to drink matcha during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, as long as you stick to the limit of 200 mg of caffeine per day. Ideally, you should not drink more than 1 to 2 cups of matcha per day, and you should space out your consumption between meals so as not to interfere with iron absorption.
Want to learn more about the benefits of matcha in your daily life?
Discover our full article Drinking matcha every day: benefits, tips, and tricks to learn how to easily incorporate this precious matcha powder into your routine, whether you're pregnant or not!
Kumiko Matcha does not provide medical advice, and none of the information (text, links, images) available on the website can, in any way, answer specific medical questions. The contents (nutritional and health claims) are intended for informational purposes only and do not replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a healthcare professional. If you have any questions about your health, talk to your doctor or pharmacist directly.
Without bitterness
Kyushu, Japan
