Green tea is one of the most widely used and healthiest beverages in the world. One of the most important polyphenols in the body is catechin (also known as epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including those for women who are expecting or nursing a child.
Green tea is also a good source of important vitamins and minerals, which can be beneficial to pregnant women and their developing babies in a variety of ways. In this post, we will explore whether or not green tea is safe to consume while pregnant. Take a look at this.
Health Benefits
Reduces diabetes-induced neurological deficits
Catechins and pregnancy have always been hot topics. Some research suggests catechins may raise the risk of neural tube defects in newborns by reducing folate bioavailability, while others claim it may help prevent neural tube defects in diabetic moms. Studies show that green tea’s epigallocatechin gallate can help prevent neural tube abnormalities in diabetic babies compared to non-diabetic babies. The risk drops from 29.5% to 2%.
Affects fetal brain maturity and development
Green tea consumption throughout pregnancy can increase neuromotor reflexes and autonomic nervous system function in infants. Because the nutrients in green tea can cross the blood-brain barrier, they can positively impact the fetus’ brain maturity and development. The study is contentious because, like important nutrients, caffeine can be passed down to the fetus, causing negative effects on the brain.
Side Effects
Folic acid deficiency
Folic acid consumption during pregnancy can help both the mother and the fetus. Folic acid reduces the chance of spina bifida, a kind of neural tube abnormality, in newborns. Antioxidants in herbal teas like green tea have been proven to reduce the body’s absorption of folate. Green tea has the highest amount of catechins (an antioxidant), which has antifolate capabilities.
Metal concentrations rise
Metal exposure during pregnancy can have serious health consequences. Unwanted metals in the mother and fetus have been linked to green tea drinking during pregnancy. Affected fetal growth and neurological consequences in newborns. The study also found that green tea users had higher levels of lead in their cord blood than non-drinkers.
Risk of preterm delivery
Compared to other teas like black tea, green tea consumption during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of premature birth. Caffeine in green tea can easily cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus, reducing placental blood flow. This can disrupt the baby’s growth and cause preterm delivery.
Iron absorption
Green tea consumption during pregnancy may reduce nonheme iron absorption. This could be due to phenolic substances like catechins. A decrease in iron absorption ability can raise the risk of associated disorders such as anemia.
Low birth weight risk
A study found that using herbal products like a green tea during pregnancy can raise the chance of low birth weight babies. Defective green tea, alone or with flax, chamomile, or peppermint tea.
To Conclude
Green tea provides wonderful health advantages for adults, but when it comes to pregnant women, we may need to reconsider. Not because it’s bad for you, but because it’s bad for you when
Also, the effects of green tea on pregnant women vary. If you intend to drink herbal items such as green tea during your pregnancy, visit a medical professional for the recommended dosage.