Benefits of matcha tea for pregnant women
Matcha tea not only has a unique flavor but also contains many catechin, especially epigallocatechin gallate, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative stress. According to obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi, working at Fortis Hospital (India), "During pregnancy, these antioxidants can help strengthen the immune system and protect fetal development from oxidative damage".
In addition, matcha tea provides a gentle and sustainable source of energy. Unlike coffee, this tea combines caffeine and L-theanine, helping to maintain energy without causing anxiety or increasing heart rate. This is very important, especially in the first months of pregnancy when the body is easily tired.
Matcha tea also has the ability to support digestion, reduce bloating and constipation, common problems during pregnancy. "The polyphenols in matcha help promote regular bowel movements and improve gut health," Dr. Singhal said. In addition, matcha tea can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a common condition after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
How to make matcha tea for pregnant women
To ensure safety, you can simply make matcha tea by adding a spoonful of matcha flour to a cup, add warm water and whisk to create foam. If you like variety, you can try matcha milk coffee by using milk instead of water.
" Choose high-quality organic matcha to avoid heavy metals and pollutants. Also, drink it in the morning to avoid affecting sleep," Dr. Singhal recommends.
Side effects to note
Although matcha tea has many benefits, if consumed in excess, it can cause some side effects. Matcha tea contains caffeine, and according to research by the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnant women should consume less than 200 mg of caffeine per day. Consuming too much caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth or low birth weight.
In addition, matcha can reduce the absorption of folic acid and iron - two extremely important factors during pregnancy. "The catechin in tea can interfere with the absorption of folic acid, a substance needed to prevent birth defects," Dr. Singhal emphasized. So if you are supplementing folic acid or foods rich in iron, drink matcha tea at least 1-2 hours away from these meals.
Another side effect is nausea or acid reflux, especially if taken on an empty stomach. To avoid this condition, doctors recommend drinking matcha tea after meals.
