BLOG #38: Matcha & pregnancy

Can I drink matcha tea during my pregnancy?

A common question that is asked often in our Matcha Bar is whether or not Matcha green tea would have any adverse affects to pregnancy.

And because tea sister Claire is also pregnant at the moment, we did some more research and we have devoted an entire blog to this 🙂 Read more about matcha’s caffeine effect and our advice on the number of cups of matcha per day.

Caffeine, matcha and pregnancy

The concern stems from the fact that pregnant women generally need to take care with caffeine intake. It is good to know that a standard cup of coffee can vary from 70 mg to more than 125 mg. If you go for a strong cup of espresso, the caffeine will increase even more. A lot of caffeine is consumed nowadays; not only with coffee, but also cola, energy drink, vitamin water and foods such as chocolate, mocha or chocolate ice cream and protein bars. So before you know it your caffeine consumption can easily and quickly get out of hand.

Fortunately, the caffeine in matcha, theine, has a different effect than caffeine in coffee. Theine gradually provides energy for up to 6 hours, without the well-known coffee dip. Additionally, drinking matcha tea or lattes daily can help provide needed vitamins and minerals during your pregnancy. In addition, our Ceremonial matcha from Japan is very rich in the unique amino acid L-Theanine. L-Theanine not only benefits the brain, but also how the body distributes and absorbs matcha’s alkaline caffeine.

Although the theine in matcha is different from the caffeine in coffee, it is still wise to limit your Matcha consumption (and all other caffeine-rich products) during your pregnancy.

So, how many cups of matcha can I drink during my pregnancy?

One 1 gram Matcha tea provides 35 mg of caffeine – less than an average cup of coffee – so consumption does not necessarily have to be severely restricted. Usually 1 gram equals ½ teaspoon and 2 grams equals about 1 teaspoon. We always prepare the Matcha latte with 2 grams of matcha, which is equal to 70 mg of caffeine. So keep in mind how strong you make the matcha tea or latte.

According to some medical professionals, a pregnant woman should not consume more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. Others recommend limiting that intake to about 200 mg of caffeine per day.

Advice Matcha & pregnancy

So our advice is to drink max. 2 cups of matcha tea or 1 matcha latte per day. It depends on other caffeine-rich drinks or foods that you drink or eat. So when you don’t drink coffee, cola or other caffeine-rich drinks, you can easily drink 2 cups of matcha tea or 1 matcha latte every day.

However, it is recommended that you minimize any stimulant drink (and superfoods) during the first trimester of your pregnancy, so try to stay away from matcha teas and lattes for the first three months of your pregnancy as well. Incidentally, it is always advisable to first discuss this with the midwife or GP.

How does matcha affect high blood pressure during my pregnancy?

Matcha lowers blood pressure and is a natural blood thinner, with numerous studies showing that green tea consumption helps to relax the arterial walls and lower blood pressure. So Matcha is a great green tea for those wishing to lower their blood pressure naturally without resorting to medication.

Conclusion

Matcha during pregnancy is SAFE.
But as with all caffeinated drinks and food, you need to be mindful and be careful not to go overboard. The general recommendation for pregnant women is not to consume more than 200-300 mg of caffeine a day. One cup of Matcha has about 70 mg of caffeine.
A cup of coffee has about 150 mg of caffeine.

Matcha has many benefits, some of which are:

• It is rich in proteins, vitamin C, and B (1,2,6) and very high in folate – all of which are very important for the baby.

• It also contains a specific amino acid called L- theanine which has been known to enhance alertness. Without feeling “jittery” like when you drink coffee. L- theanine has been successfully used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety.

• Last but not least: Another important and unique catechin called EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate). It has been shown to improve the outcome of both mother and newborn when the mother has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. With gestational diabetes on the rise, this is very positive and beneficial information.

Finally, pay attention to where the Matcha is grown, the best Matcha comes from Japan! Since you consume the whole leaf, it can contain a significant amount of lead. For example: Matcha from a polluted area in Asia. Therefore, always make sure you are buying organic high quality Matcha from Japan. On our blog you will find more matcha recipes, like matcha latte and smoothie.