As you’re all likely more than aware, matcha tea has become really popular across the country over the last year or so. You couldn’t find matcha tea anywhere, but now, when you go to any coffee shop, you can find it mixed with every flavour you can imagine, hot and cold.
We have all jumped on the hype, and contrary to what you might believe, matcha is definitely as addictive as coffee (only more delicious), so the idea of giving it up might feel impossible for some.
If you’re pregnant and a matcha fan, you have likely been pondering whether you should continue to drink matcha. With lots of conflicting opinions online, it can be hard to know what to believe.
Don’t worry. At Leaf, we are huge fans of matcha tea ourselves, so we understand the heartbreak at the idea of losing matcha. In this blog, we will give you a factual breakdown, detailing the truth behind whether or not you can really drink matcha green tea during pregnancy.
What is Matcha and Why is it Different From Regular Tea
For a long time, matcha, with its vibrant colour and unique taste, felt like an alien drink. Even as it has grown in popularity, plenty of people still have no idea what it is.
Matcha has its vibrant colour because it is a finely ground powder made from processed green tea leaves. This is how matcha differs from other teas, which are usually discarded once they have been steeped with a tea infuser. When you enjoy a matcha drink, you get the whole leaf.
Because you’re getting the whole leaf, you’re getting way higher levels of antioxidants and plenty of benefits. So not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also really good for you.
The History of Matcha Tea
Matcha can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, around the 7th century. The tea leaves were ground and whisked with water during this time, making the delicious matcha tea we all know and love today.
Though green tea arrived in the UK in the 17th century, it wasn’t until very recently that matcha gained mainstream popularity. So, it’s had a very sudden journey from being delicately brewed in China to being sold with mango syrup at your local coffee shop.
Matcha has a rich history and is already on its way to an exciting future in the UK.
Caffeine and Matcha
One reason there is so much conflict between matcha green tea and pregnancy is the caffeine. When you’re pregnant, you’re sworn off caffeine to support the development of the baby, which means giving up many of the drinks you love, with herbal teas even being a caffeine risk.
You are right in thinking that matcha is higher in caffeine than other teas, but it still has much less caffeine than coffee. A standard cup of matcha can be expected to contain around 35mg of caffeine, which is 50mg less than a standard cup of coffee.
It’s important to note that when you’re pregnant, you don’t have to cut out caffeine entirely. You can still enjoy a delicious cup of matcha, but you have to limit your intake to protect the health of your baby.
It is also important to remember that many factors, such as the brand and quality of the matcha, may impact the caffeine content of the matcha.
The Benefits of Matcha During Pregnancy
Though you must be aware of the caffeine content when drinking matcha, there are still plenty of benefits to it during pregnancy.
Some benefits include:
Rich in Antioxidants
Matcha is incredibly high in antioxidants, catechins in particular. These antioxidants can help to neutralise free radicals in the body and protect your cells from damage. This has the same effect when you’re pregnant, providing additional nutrients and protection for your baby.
Studies show that matcha has 10 times more antioxidants than green tea, so it’s definitely worth including in your diet, along with other teas rich in antioxidants.
Source of L-theanine
Matcha is renowned for its high levels of L-theanine, particularly when compared to other green teas. This is because it utilises the whole tea leaf in its preparation, delivering a concentrated amount of this amino acid.
L-theanine is great for promoting relaxation and reducing stress without causing drowsiness. During pregnancy, stress becomes widespread, but it can be bad for the baby, so drinking matcha is recommended, with its calming effects being one of the main benefits of matcha while pregnant in the first trimester.
Gentler Caffeine Release
One thing you become accustomed to when pregnant is constant exhaustion. Pregnancy can be draining, and it can be hard to do anything without needing a nap afterwards.
Matcha is ideal for providing a steady energy supply throughout the day. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps moderate caffeine’s effects, which may result in a calmer, more sustained energy boost without the jitters often linked to coffee.
How to Enjoy Matcha Safely When Pregnant
If you do want to enjoy a cup of matcha but are scared of its possible effects on your pregnancy, following these tips can ensure that you do so safely.
Stick to One Cup a Day
Because of its caffeine content, it is generally recommended that you limit your intake to just one cup of matcha per day. This helps prevent potential side effects from excessive caffeine consumption and allows you to enjoy the benefits of matcha in moderation.
Try Matcha Lattes With Oat or Almond Milk
Many pregnant women forget that it is essential to monitor their calorie intake to ensure that they are feeding their babies well and providing them with a nourishing environment to develop.
Almond and oat milks tend to have fewer calories and carbohydrates, ensuring that you maintain a low-calorie intake while still enjoying the delicious drink.
Add Matcha to Other Recipes For Added Nutrients
For some reason, many people tend to think we are just limited to drinking matcha. Well, we’re here to remind you that matcha can be enjoyed in diverse ways and can even be incorporated into delicious recipes.
If you want to enjoy matcha’s antioxidants and health benefits in an alternative way, start introducing it into your recipes. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried our fluffy matcha cake recipe, so if you have a sweet tooth and need some inspiration, I suggest you start there.
Unlock the Power of Matcha With Leaf
Through this blog, we hope to have provided you with some insight into the dos and don’ts of enjoying matcha while pregnant. Matcha can be incredibly beneficial to your and your baby’s health, but that does not mean that it isn’t without its risks if overconsumed.
If you want to try some delicious matcha tea, we suggest signing up for our subscribe and save matcha refills so you can always have matcha in stock.
