Is Matcha Safe During Pregnancy? The Risks and Benefits

Matcha, which has been enjoyed in Japan since ancient times, is rich in nutrients with excellent health benefits and is closely related to the health of the Japanese, a nation known for its longevity. However, as with any food, too much can be harmful.

In the words of Confucius, an ancient Chinese thinker, “Too much is not the same as too little.”

This means that exceeding a certain amount is the same as not consuming enough, and neither is a good thing.

Matcha can only be enjoyed in moderation to obtain its true health and beauty benefits. It is important to observe the proper amount, especially if you are pregnant, and to consult your doctor if necessary. Matcha is the perfect drink to bring us health and peace of mind.

Let’s enjoy its benefits to the fullest by incorporating it into our daily lives.

What is matcha, and is it safe during pregnancy?

Matcha is a powdered green tea known for its bright green color and delicious flavor. It is also attracting attention for its health and beauty benefits. However, did you know that matcha contains caffeine, which is also found in coffee, black tea, colas, and energy drinks?

Matcha, in particular, contains more caffeine than green tea, which is typically extracted with hot water, because it is consumed directly from powdered tea leaves. The caffeine in matcha helps relieve fatigue and relax the body, but consuming large amounts at once may cause chest pain, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhea due to digestive irritation, nausea, and vomiting.

Pregnant women may consume caffeine in moderation, but excessive caffeine intake may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight.

Please drink in moderation.

How high in-take of caffeine affects pregnant woman and unborn baby

Caffeine is a bitter, natural ingredient found in plants such as coffee beans and tea leaves.

In proper amounts, it can help relieve drowsiness and improve concentration. However, excessive amounts of caffeine and overstimulation of the central nervous system can cause dizziness, increased heart rate, excitement, anxiety, tremors, and insomnia.

Stimulation of the digestive tract can also cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is especially important because it can affect the health of the fetus.

Since caffeine crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus directly, the fetus’s undeveloped liver cannot metabolize caffeine effectively.

For this reason, there is concern that excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy may adversely affect fetal growth.

Studies have shown that excessive caffeine intake by pregnant women may increase the risk of low birth weight.

Low birth weight can lead to health problems and long-term developmental issues in newborns, especially premature birth, which also increases the risk of immature organs and health problems.

To avoid these risks, the recommended daily caffeine intake for pregnant women is less than 200 mg.

This is equivalent to about 1-2 cups of coffee, 4 cups of black tea, or 6 cups of matcha. However, since caffeine is found not only in coffee and tea but also in chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, these intake levels should be considered as well.

If you do drink matcha, it is best to limit it to about one cup per day. It is important to consult a physician for specific advice and questions regarding your own health.

Taking care of your health during pregnancy is crucial to protect the health of both mother and fetus.

By monitoring your caffeine intake, you can minimize risks and have a healthy pregnancy.

How much caffeine does matcha contain?

To begin with, how much caffeine does matcha contain?

Let’s compare it with other beverages that contain caffeine.

Caffeine concentration in food products:

• Energy drinks: 32-300 mg/100 mL (Caffeine concentration varies by product)
• Coffee: 60 mg/100 mL
• Gyokuro (leached liquid): 160 mg/100 mL
• Sencha (leached tea): 20 mg/100 mL
• Black tea (leach solution): 30 mg/100 mL
• Matcha (powdered): 3.2 g/100 g (1.5 g of powder dissolved in 70 mL hot water contains 48 mg of caffeine)

The amount of caffeine varies depending on how much matcha is added per cup, but the theanine in matcha helps to suppress and soften the strong effects of caffeine.

Matcha is also a good choice for those who find coffee too stimulating. The recommended maximum daily intake of caffeine for a healthy adult is 400 mg, which is equivalent to six cups of matcha.

However, the body’s response to caffeine varies from person to person, so it is important to adjust according to your own physical condition and state of health.

The benefits of drinking matcha during pregnancy

The benefits of drinking matcha tea during pregnancy are manifold.

First, matcha is rich in folic acid, vitamins A, C, and E, minerals, and dietary fiber, all of which are essential during pregnancy.

Folic acid, in particular, is crucial for the normal development of the fetus and is recommended for consumption in early pregnancy. Additionally, the theanine in matcha tea has a relaxing effect and helps reduce stress during pregnancy.

Theanine increases alpha waves in the brain, producing a calming effect. This effect is extremely beneficial during pregnancy, as stress is likely to increase due to hormonal imbalances and physical strain.

Matcha’s antioxidant properties are also noteworthy. It contains antioxidants such as catechins and vitamin C, which contribute to improved immunity and anti-aging. This helps maintain health and prevent illness during pregnancy.

However, since matcha tea also contains caffeine, limit yourself to one cup per day to take full advantage of its health benefits and enjoy a peaceful pregnancy.

Matcha is rich in antioxidants

Matcha is rich in antioxidants such as catechins and vitamin C, which have been attracting attention for their health benefits.

Antioxidants work to neutralize active oxygen in the body and protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Matcha is particularly rich in a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an extremely potent antioxidant that reduces cell damage by eliminating active oxygen in the body.

EGCG is also effective in preventing cancer and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, matcha contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that not only acts as an antioxidant but also strengthens immune function and promotes collagen production.

Because it is a whole food, matcha has a higher antioxidant capacity than other foods considered high in antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidation. Consuming matcha daily can help reduce oxidative stress in the body and support good health.

To take full advantage of the health benefits of matcha, be sure to choose good quality matcha and drink it appropriately.

Matcha can help relieve stress

Matcha is believed to have a stress-reducing effect due to its unique ingredients. Do you sometimes feel stressed due to work, relationships, or other factors and experience mental discomfort? Stress is a state of tension caused by external stimuli. The theanine in matcha tea regulates the balance of amino acids in the brain and promotes relaxation.

This action suppresses the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol and increases resistance to stress. In moderate amounts, the caffeine in matcha also has an arousing effect and helps to revitalize the body and mind.

Excessive stress can be detrimental to your health, so daily consumption of matcha tea can help alleviate stress. When drinking matcha, it is important to choose high-quality matcha.

In your daily life, which is prone to stress, incorporate matcha into your routine to keep your mind and body healthy.

Matcha provides nutrients essential for fetal development

Matcha is known for its rich nutrient content.

First, the typical ingredient, catechin, is rich in antioxidants.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) removes active oxygen in the body and prevents cell aging.

Catechins also promote the burning of fat and increase metabolism, which can be expected to have a weight-loss effect.

In addition, matcha contains a good balance of vitamins A, C, and E.

Vitamin A contributes to maintaining good eyesight and immune function, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps maintain healthy skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and prevents cell aging.

Matcha is also rich in minerals and contains calcium, iron, and potassium. These minerals help maintain healthy bones and teeth, regulate blood pressure, and prevent anemia.

The bubbles seen when matcha is brewed are due to saponin, which is found in soybeans, azuki beans, and other legumes, as well as in natto, one of Japan’s superfoods. Saponins have been confirmed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and other beneficial effects.

Finally, theanine is an ingredient that is also beneficial for the mind. It helps reduce stress and calm the mind, thus supporting mental and physical health in today’s busy lifestyle.

As you can see, matcha is rich in many nutrients and contributes greatly to daily health maintenance, beauty, and stress reduction.

How much matcha is safe during pregnancy?

No matter how good a food is for you, too much of it is not beneficial.

The same is true for matcha. Excessive intake of caffeine in matcha can cause insomnia, dizziness, and other health problems, so be careful.

Limit yourself to one cup per day. Matcha is a tea that allows you to consume the rich nutrients of the tea leaves in their entirety.

That is why you should choose high-quality organic matcha that is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Kyoto Geisha Matcha is made from domestically produced organic matcha, a tea that is very rare in Japan.

Because it is something you drink every day, we want to provide you with safe and reliable products.

This special matcha is filled with our care and dedication.

Tips for drinking matcha during pregnancy

Matcha tea is rich in nutrients and has many beneficial effects, such as improving skin and aiding in weight loss.

Many people want to incorporate matcha into their daily lifestyle, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Caffeine Intake:

The amount of caffeine contained in 100 grams of matcha tea is 3.2 grams. To put this into perspective, 1.5 grams of matcha (70 ml) contains 48 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is often associated with coffee, but matcha also contains caffeine. To avoid overconsumption, be aware of your daily intake.

Select High-Quality Matcha Tea:

Matcha is a tea that contains all the nutrients from the whole tea leaves. Therefore, it is important to choose organic matcha that is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Matcha that has been carefully produced is safe, secure, and exceptionally tasty.

Start with a Small Amount:

Matcha contains caffeine. However, the body’s response to caffeine differs from person to person, so it is important to make adjustments according to your physical condition and state of health. It is recommended to start with a small amount.

Consult Your Physician:

The caffeine in matcha helps relieve drowsiness and improve concentration, but excessive caffeine intake and overstimulation of the central nervous system can cause dizziness, increased heart rate, excitement, anxiety, tremors, and insomnia. Stimulation of the digestive tract can also cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If you feel any abnormalities in your body or have any concerns, consult your physician immediately.

Conclusion on the relationship between matcha and pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is important to pay attention to one’s eating habits to protect the health of both mother and baby.

Matcha tea has many health benefits and is rich in nutrients that support good health during pregnancy, but care should be taken not to overconsume it. First, matcha contains caffeine. Excessive caffeine intake can have a negative impact during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, and is believed to increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, matcha should be limited to one cup per day.

On the other hand, matcha is rich in catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. Catechins help remove active oxygen in the body and prevent cell damage. Matcha is also rich in vitamins and minerals, which help balance nutrition during pregnancy.

In addition, matcha tea contains theanine, which has a relaxing effect and helps reduce stress during pregnancy. Theanine promotes a calming and relaxed state of mind, which can help ease anxiety and tension during pregnancy.

It is always recommended that you consult your physician before adopting new dietary habits during pregnancy. By incorporating matcha in moderation, you can reap its rich nutrients and health benefits to help maintain a healthy mind and body during pregnancy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can matcha cause miscarriage or preterm labor?

Matcha tea contains caffeine.

In moderate amounts, caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, helping to wake the body from sleepiness and acting as a diuretic by promoting urine excretion.

However, excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy can impair the ability to break down and excrete caffeine. Caffeine passes through the placenta to the fetus, reducing blood flow through the placenta, which can impede fetal growth and cause miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

It is recommended that caffeine intake during pregnancy be kept below 200 mg per day, ideally limiting caffeine intake to about one cup of matcha per day.

Additionally, changes in physical condition during pregnancy vary from person to person. Follow your own physical condition and the advice of your physician, prioritizing the health of both your body and your baby.

Q: Is it safe to consume matcha in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Early pregnancy is a time when special care must be taken to protect the health of both mother and baby.

Matcha tea has many health benefits, but there are a few things to keep in mind when consuming it during early pregnancy. First, matcha tea contains caffeine.

Excessive caffeine intake can have adverse effects during pregnancy. Caffeine intake in early pregnancy is believed to increase the risk of miscarriage, and it is recommended that daily caffeine intake be kept below 200 mg. Therefore, matcha should be limited to about one cup per day.

Matcha is also rich in catechins, which are antioxidants and have a positive effect on health. However, catechins may inhibit the absorption of iron, so pregnant women who are anemic should exercise caution. When consuming matcha, it is recommended that it not be consumed with iron-rich meals or that it be consumed at different times.

When enjoying matcha in early pregnancy, be sure to do so in moderation, paying attention to caffeine intake and iron absorption. If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you consult your physician.

Q: Can matcha interact with prenatal vitamins or other medications?

Do you take your medications with water?

To begin with, medicines are developed by pharmaceutical companies to be taken with water. If taken with anything other than water, they may not be as effective as they should be.

One of the drugs that raised concerns about the effects of tea was iron pills used to treat anemia. The reason for this is that the astringent component of tea, tannin (catechin), binds to iron and makes it difficult to absorb. However, based on research reports examining the effects of tannins on the effectiveness of medicines, it has recently been thought that there is no need to be overly concerned.

A more important combination to avoid is caffeine. Caffeine has an awakening effect and is an ingredient in drugs that reduce drowsiness. Many over-the-counter cold medicines also contain caffeine, and the caffeine in matcha combined with cold medicines can cause an overdose. Some medicines may be less effective, too strong, or cause side effects if taken together.

Therefore, medications should not be taken with matcha.

Q: Can drinking matcha help to reduce morning sickness during pregnancy?

Morning sickness is experienced by many women in the early stages of pregnancy. It is painful, with symptoms such as nausea and loss of appetite. The symptoms vary from person to person, and the mechanism that causes morning sickness is not yet understood.

However, matcha tea may help alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy. According to the Journal of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the presence of vitamin B6 is cited as something that reduces morning sickness. The vitamin B6 in matcha is a water-soluble vitamin that can produce energy from protein and helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.

Matcha is easy to drink even during morning sickness by mixing it with cold water or soy milk to make an iced matcha latte. However, be careful not to consume matcha in excess, as it contains caffeine as well as vitamin B6. The tannins in matcha can also cause nausea and mood discomfort. Avoid drinking matcha during difficult periods of pregnancy or if you have gastrointestinal problems.

Q: Is it safe to drink matcha during breastfeeding?

There is no problem consuming matcha during lactation, but care should be taken not to drink too much because of its caffeine content. It is best to limit yourself to about one cup per day during pregnancy and lactation.

Babies are adorable, but taking care of them is hard work. Some mothers may end up eating their meals too hastily. The quality and composition of breast milk are derived from the mother’s blood and contain nutrients important for growth and development. While breastfeeding, you should try to eat a well-balanced diet.

Matcha tea is rich in healthy nutrients, and the theanine in matcha helps relieve stress and relax the mind. Making time to relax is very important during the busy days of raising a child. Please observe the recommended intake amount and take time to breathe and relax.