White tea comes from the young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It has antioxidant properties similar to green and black tea, but contains less caffeine. Many people, including pregnant women, enjoy drinking white tea because of its nutritional benefits. Although white tea has many health benefits, pregnant women must limit their intake of white tea because overconsumption can negatively affect an expecting mother and her unborn child.
White Tea Benefits
Because white tea leaves are close to their natural state when harvested, the health-enhancing properties that the leaves contain stay intact. Besides its powerful antioxidant properties, white tea reduces cholesterol, guards the body against infections and prevents certain cancers. White tea boosts the immune system, making it difficult for bacteria and viruses to survive, according to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. A pregnant woman can drink white tea in moderation to help keep her body healthy and strong throughout her pregnancy.
Caffeine During Pregnancy
Expecting mothers should drink white tea in moderation because it contains caffeine. Drinking excess caffeine can increase the heart rate and blood pressure of pregnant women. It also travels through the placenta to the baby during pregnancy, which leads to changes in the sleep pattern and movement of an unborn child. The American Pregnancy Association notes that women should not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine daily. White tea contains 20 to 30 mg of caffeine per serving, so pregnant women should not consume more than a few servings each day.
ECGC Antioxidant
EGCG is an antioxidant found in teas that protects the body from free radicals and prevents cancer cells from reproducing. Although ECGC is beneficial to the body, it disrupts folate absorption, according to the Green Tea Library website. Folate is necessary for a fetus to grow and develop, and deficiencies in folate might cause birth defects. Increasing folate consumption generally is recommended during pregnancy, so pregnant women should limit their tea consumption to prevent a folic acid deficiency.
White Tea Alternatives
Teas that are free of both caffeine and ECGC generally are recommended for pregnant women. These include ginger, red raspberry leaf, lemon balm and peppermint tea. Most herbs sold at stores are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but the FDA recommends exercising caution when drinking herbal teas, according to the American Pregnancy Association website. Pregnant women who enjoy drinking tea always should consult their obstetrician to learn about the teas that will not harm a developing baby.
References
- Pacific College Of Oriental Medicine: Health Benefits Of White Tea
- American Pregnancy Association: What's The Real Scoop On Caffine During Pregnancy
- WuLongTea.com: What is EGCG ?(Epigallocatechin Gallate)
- The Green Tea Library: Green Tea News And Info
- American Pregnancy Association: Drinking Herbal Teas During Pregnancy
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