Are you a morning tea person? Do you wonder that you will miss sipping your favourite cup of tea during pregnancy? Are you thinking can I drink oolong tea while pregnant? If most of the answers to these questions are yes, then you have come to the right place. Ideally, during the period of pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid caffeinated drinks. Yet for those pregnant women who are addicted to tea, a limit of 200 mg of caffeine is allowed every day. The good news is that the caffeine content in oolong tea is negligible. Making it absolutely safe for the expectant mother as well as her baby.
Benefits of Oolong Tea During Pregnancy:
Oolong tea a form of Chinese tea that is popular all over the world. It is particularly known for its exotic aromas that vary widely depending on the sub-varieties. Moreover, the properties of oolong tea also vary depending on its preparation and drying process. Oolong tea is loaded with vital nutrients and anti-oxidant properties. That makes it a must-have, especially during the pregnancy period. Some of the health benefits of oolong tea are given below.
1. Fights Free Radicals:
Oolong tea is loaded with anti-oxidant properties. That help in eliminating free radicals from the body. Hence drinking oolong tea while pregnant safeguards from the harmful effects. Caused by these free radicals like diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis to name a few.
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2. Helps in Weight Management:
While weight gain is healthy during pregnancy. Expectant mothers must stay away from adding those unwanted pounds. The polyphenols present in oolong tea helps in effective weight management by regulating metabolism in the body.
3. Has Anti-Cancer Properties:
Oolong tea possesses polyphenolic compounds. That inhibit any form of cancerous growth in the body. The anti-cancer properties in oolong tea make it a recommended drink for expectant mothers during pregnancy.
4. Good For Your Skin:
A simple way to enhance your pregnancy glow is to drink oolong tea. Oolong tea is packed with polyphenols that function as anti-allergic compounds and therefore help to alleviate irritation as well as chronic skin problems.
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Risks Associated:
While we know that the caffeine content in tea is lesser than coffee, did you even know that the brewing process also regulates the caffeine content in teas? The amount of caffeine in your cup of oolong tea therefore depends on how long you brew it. Brewing your oolong tea for long may enhance the flavour. But it also increases its caffeine content, which can be harmful during pregnancy. oolong tea when taken regularly or in excess amounts during pregnancy can lead to some side-effects. Some of the harmful effects of drinking excessive oolong tea are:
- Miscarriage
- Low Birth Weight
- Sleeping and breathing difficulties in the newborn
- Increase heart rate in the infant
- Stillbirth
The beneficial properties in oolong tea do more good than the harm that may be caused due to the marginal amount of caffeine present in it. hence expectant mothers can drink oolong tea during pregnancy. However, we all know that excess of anything can harm to the body especially during pregnancy. When your unborn child may also suffer the ill-effects.
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It is therefore advisable to consume oolong tea in moderation during pregnancy. Talking to your doctor regarding the amount of oolong tea you can drink during pregnancy. Will ensure a safer and healthier pregnancy.
