I've also been researching tea and pregnancy, and I find this to be a very balanced article...it fits a lot with what I've read.
At RateTea.net we've been working on an article on tea and pregnancy, in which we discuss some of these issues--focusing on issues most relevant to tea drinkers.
I also love Rooibos, especially green rooibos. It is a great option for a tea-like beverage that is caffeine free. There are also some other health benefits of rooibos, beyond just antioxidants (something that tea also has). In particular, it shows some promise for fighting respiratory ailments such as asthma.
There are a lot of great caffeine-free teas out there, but it's also important to be cautious. Some herbs, including ones commonly used in beverage teas, can have powerful medicinal properties, and there are a few, including tulsi / holy basil, and chamomile, that are common ingredients in herbal teas, but that some authors have recommended be avoided or used with caution during pregnancy. When in doubt, it's always best to do your research and consult a medical professional.
And also remember the key issue here: moderation! Most things are safe in a small enough quantity, but too much of anything is probably not going to be very good for you! This is true whether you are pregnant or not, but pregnant women need to be extra cautious because of the delicate nature of a human fetus and the fact that many chemicals are able to cross through the placenta and enter the bloodstream of the fetus.
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I've also been researching tea and pregnancy, and I find this to be a very balanced article...it fits a lot with what I've read.
At RateTea.net we've been working on an article on tea and pregnancy, in which we discuss some of these issues--focusing on issues most relevant to tea drinkers.
I also love Rooibos, especially green rooibos. It is a great option for a tea-like beverage that is caffeine free. There are also some other health benefits of rooibos, beyond just antioxidants (something that tea also has). In particular, it shows some promise for fighting respiratory ailments such as asthma.
There are a lot of great caffeine-free teas out there, but it's also important to be cautious. Some herbs, including ones commonly used in beverage teas, can have powerful medicinal properties, and there are a few, including tulsi / holy basil, and chamomile, that are common ingredients in herbal teas, but that some authors have recommended be avoided or used with caution during pregnancy. When in doubt, it's always best to do your research and consult a medical professional.
And also remember the key issue here: moderation! Most things are safe in a small enough quantity, but too much of anything is probably not going to be very good for you! This is true whether you are pregnant or not, but pregnant women need to be extra cautious because of the delicate nature of a human fetus and the fact that many chemicals are able to cross through the placenta and enter the bloodstream of the fetus.
August 2, 2010 - 9:27amThis Comment
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