
Jasmine tea is a well-known beverage because of its pleasing aroma. You may usually love to indulge in a cup of this flavorful tea but may wonder if it is safe to drink Jasmine tea during pregnancy.
The base of jasmine tea is green or black tea and hence contains caffeine. Therefore, if you wish to try Jasmine tea when pregnant, consume it in moderation or opt for the decaf versions.
Continue reading this post to learn more about whether jasmine tea is safe for consumption during pregnancy, its benefits, and its potential side effects.
What Is Jasmine Tea?
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Jasmine tea leaves are extremely aromatic; hence most green tea manufacturers today place above regular green tea leaves to add the jasmine fragrance. In some cases, the fragrant jasmine blossoms are also added to black tea for a hint of jasmine tea. Jasmine tea is the most famous form of scented tea and is widely used in China.
It is true that drinking jasmine tea may make you feel light and can also help quell any feelings of bloated stomach, which is a common sign during pregnancy. However, it is important to check with your doctor before you consume jasmine tea when pregnant.
Benefits Of Drinking Jasmine Tea During Pregnancy
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The tea that is sold as jasmine tea does not use any real parts of the jasmine flower. Instead, it only contains an essence that is reminiscent of the scent of the jasmine flower. It means that drinking jasmine tea will not have any health, nutritional or medical benefits, whether or not you are pregnant. Instead, since the essence is mixed with green tea, you may derive some health benefits from the same. Green tea has various antioxidants and other health-related benefits that may work for you, even as you mistakenly attribute the goodness to jasmine tea.
Unlike what most people are led to believe, drinking jasmine tea does not have any real benefits.
Is Jasmine Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
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Jasmine tea, much like any other green tea or black tea, does contain some amount of caffeine. Consuming caffeine while you are pregnant is not strictly forbidden, but it is important that you take care of how much caffeine you have on a daily basis. To be on the safer side, drink no more than two cups of caffeinated drinks a day. It means that, even if you think that drinking jasmine tea makes you feel light and fresh, avoid having more than two cups.
Also, every pregnancy is unique, and your body may have different medical needs or health issues than someone else. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you can safely drink jasmine tea while pregnant. If your doctor does give you the go-ahead, make sure you also ask how much jasmine tea you can safely have on a regular basis.
Harmful Effects Of Caffeine While You Are Pregnant
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Here are some harmful effects of caffeine that can also affect the unborn baby:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Sleep or breathing difficulties in the newborn at the time of birth and till some time afterward
- Decline in the newborn’s birth weight
- Increase in the heart rate of the newborn
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I use to replace jasmine tea during pregnancy?
If you wish to eliminate jasmine tea, you may drink water infused with fruit like lemons, lime, or cherries. You may also try red raspberry leaf tea as is considered to be beneficial during pregnancy (1). Remember, not everything labelled as herbal is safe. Ask your doctor about the safe teas during pregnancy.
2. What is the caffeine content in jasmine tea?
Depending on how it is brewed, every tea’s caffeine concentration may vary (2). The exact concentration of caffeine in jasmine tea depends on the base it is mixed in.
You can consume any caffeinated beverage during pregnancy, as long as you take in safe amounts. Jasmine tea during pregnancy can offer health benefits due to the antioxidant property of its green tea base. However, given its caffeine content, you should consult your doctor before consuming jasmine tea to avoid the negative impacts of caffeine, such as miscarriage and low birth weight. Your OB/GYN can help you with the right and safe amount of jasmine tea to soak in its benefits.
References:
- Herbal Tea and Pregnancy
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/herbal-tea/ - Food And Fitness
http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=3ZqvQiToMIg%3D&tabid=106