Is Green Tea Good While Trying for Pregnancy?

Introduction

For those who are planning to become pregnant, every dietary decision is critical. Women modify their daily habits to promote their natural ability to conceive. One of the most important sources of antioxidants is green tea, which contains several types of polyphenols called catechins (the most well-known of these is EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate), that provide extremely strong antioxidant protection. There are numerous health benefits associated with green tea. Moderate consumption of green tea during this time may offer some potential benefits; however, when consumed in excess, it could negatively affect the absorption of nutrients that may otherwise help support fertility.

Benefits of Green Tea

• Antioxidants in green tea improve the health of eggs and sperm. Free radicals damage sperm and eggs as well as DNA in both sexes. The antioxidants in green tea can help protect egg cells from oxidative damage, improve sperm quality and motility in men, and help maintain overall fertility.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs when a woman has insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance that interfere with ovulation. Green tea increases insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also supports weight control.
• Long-term stress harms both ovulation and hormone levels. Green tea contains L-theanine, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and create a relaxed state of mind. Reduced stress levels create an environment more conducive to implantation and thus conception.
• Replacing sugary soft drinks and excessive coffee with green tea can reduce empty calories, lower caffeine intake, and provide hydration. The term “healthier” indicates that there should still be a limit to the amount consumed.

Risks of Green Tea When Trying to Get Pregnant

While green tea has many health benefits, there are certain risks associated with it if consumed before conception:

• The most serious risk is how catechins from green tea will interfere with your body's ability to absorb folic acid, which is one of the most critical vitamins necessary for a woman’s health during pregnancy. Folic acid is essential for ovulation, implantation, and preventing congenital neural tube defects early in pregnancy. High levels of catechins can also decrease the effectiveness of folic acid.
• The caffeine content in green tea is significantly lower than that found in coffee, but it is still there. For example, 1 cup of green tea can contain between 25 and 45 milligrams of caffeine. An intake of excessive caffeine may lead to delayed conception, affect ovulation, and increase the risk of miscarriage. While attempting to conceive, limit total caffeine intake to 200 mg per day or lower.
• Green tea might prevent your body from absorbing non-heme iron, which is mainly found in plant-based foods. For women who experience heavy menstrual cycles, this inhibition from the catechins found in green tea may increase their risk of developing iron deficiency. Iron is vital for healthy ovulation, oxygen transport, and preparing the body for pregnancy.

What’s the safe amount of green tea while trying to get pregnant?

• Recommended Amount: Generally, 1-2 cups a day are safe
• Avoid drinking more than 3-4 cups of green tea per day
• Use green tea extract/supplements as they have a much higher concentration of EGCG than you would get from just drinking the tea itself.

When is the best time to consume green tea during preconception?

Drink green tea between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Do not consume green tea during or after a meal, within 1-2 hours of taking folic acid or prenatal vitamins, and late at night (because it can make it hard to fall asleep).

Is decaffeinated green tea a better choice?

Although decaf green tea has a significantly lower caffeine content than regular green tea, its antioxidant content is reduced. Therefore, it could be a good choice for women who are highly sensitive to caffeine, have had doctors advise them to limit all intake of caffeine, and are at higher risk of experiencing early pregnancy loss. But, like regular green tea, decaffeinated green tea can negatively affect folate absorption when consumed in excess.

Conclusion

Green tea is safe to drink when trying to get pregnant, but consume it in moderation to reap its benefits. There are guidelines on how much caffeine per day is considered safe; in addition, you need to take a prenatal vitamin that contains enough folic acid for a healthy pregnancy. When deciding whether to continue consuming green tea in moderation, consider your options and the impact on your overall health when trying to conceive.