Matcha is a type of green tea that’s made by grinding tea leaves into a bright, green powder, which is then whisked in water to create an earthy-tasting drink. This differs from in which the leaves are infused in water before being removed. Though matcha has been around for centuries, having originated in East Asia, it’s picked up popularity in the West in recent years for its .

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Below, we discuss what women need to know about consuming matcha tea while pregnant or . We cover the multiple health benefits of matcha as well as tips for creating the best cup.

The short answer is – yes, matcha is completely safe to drink during pregnancy when consumed in moderation.

Although matcha contains caffeine, it’s not nearly as much as you’ll find in a cup of coffee. This is why many women turn to matcha to get their daily dose of .

According to , a cup of matcha tea usually contains around 25mg of caffeine. This is in comparison to an average-sized cup of coffee, which can have anywhere from 70-140 mg of caffeine, depending on the brewing method.

explains that pregnant women should only consume a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine per day, so no more than 1-2 cups (140-580ml) of coffee per day. But because it has a much lower caffeine concentration, it’s difficult to reach the maximum allotment for pregnant women when drinking matcha. This means pregnant women can drink upwards of 4-8 cups of matcha per day before reaching their daily intake of caffeine. But we don't advise anything, of course, unless, you speak to your healthcare professional.

Matcha isn’t only a safe caffeine alternative for pregnant women but also breastfeeding mothers. cautions that per day. As such, it’s much more difficult to reach the maximum intake when relying on matcha instead of caffeine.

It’s not only that matcha is safe to drink during pregnancy. It also has a variety of health benefits that motivate people to incorporate it into their diet, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. These include:

Matcha tea contains a class of antioxidants known as catechins, which are high in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). Research has found that EGCG may help prevent cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Catechins are specifically helpful in lowering , notes. A 2014 study, for instance, found that participants who drank green tea regularly for 12 weeks had a significant drop in their blood pressure. Lowered blood pressure, in turn, reduces the risk of other health problems, including but not limited to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. For pregnant women, matcha tea may help reduce the likelihood of developing preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy).

Similarly, catechins also help to lower LDL (bad) as well as total cholesterol numbers. This also reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

WebMD notes that there’s reason to believe polyphenols and other antioxidants found in matcha may help prevent cancer, though they note that more research is needed to confirm this speculation. , for instance, found that green tea extract can decrease tumor size and slow the growth of breast cancer in rats.

The liver is vital to the body’s functioning as it works to flush out toxins, metabolize drugs, and process nutrients. Research has found that matcha can help improve liver health. One study published by found that the kidneys and livers of diabetic rats improved after being given matcha for 16 weeks.

Since it contains caffeine, matcha tea helps people stay awake and remain more alert. This is especially beneficial to postpartum moms who have their hands full with a newborn. Even more, matcha is linked to improved brain function. A 2017 study whose results are found that participants who consumed a bar containing 4 grams of matcha had improved memory, attention, and reaction time compared to those who were given a placebo bar.

Another benefit of the antioxidants found in matcha tea is that it can help decrease inflammation, which is a common symptom of pregnancy. However, when not managed, inflammation can negatively impact the mother and baby’s health.

For example, a study published in  found that heightened inflammation in pregnancy may increase the risk of mental illness or brain development problems in offspring.

Not all matcha is created equally. Depending on the tea leaves and how it is brewed, the caffeine concentration may differ depending on the cup. However, for pregnant and postpartum moms who need to keep track of their caffeine, it’s important to be cautious when brewing matcha to make sure the quantities are right.

In order to brew the best matcha and to fully reap its benefits, follow these steps:

Make sure you’re using high-quality matcha. There are several ways to check for quality control. As explains, the first step is to check the origin of the leaves. The publication notes that many matcha aficionados prefer leaves directly produced in Japan, with Nishio city in Aichi prefecture and Uji city in Kyoto being the most popular regions for matcha production.

Also, consider the price. If it’s too inexpensive, it may be a sign that the quality is compromised. For a 30-gram tin of matcha leaves, consumers can expect to pay roughly $26-32. Anything cheaper in price will have a lower quality that’s noticeable.

Finally, The Daily Tea also warns that matcha drinkers should pay close attention to the color, taste, and texture of the drink. Not only do fluctuations in consistency hint that the quality of the leaves may be low, but they can signal flaws in the preparation process.

Having the right equipment makes a world of difference when it comes to creating the perfect cup of matcha. You’ll definitely need a chasen (a matcha whisk) as well as a bowl, which is easier to prepare the matcha in than a mug or teacup. Without a sufficient whisk, you won’t be able to mix the matcha powder thoroughly, so ensure you choose one that is top quality.

If you want to get the proportions perfect, consider investing in a matcha maker. The , for instance, has three settings so you can choose exactly how many grams of matcha you want in a cup. This, therefore, allows you to directly control the level of caffeine in the drink, which is a huge advantage for pregnant or breastfeeding moms who need to keep track.

•Level 1 features 1 gram of matcha

•Level 2 has 1.5 grams

•Level 3 has 2 grams

The more matcha, the stronger the taste will be. Even more, the richer in antioxidants it will be.

A matcha maker doesn’t only allow you to accurately measure the level of caffeine in each cup. It also ensures the freshest cup possible by grinding the leaves into a fine powder before your eyes. The Cuzen Matcha machine features automatic whisking, so you don’t need to worry about clumping. Simply press the button, and the matcha is ready in a matter of minutes. Time is precious when you’re a mom, so convenience is another reason to invest if you’re a matcha enthusiast.

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