| Green tea and pregnancy is a tricky subject. We now | | | | Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, is present in high |
| know that green tea is something of a miracle | | | | levels in green tea. The molecules that make up this |
| beverage. Hundreds of studies show the many | | | | antioxidant compound are similar in structure to |
| benefits of drinking green tea on a daily basis. But | | | | methotrexate, another compound found naturally in our |
| during pregnancy, the rules of health and nutrition can | | | | bodies. |
| change dramatically. | | | | Methotrexate helps us by bonding with an enzyme |
| Caffeine and Pregnancy | | | | called dihydrofolate reductase. Once bonded, these |
| In the past, it was thought that the caffeine found in | | | | two together can kill cancer cells. If, however, EGCG |
| tea and coffee might contribute to low birth weight, | | | | bonds with dihydrofolate reductase, it deactivates the |
| and thus should be avoided. Studies have shown, | | | | enzyme. This in turn affects the way our body uses |
| however, that it would take about 8 cups of coffee | | | | folate. |
| per day to affect birth weight or lead to miscarriage. | | | | In short, EGCG could reduce folic acid and increase |
| Since green tea has about half the amount of caffeine | | | | the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida. New |
| contained than coffee, this drink is unlikely to affect | | | | green tea and pregnancy studies should help us |
| pregnancy. This aspect of green tea and pregnancy is | | | | understand how great these risks are. |
| one you don't have to worry about. | | | | How Much Is Too Much? |
| Folate and EGCG | | | | Although drinking some green tea is probably fine |
| It turns out, however, that pregnant women probably | | | | during pregnancy, it is not yet clear just what that |
| should limit their intake of green tea. This beverage is | | | | amount might be. Most health professionals think that |
| full of antioxidants, which are generally very good for | | | | drinking a moderate amount of tea is fine. As with |
| us. One of them, however, may cause problems during | | | | anything that has yet to be studied thoroughly, |
| pregnancy. | | | | abstinence is the only way to absolutely ensure |
| Folic acid is one of the supplements pregnant women | | | | avoiding the problem. However, you may want to |
| are encouraged to take. A lack of folate has been | | | | balance that with the many health benefits of drinking |
| associated with neural birth tube defects in babies. | | | | even a little bit of green tea! |