Here at Take A Peek ladies often ask us what are the best ways to stay hydrated during pregnancy as an alternative to water. Certain teas and fruit infusions can help hydrate the body as an alternative to drinking plain water during pregnancy. We have been asked to review Happy Leaf tea and been delighted to find that Happy Leaf provide a range of high quality teas with a range tailored for pregnancy. Happy Leaf
Rooibos tea, in particular, is a good one to try because of its antioxidant properties; it's also caffeine-free. Ginger and mint herbal brews may help to alleviate morning sickness, and chamomile can help to prevent insomnia after the first trimester
Tea contains an abundance of beneficial antioxidants capable of improving life in small yet significant ways. This translates to a boosted immune system, improved digestion and reduced diabetes risks - among other qualities.
If you’re looking for the best teas to drink while pregnant, you may opt for the following:
Rooibos:
When it comes to drinking tea when pregnant, Rooibos should be high on the list of choices. This is because, like peppermint tea, it is 100% caffeine-free, so is a better choice than coffee, black tea or green tea. Rooibos tea is made from dried parts of a plant harvested from the South African red bush shrub. Unlike black and green tea, it isn’t made from tea leaves — so it’s considered an herbal tea.
Rooibos is also an excellent source of iron, and can also help in reducing morning sickness.
This soothing drink is sweet and nutty in taste, is naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins. What's more, it’s packed with micronutrients, including copper, iron and potassium, and has become the preferred tea for those looking for a healthy, yet tasty cuppa.
Rooibos is also generally considered safe for drinking while breastfeeding. You don’t have to worry about caffeine passing through your bloodstream to your baby, and it could help you stay relaxed and calm.
Rooibos is a tea that needs to be steeped, but you can use hot or cold water depending on what kind of drink you want. Steep it in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, or make a jug of cold infused tea such as orange twist or zesty lemon rooibos for a refreshing alternative Zesty Lemon Rooibos
Thanks to being naturally caffeine- free, rooibos can be drunk any time of day, and is perfect before bed.
Peppermint Leaf Tea:
Peppermint leaf tea is a one of the most popular examples of a caffeine-free choice. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health benefits. Evidence indicates that it can aid digestion while helping with nausea and vomiting. That’s why many pregnant women choose it for treating morning sickness during the first trimester and to aid digestion as the pregnancy progresses.
Ginger Root Tea:
Ginger is widely used across cultures to combat nausea. This is a great option to try if you suffer from pregnancy-related nausea. The reason for this is its ability to aid digestion. According to research, just one gram of ginger may reduce nausea and vomiting. And if that wasn’t enough, this remarkable beverage also supports the immune system, thus warding off colds and even the flu.
Real Tea:
Black, green, and oolong tea are all considered safe to consume during pregnancy. The main concern with these teas, however, is their level of caffeine. So if you drink real tea, limit yourself to four cups per day.
Around 20% of the world’s tea drinkers choose green tea, an only partly oxidised beverage that closely resembles the plant’s natural appearance and taste. Like black tea, it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, although it undergoes only minimal processing. It has a distinct grassy flavour when brewed, as well as, of course, green tea benefits. Providing you drink no more than five cups daily, green tea can support the health and wellbeing of pregnant women in several ways, although it is recommended only after the first trimester.
Teas to avoid in pregnancy
We don’t recommend any and every herbal tea as safe to be drunk during pregnancy. We do advise AGAINST a few. This includes Nettle leaf, Lemongrass and Liquorice Tea, all of which should be avoided when pregnant. Other herbal infusions to steer clear of include Dandelion Root, Sage, Cinnamon, Ginseng and Hibiscus, unless in trace quantities.
Be sure to check with a doctor, nurse or another health professional if you have any concerns. We were delighted to see that at Happy Leaf, the welfare of customers is their main priority.
Take A Peek and Happy Leaf understand that pregnancy is a time of wonder, excitement and can be a time of mixed emotions, trying to do what is best for you and your growing bump. Drinking tea when pregnant can still be one of life’s pleasures when done in moderation.
Caffeine in tea is one of the primary factors to consider before brewing up. What’s more, when it comes to herbal teas, research into each type is essential.
Now that you know a little more, Take A Peek hope that you can choose your Happy Leaf tea with confidence.