Lydia wrotes,
I’m 12 weeks pregnant, can I take green tea and can I take raw honey daily?
Appreciate if you could come back to me on this matter.
Hi Lydia
It is best to limit the amount of green tea during pregnancy, and be careful about taking any green tea supplements. Some doctors are concerned that green tea may affect the body’s folic acid (also called folate) levels. Folic acid is an important nutrient during pregnancy. One study linked neural tube defects in babies, such as spina bifida, to women drinking a large amount of green tea at around the time of conception. Spina bifida is a serious condition, which occurs when the tube around the central nervous system – the neural tube – fails to close completely. Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are usually associated with folic acid deficiency. Finally, green tea, like other teas and coffee can also make it difficult for our bodies to absorb iron from food, which is another reason why it should be drunk in moderation.
So far there are no reports of adverse problems from taking raw honey. Some benefits of taking honey is that it may help to relieve heartburn and constipation which are common during the late stages of pregnancy. However, it is best to take in moderation.
Regards
Cecilia
