Pregnancy is a special event in a woman's life. The responsibility of a second life is often a source of doubts and fears. "What can I drink? What should I eat? Every pregnant woman asks herself these questions. And the answers are often hard to find: coffee, tea and mate are among the drinks for which Santé Publique France does not give a clear-cut answer. Are you a mate lover? Are you wondering whether you can continue to drink it during your pregnancy? Kusmi has compiled the available information on the subject for you. However, we would like to remind you that nothing can replace the advice of a doctor and we encourage you to consult us if you have any questions or doubts.
Is it possible to drink yerba mate while pregnant?
Mate is neither tea nor coffee. It does, however, contain caffeine. According to the Caffeine Informer website, on a 100mL reference, its caffeine content (36mg) is higher than that of green tea (11mg) but lower than that of espresso coffee (88mg).
It is therefore this dose of caffeine that should be controlled or even moderated when you are pregnant. Drink mate, yes! But not in any quantity!
What is the recommended dose of caffeine?
A reasonable consumption of caffeine, i.e. 1 to 2 cups of mate per day, is recommended by the WHO in order to avoid any risk for the baby. This would mean limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice
At the beginning of your pregnancy, consult your doctor for advice on your diet and consumption of caffeinated drinks, among other things.
It is important to be vigilant: not every woman has the same tolerance to caffeine and every pregnancy is different. If you have any questions or doubts about your mate consumption, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or health professional for advice. He or she will be able to give you the best advice.
Pregnancy and yerba mate: in moderation!
The caffeine in mate is a natural stimulant. It is therefore important to moderate its consumption during pregnancy.
Also be careful not to multiply the sources of caffeine at the risk of exceeding the recommended doses. The amount of yerba mate drunk should be adjusted according to the other drinks consumed by the pregnant woman during the day.
In view of the limited information available on the effects of yerba mate during pregnancy and lactation, the EMEA (European Medicines Agency) advises restricted consumption during this period.
The effects of yerba mate on health and the body
Yerba mate has many health and body benefits:
• It is a natural stimulant and provides energy by reducing the feeling of fatigue. This effect is due to its caffeine content. Drinking a cup of mate in the morning will give you the energy you need to get through the day.
• Mate is a powerful antioxidant due to the presence of polyphenols. These molecules help to strengthen the immune system and slow down the premature ageing of cells.
• Secondly, mate contains vitamins (A, B2 and B3) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, potassium and iron).
• Finally, mate is said to aid digestion. A help in case of heavy meals or difficult digestion.
Alternatives to yerba mate
If you wish to reduce your consumption of mate during your pregnancy, you should know that there are many alternatives and that these are safe for the development of the pregnancy.
Rooibos
One of these is rooibos, a theine-free red tea from South Africa. It has all the benefits of tea (antioxidant) but without the disadvantages of theine or caffeine. To be consumed without moderation!
Infusions
Think of herbal teas too! Lime, verbena, chamomile, will be your best friends if you want to relax and unwind.
Kusmi Tea, an organic mate made in France
Kusmi offers you a high quality mate tea, a healthy and organic product. Our brand guarantees a know-how made in Normandy for a local, responsible and friendly approach! Discover all the flavours offered in our range of matés: lemon, grapefruit, ginger or even nettle!
Psst...
A mate straw, the famous bombilla, is available at Kusmi Tea to drink your favourite drink!
How to prepare a yerba mate ?
You will need a calabash (mate cup), a bombilla (mate straw) and organic mate leaves. You need to fill ¾ of your calabash with mate. Put your hand over the hole and gently turn the container over so that the powder falls out. At the same time, heat some water. The temperature should not exceed 80°C as this could damage the leaves or make the taste too bitter. Once the water is hot, pour it into your calabash. The brewing time depends on your taste. Place the bombilla in the bowl. Once you have reached the right degree of infusion, you can enjoy it!
Drink mate during pregnancy, yes, but in moderation! Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice. With all these precautions, you can continue to drink your mate without risk to your baby. Otherwise, opt for a rooibos or an organic infusion instead!
Also read on the same subject:
Is mate allowed when breastfeeding?
Does mate affect your iron levels?