Staying hydrated during pregnancy through water, juice, or tea is necessary.
Taking tea when pregnant is a practice that has come to stay, and Jasmine tea is one popular option due to its refreshing scent and taste.
But many women are concerned about the safety of taking Jasmine tea during pregnancy.
If taken in moderation, Jasmine tea is safe and has many benefits for pregnant women, but due to its caffeine, there’s a need to control how much of it you take when pregnant.
We’ve highlighted some benefits of taking Jasmine tea during pregnancy and useful tips on how to take it.
Table of Contents
- What Is Jasmine Tea?
- Does Jasmine Tea Contain Caffeine?
- Is It Safe To Drink Jasmine Tea During Pregnancy?
- Is Jasmine Tea Good For Pregnant Women?
- Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea
- How to Brew Jasmine Tea
- Five Alternative Drinks to Jasmine Tea
- Conclusion
What Is Jasmine Tea?
Jasmine tea is a blend of true tea leaves and jasmine blossoms, usually harvested from a jasmine plant called Jasminum officinale.
Jasmine tea is made from one of two varieties of the jasmine plant, namely common jasmine or Sampaguita.
Jasmine flowers belong to the olive family and have a strong, sweet fragrance. Jasmine tea is sometimes sold as jasmine pearls, unfurl as they steep, creating a visually stunning display.
Flavored Tea
Jasmine tea is undoubtedly a flavored or scented tea obtained by infusing flowers into a base tea.
While green tea is the most commonly used, it’s important to note that jasmine flowers can also be infused into white or black tea.
The infusing process demands several days and involves replacing the flowers every 24 hours to achieve the desired blend.
It’s necessary to mention that the scenting process can be used to make green jasmine tea and other true teas like oolong and black tea.
How About the Taste?
Jasmine tea’s taste can differ based on the type of true tea used, the location where the jasmine is grown, and the processing method.
Generally, jasmine green tea has a gentle and subtle taste with sweet floral notes, a refreshing aftertaste, and a fragrant aroma.
Chinese leaders favor high-quality jasmine tea varieties, particularly Yin Hao. Besides being a popular beverage, jasmine tea also offers significant health advantages.
Does Jasmine Tea Contain Caffeine?
Like many green teas, Jasmine tea contains caffeine in varying quantities depending on the type of tea blended with it.
It originates in China and blends different teas like white, green/ black tea alongside Jasmine flowers.
This blend usually contains caffeine common to other green teas and cocoa drinks.
It is usually called Jasmine Green Tea or Chinese Jasmine Tea since green tea is the most popular ingredient used for the blend.
What is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant of the methylxanthine class. It stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness, attention, and performance. It also enhances cognitive activities.
It is usually present in tea, coffee, or other cocoa plants. It also increases the circulation of chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline in the body.
The amount of caffeine in Jasmine tea depends on some factors like
- The length of brewing time
- The type of leaves used
- When the leaves were picked etc.
Even though there’s no way to tell the exact amount of caffeine in a cup of jasmine tea, the table below shows the varying caffeine content in the different leaves used in Jasmine tea
| Types of Leaves | Caffeine level per cup |
| Black Jasmine Tea | 60-90 mg |
| Green Jasmine Tea | 35-70 mg |
| White Jasmine Tea | 30-55 mg |
| Decaf Jasmine Tea | 0-2 mg |
Harmful Effects of Excess Caffeine During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with many cravings and cravings for drinks like coffee, Jasmine tea, or dark chocolate, which all contain caffeine and can lead to some complications for the mother and baby if consumed in excess.
Here are a few issues that can arise from excessive caffeine intake;
- Stillbirth
- Miscarriage
- Low Birth weight
- Sleeping or breathing difficulties
- Increase in infant’s heart rate
Is It Safe To Drink Jasmine Tea During Pregnancy?
Taking Jasmine tea during pregnancy is safe because you limit the quantity.
Just like coffee, green tea, cola, and the rest, Jasmine tea contains caffeine, a stimulant that, if consumed in large quantities, can lead to some pregnancy complications.
Due to the varying percentage of caffeine in the different teas, you can’t be sure how much is too much until it is too late.
Even though there are other things like Jasmine flowers blended with these tea leaves, the flowers only give the drink a good flavor.
Consuming large amounts of caffeine can come in many forms, not just from Jasmine tea but in Coke, coffee, or other cocoa drinks.
The recommended caffeine limit for pregnant women is 200 mg/ day. Food like chocolate also contains caffeine, which can increase caffeine intake when combined with other drinks.
How to Reduce the Caffeine Level in Your Jasmine Tea
1. Brew it for a shorter time
Brewing drinks like coffee, tea, or cocoa for a long time and at high water temperatures can lead to higher caffeine extraction.
If you want your Jasmine tea to have a lower caffeine level, brew it with cooler water and for a shorter time.
2. Use white or decaf teas
White teas are usually less oxidized and processed than green teas. The long processes of roasting, steaming, rolling, and shaping involved in green teas are usually lesser for white teas, making them less caffeinated.
In contrast, decaf teas undergo decaffeination to reduce caffeine levels. People often mistake decaf and caffeine-free teas.
Caffeine-free teas do not contain any caffeine in their genetic makeup. It doesn’t require decaffeination, while decaf teas that originally contained caffeine.
3. Choose tea bags over leaves
Generally, many people prefer using loose leaves over tea bags because they are of higher quality and have better flavor, aroma, and nutrients; consequently, they have higher caffeine levels.
Is Jasmine Tea Good For Pregnant Women?
Taking herbal teas like Jasmine tea has its benefits. For instance, many herbal teas, including Jasmine tea, contain antioxidants, polyphenols, and catechins.
These are a group of compounds found in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, dark chocolate, and wine. They’re known for many benefits, including;
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Lowering the risk of heart disease
- Preventing blood clotting
- Reducing the risk of cancer
- Promoting healthy digestion
- Promoting brain function
They are a phenolic compound abundant in tea, cocoa, and berries and are known to have high potency in antioxidant activities.
These elements combined (polyphenols and catechins) with water keep you hydrated, making the tea very beneficial.
However, there’s a need to emphasize that it contains caffeine which, if consumed in excess, can lead to some pregnancy complications, including the following;
- Feeling jittery
- Indigestion
- Lack of sleep
- Constriction of blood vessels in the uterus and placenta
Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea
Boosts Energy
Jasmine tea is undoubtedly a great alternative to coffee for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
It is made from a true tea base, such as green, black, or white tea, all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and naturally contains caffeine.
The amount of caffeine in jasmine tea varies depending on the type of true tea used, with green tea being the most commonly used.
Compared to coffee, which has an average of 95 mg of caffeine per cup, green tea has only 35 mg.
Switching to jasmine tea can help you stay alert and focused throughout the day while reducing your caffeine intake at the same time.
Weight Loss Aid
Losing weight can be challenging, but having extra support can make a difference. Drinking Jasmine tea can help speed up your metabolism and aid in weight loss because it contains green tea leaves.
According to a Japanese study published in 2010, people who regularly drink green tea have a higher resting metabolic rate.
You can burn more calories and fat, even when not exercising. Jasmine tea is a low-calorie beverage, so you can drink it without worrying about gaining weight.
However, adding sugar or honey can increase the amount of calories, so use them sparingly.
Protects Heart Health
Jasmine tea can help promote optimal heart function and reduce the risk of costly surgeries and life-threatening illnesses.
Its antioxidants prevent cancer and help to lower LDL cholesterol oxidation, reducing inflammation in veins and arteries. Jasmine tea is an excellent choice for heart health.
May Prevent Cancer
Cancer prevention is of utmost importance in our society today, and there is promising scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of jasmine tea.
It has been found to significantly impact cancer prevention by targeting free radicals. Jasmine tea contains antioxidants that fight free radicals caused by toxins in our food and environment.
These free radicals have been linked to neurological disorders and cancer development. Therefore, drinking jasmine tea can be a helpful and effective strategy for cancer prevention.
Depending on which tea is used to make jasmine tea, you’ll receive different antioxidant benefits, such as catechins from green tea and theaflavins from black tea.
The polyphenols and antioxidants in jasmine green tea, such as epigallocatechin gallate, have been shown to have anticancer properties.
An American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study found that epigallocatechin gallate protects cells from free radical-induced DNA damage.
Drinking tea, especially jasmine tea with a black tea base, can have cancer-fighting effects.
This is because tea polyphenols, like theaflavins, can inhibit the growth and proliferation of mutated cells, slowing their progression. So, if you enjoy jasmine black tea, you can still benefit from these effects.
Relieves Stress
Jasmine tea has a simple yet powerful health benefit from its delightful aroma. This tea works directly on two senses – smell and taste – to improve mood and increase relaxation.
Research has indicated that the aroma of jasmine tea can activate a parasympathetic response, which can aid in calming and unwinding the body.
Although research on the sedative effects of jasmine tea aromas is still ongoing, some studies have shown promising results.
Additionally, the sweet taste of jasmine tea induces a relaxed state, while the fresh finish adds a refreshing essence.
If you’re feeling stressed, taking a few minutes to drink some jasmine tea can help you refocus and relax.
Improves Immune System
Jasmine tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can boost the immune system and provide vitamins and minerals.
It can also alleviate an upset stomach and provide fluids to combat colds and flu. The pleasant aroma can help you relax and feel better during illness.
It Helps Alleviates Aches and Pains
Jasmine green tea can help alleviate arthritis or joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
According to a study by the American College of Rheumatology, epigallocatechin gallate can reduce inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis without causing negative side effects.
Benefits Skin
The jasmine plant has many benefits for the skin. Its oils, teas, and essential oils have antibacterial properties and antioxidants that help keep the skin looking healthy.
Applying jasmine oil to your skin is an effective way to heal wounds and diminish the appearance of scars. Furthermore, consuming jasmine tea can deliver many skin benefits you would want to take advantage of.
The antioxidants and polyphenols in jasmine tea help slow aging by eliminating free radicals that can cause wrinkles and skin damage.
These polyphenols can also even out skin pigmentation and minimize fine lines. To get the most benefits from jasmine tea, drink 2-3 cups daily or use cooled jasmine tea to wash your face.
May Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes type 2 is caused by the body’s inability to produce or regulate insulin. Genetic factors and lifestyle choices, or both, are major contributing factors.
Several studies have shown that drinking jasmine green tea can lower blood glucose levels in diabetic mice by regulating insulin levels.
This study suggests that jasmine green tea may benefit individuals who experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
It was also found to promote stable glucose metabolism in healthy people, potentially reducing the risk of developing diabetes with regular consumption.
How to Brew Jasmine Tea
Brewing instructions usually come with jasmine tea bags and loose-leaf varieties since the process can differ depending on the tea.
The temperature and steeping time are the most common variables that can change when using different jasmine teas. Nonetheless, you should follow this general procedure:
Step 1: Prepare Tea Leaves
If you’re using a tea bag, skip to the next step. If you’re using loose-leaf tea, use approximately 2 grams for every 8 ounces of water.
Step 2: Boil the Water
For the best flavor, it is recommended to brew jasmine tea using pure or filtered water. Water between 160 F and 180 F is important for developing the flavors properly. Boiling too hot water can taste bitter since jasmine tea uses true teas.
Step 3: Steep
To achieve the best flavor, the steeping time for Jasmine tea varies between 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the production method.
Covering the teapot or tea vessel with a lid while steeping is recommended to retain the heat.
Here is some information to keep in mind regarding the addition of flavor to food.
Most jasmine tea producers advise against adding sweeteners to preserve the tea’s delicate and subtle flavor profile. Sugar or honey could easily overpower the natural taste of jasmine tea, so it’s best to enjoy it as is.
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Five Alternative Drinks to Jasmine Tea
In a bid to continue enjoying the many benefits of Jasmine tea when pregnant, many women tend to forget the caffeine in it and its consequent dangers.
There are several other drinks you can alternate with which you can equally get the same benefits while keeping your caffeine intake low;
Herbal Teas
Just like leaf teas, herbal teas are equally beneficial and contain most, if not more, of some of the nutrients present in leaf teas. Herbal teas are often made of fruits and herbs, which are caffeine free, making them a better option.
Sports Drinks
There’s a clear difference between sports and energy drinks. Sports drinks usually contain electrolytes to replenish the lost ones after exercise.
They’re isotonic, caffeine and sugar-free. In contrast, energy drinks contain caffeine, tea, taurine, and high sugar content.
Milk
Milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and fat; matter-of-factly, pregnant women require about 8 oz/240 ml of calcium daily. You can find these nutrients in any milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, low-fat, or whole milk), but their fat content will vary.
Infusions
Drinking plain water can get boring sometimes and even trigger your cravings for sugary drinks.
Adding infusions to your water is a better way to make drinking water less boring. You can purchase infusion tea bags or make your own by adding fruits like lemon, lime, watermelon, or orange and herbs like mint or rosemary.
Ensure that you wash each ingredient thoroughly to take care of any bacteria. You can also boil the herbs and leave them to cool before taking it.
Smoothies
Homemade smoothies are preferable to those made in stores because, unlike homemade ones, you get to monitor the process to ensure that the fruits are fresh, properly washed, and prepared in a hygienic environment. You can’t say the same for store-made smoothies.
Some stores go as far as adding artificial sweeteners and unpasteurized juice while blending. If you plan to buy a store-made smoothie, read the label to ensure no additives can affect your health.
Apart from these, there are many things women can drink besides water and Jasmine tea when pregnant.
If you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast, you should prepare some of the listed options yourself.
That way, you’re sure about its safety. But if you prefer to outsource, be keen about checking labels for any prepared beverages.
Conclusion
Jasmine tea is relaxing and can help you relieve stress, but due to its green teas, it contains caffeine which, if not moderated, can lead to situations that could be avoided. If you frequently crave jasmine tea during pregnancy, try out some alternative options, especially the infusions, to give you an equal feeling.