Can I drink green tea while breastfeeding? Yes.

It is safe to drink green tea while breastfeeding. Green tea is recommended to be consumed in moderation while breastfeeding because it contains caffeine. But just like coffee, or most caffeinated beverages, it is safe to drink while pregnant/breastfeeding. Overall, green tea is low in caffeine compared to other caffeinated beverages. 8 fluid ounces of green tea contains 30 - 40 mg of caffeine, while coffee contains about 90 - 100 mg's. That is a significant difference and makes it arguably "more safe" than coffee.

What exactly is green tea?

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas. Green tea originated in China, and since then its production and manufacture has spread to other countries in East Asia. Its consumption has increased dramatically in the recent decade because of its various medicinal properties.

Green tea is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, specifically polyphenols, and is proven to have an abundance of health benefits. For this reason, it is often treated as a medicinal beverage. In fact, many Chinese women drink green tea to help maintain youthful skin. 

There are multitude reasons as to why the consumption of green tea has increased in the US. WebMD's, Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Green Tea?, has provided extensive information on why Green Tea is beneficial to one's health.  Not only is drinking green tea accepted while pregnant/ breastfeeding, but also encouraged by a large number of world-wide pediatricians. 

Here are evidence-based health benefits that support why it is safe to drink green tea while breastfeeding.

Benefits associated with drinking green tea:

Contains heathy bioactive compounds 

• Tea is rich in polyphenols, which are natural compounds that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer.
• It is more than a hydrating beverage, containing a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.
• These compounds give green tea its medicinal properties.

May Improve brain function

• The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.
• Caffeine is safe while breastfeeding as long as it does not exceed 200-300mg per day.
• It contains approximately 1/3 of caffeine than coffee, making it a safer alternative for breastfeeding mothers.
• Caffeine can aid and provide energy in the event of a night of poor sleep due to that of a baby.

Increases Fat Burning

• look at the ingredient list for any fat burning supplement, chances are green tea will be on there.
• Drinking green tea boosts metabolic rate which in turn, increases fat burning rate.
• This can help a postpartum mother achieve weight loss post pregnancy.

Antioxidants may lower the risk of some cancers

• A comprehensive review of observational studies found that women who drank green tea had an approximately 20–30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women.
• One study observed that men drinking green tea had a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer.
  
• An analysis of 29 studies showed that those drinking green tea were around 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
  

Promotes oral health

• Drinking green tea can reduce bad breath
• The catechins, found in green tea,  also have benefits for oral health. Test-tube studies suggest that catechins can suppress the growth of bacteria, potentially lowering the risk of oral infections.
  

Aids in the prevention of type II diabetes

• The rates of type 2 diabetes are increasing in recent decades. The condition now affects about 1 in 10 Americans.
• Studies show that green tea may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
  
• One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank green tea had an approximately 42% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
  

Aids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease

• Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death worldwide.
• Green tea also increases the antioxidant capacity of the blood, which protects the LDL particles from oxidation, which is one part of the pathway toward heart disease.
  
•  People who drink green tea have up to a 31% lower risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease.
  

As you can see, green tea has a copious amount of reasons as to why you may want to add it into your daily diet. For breastfeeding mothers, this is a great method to itch a caffeine craving with a healthier option. Green tea is both safe, and healthy to consume. Go and enjoy yourself a warm cup of health-boosting tea.