Is it safe to drink Decaf Green Tea while pregnant?
You need to be VERY CAREFUL with teas. I would drink regular (tiny bit of caffeine) – but if the tea is chemically processed to remove the caffeine, it can be dangerous to anyone. There is a method of decaffinating coffee and tea which is “Indirect” and safe. The following is about coffee, but it would also apply to tea. Look for “Naturally decaffinated” on any package – or see a healthfood store and ASK! Agents of Decaffeination The following agents are commonly used in decaffeinating coffee: 1. Methylene Chloride In the direct contact method, the green (unroasted) beans are placed in a rotating drum and softened by steam for approximately 30 minutes; they are then repeatedly rinsed – for about 10 hours – with methylene chloride, which removes the caffeine from the beans. (This is also called the European Prep method.) The caffeine-laden solvent is drained away and the beans are steamed a second time, for 8 – 12 hours, so the remaining solvent can evaporate. Finally, air or vacuum dry
