Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered, preserving natural enzymes, pollen, and other components. It may contain trace amounts of nutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, and potentially beneficial bacteria, but also carries a small risk of containing bacterial spores, particularly…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Yerba mate is a traditional South American beverage made from the leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis. It contains caffeine (typically 30-50mg per 8oz cup, though varying by preparation), theobromine, theophylline, saponins, polyphenols, and various other compounds. It’s traditionally consumed through a…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). It contains caffeine (typically 38-88 mg per 1g serving, depending on quality and preparation), L-theanine, catechins (particularly epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG), and various other bioactive…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Liquid chlorophyll supplements typically contain chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic water-soluble derivative of natural chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants). These products are marketed for various purported benefits including detoxification, internal deodorizing, antioxidant effects, and blood-building properties. For individuals trying to conceive, liquid chlorophyll…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Avoid Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Activated charcoal is a processed form of carbon with increased surface area and porosity, giving it strong adsorptive properties. It’s used medically for certain poisonings and overdoses, and in consumer products for purported detoxification, digestive benefits, and whitening properties. Common forms include…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young green coconuts. It contains electrolytes (particularly potassium), small amounts of natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals. Commercial coconut water may be pasteurized, have added ingredients, or be concentrated and reconstituted. For individuals trying to…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Green juices and smoothies can contain a wide variety of ingredients including leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, herbs, protein powders, superfoods, and other additives. The safety profile depends significantly on the specific ingredients, preparation methods, and whether the products are homemade or commercially…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast grown specifically as a food product. It’s rich in B vitamins (including B12 in fortified varieties), protein, fiber, and minerals. Unlike active yeasts used in baking or brewing, nutritional yeast cannot reproduce…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made from fermented apple juice and contains acetic acid, enzymes, probiotics, and trace minerals. It’s available in filtered (clear) and unfiltered “raw” varieties that contain the “mother” culture of beneficial bacteria. For individuals trying to conceive, moderate…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Kefir is a fermented milk drink made using kefir grains, which contain bacteria and yeasts that ferment milk sugars. It contains probiotics, protein, calcium, and small amounts of alcohol (typically 0.5-2% depending on fermentation time). Commercial kefir sold in stores typically contains…