Juicing during pregnancy is an important routine for pregnant women to get enough vitamins and enzymes. These vitamins and enzymes from juices are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. As fresh juices contain numerous nutrients and have no artificial addictive, they are far more beneficial than any of those commercial water-based drinks.
Tips for Juicing While Pregnant
1. Use Organic Fruits and Vegetables for Juicing
Pesticide and chemical-free fruits and vegetables are the best for juicing while you are pregnant. During its development stage, the fetus is weak and can be easily affected by those toxic substances. These toxins could affect the baby’s cognitive development.
2. Wash Them Thoroughly
Remove surface dirt from the fruits and vegetables by scrubbing thoroughly with your hands or by using a vegetable brush under running water. Harmful bacteria may thrive on those bruised or damaged part of the produce. So, cut away any bruised or damaged parts before juicing.
3. Pasteurize the Juice
Pasteurization is the process of heating the juice without affecting its nutritional value and flavor. The method kills potentially harmful bacteria present in the prepared food, making it generally safe to drink.
You can pasteurize the juice by heating and keeping it in a double-boiler at 175 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Then pour the juice into a jar, leaving a ½ inch space from the lid of the jar. Cool it down by placing the jar into cold water to bring its temperature down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep this temperature for about 15 minutes. The juice is now ready to drink and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
What Are the Best Juices to Drink During Pregnancy?
When it comes to juicing while pregnant, it is important to know what are the best fruits and vegetables that can be used to make juices.
1. Orange Juice
The first stage of pregnancy was the most critical part as birth defects usually happen in this stage. One way to prevent defects is boosting yourself with large doses of vitamin C and folate. Orange juice carries potent supply of vitamin C and folic acid needed by you and your baby. Besides, orange juice can also boost your immune system.
2. Carrot Juice
The vitamin A and vitamin E found in carrots are beneficial in improving eyesight and increasing the levels of red blood cells during fetal development. Besides, these vitamins can also help prevent excessive hair fall and brittle nails during pregnancy.
3. Beet Root Juice
Beet root has many health benefits, and it is one of the best vegetables for juicing while pregnant. It can boost your energy, and it is rich in iron which will help prevent anemia. Besides, the fiber content in this amazing vegetable is wonderful for your digestive system, helping wash toxins out from your body.
4. Apple Juice
Protecting your baby from the threats of asthma attacks later in their childhood is one of the main benefits of drinking apple juice during your pregnancy. Apple juice is also rich in iron which can help you avoid anemia.
5. Peach Juice
Peach juice is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as niacin and potassium, therefore consuming it can increase the efficiency of iron absorption, thus preventing anemia from happening during pregnancy. Having peach juice can also help you flush out toxins from your kidney and bladder, which prevents kidney stones.
6. Strawberry Juice
Strawberries are great sources of folate, which is essential during pregnancy as it aids in full development of the baby’s brain and spinal system. Deficiency of folic acid can lead to the so-called neural tube defects of the baby. Having strawberry juice also helps protect your heart as it contains soluble fiber.
7. Pineapple Juice
Pineapples are great sources of vitamin C. During your pregnancy, you need about 80 to 85 milligrams of vitamin C daily. A cup of pineapple juice supplies most of your daily vitamin C requirement. The enzyme called bromelain in pineapples also helps you digest foods properly. They also have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
8. Tomato Juice
The abundance of lycopene in tomato makes it a heart-friendly vegetable. Due to its great taste, tomato juice can be combined with most vegetables to make juices. If you hate tomato sauce, you can try tomato juice as it has a totally new taste.
9. Pepper Juice
Pepper is a rich source of vitamin C, folic acid and antioxidants. So it is suggested to use pepper for juicing while pregnant. As a decongestant, pepper can help prevent conditions like asthma, bronchitis and colds. The natural high silicone content in peppers can make the skin glow and add strength to the hair and nails.
10. Lemon Juice
A single tablespoon of lemon juice can provide 7 mg of vitamin C that helps keep nausea at bay. It helps develop collagen and cartilage, and improve baby’s brain development during pregnancy. It also can ease and manage constipation. However, pregnant women who suffer from heart burn or are diagnosed with calcium-oxalate stones must consult their doctors first before adding lemon juice to their diet.