13 Healthy Juices You Should Drink During Pregnancy

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Optimum hydration during pregnancy is vital to support digestion, formamniotic fluidⁱXThe protective liquid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy, and increase blood volume for fetal growth. Hence, pregnant women should drink at least ten cups of fluid daily(1)。Here are some healthy juices to drink during pregnancy that provide essential nutrients for proper fetal growth and development. Besides, healthy eating is an essential part of prenatal care; hence, they will add variety to your pregnancy diet. However, although these juices are nutritious, they are also high in natural sugar.Hence, limit intake of juices to a minimum and instead consume whole fruits that provide you with all the nutrients, including fiber.

Healthy Juices You Should Include During Pregnancy

Following is the list of 13 juices that you might include during the pregnancy period. They provide most of the health and nutrition for you and your developing baby.

1. Orange juice:

Benefits:

• Rich source ofvitamin C, a potent antioxidant that boosts your immune system.
• Provide sodium and potassium that balances fluid levels in the body.
• Vitamin B6 and folate suppers fetal brain development.
• Fiber content treats stomach problemssuch as constipation, bloating and other gut discomforts
• Increases pH value of urine, thus protects the kidney and bladder
• Soothes skin by providing enough moisture and prevents pregnancy acne
  Contains severalcarotenoidsⁱXYellow, orange, and red organic pigments produced by plants that give the characteristic color to pumpkins, corn, tomatoes, etc.which give protection against inflammation, oxidative stress and improves vision.

How to make:

• Slightly squeeze or roll the oranges firmly using your palms on the table counter.
• Peel them, and slice into four parts.
• Blend in a grinder or juicer. If it is too dry, add enough water and some sweetener for taste.
• If you do not want the pulp, strain the juice.
• Enjoy the glass of freshly squeezed and unpasteurized orange juice

2. Cranberry juice:

Benefits:

• Made up of 90% water, a regular intake will keep you hydrated.
• High levels of antioxidants help combat inflammation and protect the body from free radical damage.
• Prevent bacteria from growing in the gastrointestinal gut, and boosts the immune levels.
• High dietary fiber works against constipation that is common in the early pregnancy.
• Treats tooth problems such as tooth decay, cavities, andplaqueⁱXA sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teethformation.
• Acts as a natural diuretic, andprevents edemas。

How to make:

• Take water in a large pan and add cranberries. Boil them.
• Lower the flame, and boil until the berries turn soft and burst open.
• Filter the juice using a muslin cloth or a strainer.
• You can add sugar or honey if the juice is sour.
• You can also combine it with some other fruit juice to enhance its flavor.

3. Carrot juice:

Benefits:

• Rich source ofbeta-caroteneⁱX色素在植物中发现,给them colorthat helps improve the vision of the mother and the fetus.
• Vitamin C aidscollagenⁱXA structural protein found in connective tissue, skin, bones, tendons, and cartilageproduction in the skin and bones, and also acts as an antioxidant to rid off free radicals.
• Potassium normalizes the heartbeat, improves blood circulation and prevents muscle cramps.
• Rich in fiber, it helpstreat constipationand aids digestion.

How to make:

• Wash and scrub the carrots to remove dirt and any debris.
• Cut the vegetable into small pieces and add into a blender or juicer.
• Add water to keep the blender moving smoothly.
• Have it fresh.

4. Pineapple juice:

Benefits:

• BromelainⁱXA type of enzyme found in the stem, fruit, and juice of pineapplesin the fruit juice acts as a natural blood thinner, thus treating high blood pressure and also preventing blood clot formation.
• Rich source of vitamin C that helps boost immunity, repairs cell damage and produces collagen.
• Manganese strengthens the bones and lowers the risk ofosteoporosisⁱXA condition in which the bones become brittle and weak。
• Vitamin B1 regulates the nervous system, heart and is helpful for muscle functioning.
• The presence of dietary fiber helps prevent constipation.
• Copper aids in red blood cell production and is essential for the formation of the fetal heart.
• The aroma of the juice activates mood and lowers signs of anxiety and depression.

How to make:

• Peel and chop the pineapple into small pieces.
• Put them in a blender, and add water and sugar.
• Collect clear juice by filtering through a strainer.
• Add water if juice is very thick.
• Sprinkle some black salt, and this is optional.
• Have it fresh with some topped mint leaves.

5. Beetroot juice:

Benefits:

• Improves hemoglobin levels, therefore, lowers the risk of anemia during pregnancy.
• Rich in vitamin C that aids in iron absorption
• Folic acidⁱXAlso known as Vitamin B-9, it is vital in the formation of red blood cells and for healthy cell growth and functionhelps fetal development and lowers the risk of birth defects.
• 含有betalain、炎症、甜菜根居ice reduces pain caused by edemas.
• Excellentsource of calciumand prevents the risk of osteoporosis.
• Potassium helps in balancing electrolytes and helps regulate metabolism.

How to make:

• Wash the beets and peel them.
• Cut into small pieces and put them in a blender or a juicer
• Puree till smooth, add sugar and water and blend it again.
• You might add lemon for enhancing its flavor.
• Have it fresh.

6. Prune juice:

Benefits:

• Excellent sources of dietary fiber that you need during pregnancy.
• ContainsorbitolⁱXA sugar alcohol with a sweet taste that is metabolized slowly by the human bodyand phenolic components that offer laxative properties.
• Helps manage constipation and restores bowel movements.
• Good iron source, and therefore helps in correcting iron deficiency and prevents anemia.
• Potassium helps to manage blood pressure, depression and tension.
• Good for building the immune system, and wards off fatigue signs.
• Useful in treating cramps and pains you usually experience during pregnancy.

How to make:

• Take one cup dried prunes, and remove their pits.
• Boil five cups of water, and add to the pitted prunes until they are totally immersed.
• After soaking them for nearly 24 hours, blending them along with the water is required.
• Filter clear juice using a strainer.
• Combine the juice with the remaining boiled water.
• Have it fresh, and keep the remaining juice in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for a week.

7. Apple juice

Benefits:

• Contains powerful antioxidants such asflavonoidsⁱXA group of natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, etc., that are beneficial for healthandphytochemicalsⁱXChemical compounds produced by plants to protect against fungi, bacteria, and other infectionsthat eliminate free radicals from the body.
• Regular consumption lowers the risk of cancers of esophagus, larynx, colon and lungs.
• Ironboosts hemoglobinand helps prevent anemia.
• Flushes away toxins such as lead and mercury from the body.
• Insoluble fiber helps lower indigestion and improves bowel movements.
• Vitamin C thwarts off infections and builds immunity.

How to make:

• Peel the skin and cut small pieces of apple.
• Add them to sufficient water and boil them.
• Allow it to cool, and blend them with water.
• Serve fresh apple juice, and you may addlemon juicefor enhanced taste.

8. Pomegranate juice

Benefits:

• Contains high amounts of fiber that helps treats constipation
• Offers perfect levels of iron preventing the risk of anemia.
• Vitamin C to absorb iron from foods, helps repair tissue, builds bones and aids baby’s mental development.
• Vitamin K strengthens bones, and is a wonder cure for blood clotting.
• Folate protects you from neural tube defects
• PolyphenolⁱXNaturally occurring compounds in fruits, vegetables, and cerealscomponents in the fruit protect the brain.
• Forms a low-sugar option to maintain your basic calorie requirements and keep you hydrated.

How to make:

• Put the pomegranate arils into a blender, and blend until they are properly crushed.
• Use a strainer to filter the juice.
• You may use a spatula to press the pulp against the sieve.
• Have it fresh.

9. Grape juice

Benefits:

• Magnesium in grapes helps relieve pregnancy cramps.
• Fiber works greatly in easing digestion and treats constipation.
• Reduces stress, and it is helpful for pregnant women before they go to labor.
• Antioxidants such as flavon,anthocyaninsⁱXColored water-soluble pigments which may appear red, blue, purple, or black, depending on pH levels, linalol, geraniol andtanninⁱXWater-soluble polyphenols present in several plant foodshelps fight infections and boosts immunity.
• High amounts ofresveratrolⁱXA plant compound that behaves like an antioxidantcontrol high cholesterol levels.

How to make:

• Soak grapes in a large bowel filled with water, and rinse them well.
• Put them into a blender, and add sugar if needed.
• Add water, and blend until you get a smooth consistency.
• Strain the juice using a filter.
• You may add a pinch of salt or fresh lemon juice for enhanced taste.

10. Guava juice

Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, it improves metabolism and immunity.
• Manages blood pressure levels, and lowers the risk of miscarriage and premature births.
• Controls blood sugars and prevents gestational diabetes.
• Fiber plays a key role in preventing constipation and other digestive complaints.
• Rich in lycopene and vitamin C, it combats against cancers.
• Vitamin A helps to improve the eyesight of both mother and the baby.
• Magnesium present in rich amounts helps relax nerves and muscles.

How to make:

• Peel and chop guava into small pieces.
• Put into a blender along with some water, and little sugar.
• Filter the juice using a strainer.
• 您可以添加一些新鲜的柠檬汁或姜dditional flavor.
• Have it immediately.

11. Peach juice

Benefits:

• Super rich in vitamin C that helps in iron absorption and fetal development.
• Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in babies.
• Potassium helps minimize lightheadedness, anxiety, fatigue and swollen feet and ankles.
• 缓解排便和处理消化有祸了s with its optimal fiber content.
• Act as a natural detoxifying agent, and flushes away toxins.
• Healthy levels of beta carotene boost the immune system.
• Possess antiemetic property that provides relief from morning sickness.

How to make:

• Peel, remove the pit and scoop out fresh peach flesh.
• Put them into a blender with some water, and blend to get a smooth consistency.
• Add enough sugar and blend again.
• Filter the juice through a strainer and have it fresh.

12. Strawberry juice

Benefits:

• Rich source of vitamin C that boosts immunity and normalizes blood pressure.
• Manganese acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and fights free radicals.
• Potassium helps with normal heart functioning.
• Iodine is helpful for the baby’s brain and nervous system development.
• Natural sugars present in it stimulate mental activity and memory.
• Vitamins A and E are referred to as “vitamins of beauty” which adds a glow to your skin.
• Endorphins in fruit juice improve a pregnant mom’s emotional state.

How to make:

• Rinse and chop the strawberries into small pieces.
• Add sufficient sugar, and blend everything to a smooth consistency.
• You may also add some fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
• Using a strainer, filter the juice.
• Have fresh juice immediately that taste sweet and sour.

13. Lemon juice

Benefits:

• Full of vitamin c, it helps prevent fever, cold, flu and also fights off infections.
• Stimulates liver, and helps regulate bowel movements and eases digestion.
• Very refreshing and keeps you hydrated.
• Rich source of antioxidants that remove toxins from the body.
• High potassium levels aid in bone development.
• Warm lemon juice relieves you from swollen feet.
• Ease the flow of bile, and treats nausea.
• Nutrients help in managing blood pressure and cholesterol.

How to make:

• Cut the lemon into two halves, and squeeze them to extract its juice.
• Add this extract into a glass of water.
• You may add sugar or honey, and consume it fresh.

Are There Any Fruits You Should Avoid During Pregnancy?

There is no particular fruit you have to avoid. However, you should be cautious about the serving size as some fruits contain excess sugars and calories. Also, you should prefer buying organic fruits free of fertilizers and pesticides.

It is important to ensure food safety because unpasteurized fruit juices, including packaged ones, might carry risks of bacteria, such as Listeria, E.Coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella. Therefore, choose only homemade or pasteurized juices. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella causes more than 1 million illnesses linked to food in the US annually.

Amanda Wahlstedt, a New York-based registered dietitian and certified lactation counselor, says, “First, while juicing at home, choose organically grown produce to reduce pesticide exposure and wash your produce thoroughly. By practicing good food safety, we can reduce the risk of bacteria contamination, such as Salmonella or E.coli.

“The second consideration is that you consume your fresh juice within 24 hours. This reduces the time element that bacteria need to flourish. Third, avoid juicing foods with a higher risk of contamination, such as sprouts.

“While pasteurized and canned juices are safer from a food-borne illness perspective, I do not recommend them. The pasteurization process can reduce the vitamin and mineral content of juices. Instead, go for the whole fruit.”

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