Key Eating Ingredients During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most important phases in a woman’s life. It’s also one of the most demanding periods in terms of nutrition and health. This is because whatever a pregnant woman eats, it will directly or indirectly affect the fetus. Hence, it’s very important that a woman eats healthy during the full pregnancy term.
Juicing during pregnancy is an awesome way to get the essential nutrients that are required by the to-be-mother and her baby. Juicing is able to extract the phytonutrients and the live enzymes that are essential for the body. They are also able to absorb very quickly in the blood stream, even quicker than blending or eating. That being said, each woman needs to take special care of herself during the nine months of pregnancy. It’s very important to know that what may be beneficial for one woman may not give the same result in the case of another.
While it is great exchanging tips and ideas among mothers-to-be, it’s strongly recommended that you consult your own gynecologist before you try something new. There are certain do’s and don’ts of juicing during pregnancy that may possibly apply to all women.
Do’s while Juicing during Pregnancy
Use Organically-grown Foods: It is extremely important that whatever fruits and vegetables that you use for juicing is organically-grown. You need to get rid of as many toxic substances as you can when you’re pregnant. Foods that are organic are known to decrease exposure to such toxins. In fact, various studies have shown that if the fetus is exposed to toxins through foods, it adversely affects the learning and memory abilities in children.
Juice Regularly: During pregnancy the healthier you eat and drink, the healthier your baby will be. Juicing is a great way to get concentrated nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, without piling on the calories. So, if you’re looking for some super- healthy diet throughout your pregnancy, juice regularly.
Juice Once or Twice a Day: Juicing helps fill all the nutritional gaps that are missing in your other meals. Juicing provides you with more vitamins like Vitamin C through juicing citrus fruits, broccoli, red peppers, carrots and strawberries. You’ll also be
able to increase your intake of folic acid by juicing beetroots, broccoli, and green leafy veggies. The dark green leafy veggies enhance your iron consumption.
Use Herbs while Juicing: Certain herbs like ginger are known to help combat vomiting and nausea, which is usually associated with morning sickness. It also helps in soothing your intestines and increases the elimination of gas.
Unpasteurized Juices from Known Sources Only: If you’re aware that the unpasteurized juice is clean and is extracted from a good-quality produce that is organic as well as local, then you can consider unpasteurized juices during your pregnancy. Unpasteurized, fresh juice made with organic fruits and vegetables at home or from a known source is an excellent way of getting proper nutrients for you and your baby. One thing that you need to ensure is that the ingredients are clean and of good quality. If you’ll not be consuming the juice immediately, then keep it in an air-tight container that is sealed properly.
Don’ts while Juicing during Pregnancy
Juice Fast: A juice fast during pregnancy is a big no-no. When you do a juice fast, your body releases toxins into your blood stream so that it can be disposed off. However, it’s not a great environment for the fetus to be in. Moreover, detoxing and creating life takes a toll on your body. Both cannot be done at the same time. Hence, if you’re currently pregnant, and also on a juice fast, you’ll need to stop it right away.
Store-bought Unpasteurized Juices: Buying and consuming readymade unpasteurized juices from the stores will only add to your troubles. With these juices, you have no idea of the original source. Also, these juices are usually not heated to eliminate bacteria. During pregnancy, you have a weak immune system. So, it’s best to stay away from these readymade juices while you’re pregnant.
Key Ingredients while Juicing during Pregnancy
Certain fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrition that can help you during pregnancy. If you can’t eat them in their solid form, try juicing them for maximum benefits.
Apples: Loaded with antioxidants, apples are in fact one of the best fruits for juicing. They help in reducing cholesterol, cleansing the digestive system and enhancing the immune system. Apples are a perfect ingredient as they can be used along with any other fruit or vegetable. Apples also have a softening effect on any juices that can turn out to be quite strong or bitter.
Celery: Celery is able to eliminate uric acid from the digestive system. If you have gout trouble, then you must include celery. Since it has high content of potassium, it helps in lowering blood pressure as well. If you experience a lot of bloating due to high water retention in your body, then celery will help as it has a diuretic effect on the body. While juicing celery, ensure that you use the top of the stalks as that has potassium too.
Carrots: Carrots are loaded with a lot of nutrients that cleanses the liver as well as helps in developing good eyesight. Packed with Vitamins A and E, carrots promote healthy hair, nails and skin as well. If you’ve been having any problems with your thyroid glands, then carrots help in getting rid of it. However, one thing that you need to remember is that carrot has high sugar-content, in fact more than in most other vegetables. So, using it in moderation while juicing will be the best way forward.
Cucumber: Loaded with Vitamins A, B and C, cucumber also has sulfur, silica, potassium, molybdenum, manganese, folate, chlorine, phosphorous, calcium and sodium. You may not be aware but cucumbers are even better than water. This is because it has about 96% water. What’s more is that, it’s naturally distilled. While using cucumbers, ensure that you consume it along with its skin as it contains a very high percentage of Vitamin A. But, make sure that you wash it properly before using the cucumber for juicing.
