Pumpkin is one of the traditional vegetables of autumn. In addition to its good taste, it is a coveted decoration for the interior and the garden. But it is also a great help in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Not only the vegetable itself has positive health benefits, but also its juice. We will learn more about the benefits and damage of pumpkin juice for women, how to drink the drink, if it can be consumed during pregnancy, breastfeeding.
Chemical composition and calories of pumpkin juice
Pumpkin juice helps slow down the aging process. This effect is mainly due to its high nucleic acid content. This healthy drink also contains fiber, iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins K, B2, B3, B5, E.
Reinforces the immune system, which is especially important during cold and winter days, the cold and flu season. The juice favors the regeneration of all the cells of the body, the pancreatic activity, acts as a natural laxative to protect the intestines. The formation of renal calculations, inflammation, reduce the symptoms of depression, the beneficial effects on the skin on the treatment of eczema can be prevented.
The usefulness of pumpkin juice is not surprising after reading its composition. The useful substances content is indicated in 100 ml. Drink (RSD – recommended daily dose):
| Nutritional value | Vitamins | Minerals | ||||||
| Substance | Amount | RSD | Vitamin | Amount | RSD | Minerals | Amount | RSD |
| Carbohydrates | 4. 9 г | 2% | А | 4992 IU | 100% | Calcium | 15 mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1. 1 г | 4% | С | 4. 7 mg | 8% | Iron | 0. 6 mg | 3% |
| Fats | 0. 1 г | 0% | Е | 0. 8 mg | 4% | Magnesium | 9 mg | 2% |
| Omega 3 | 2 mg | — | К | 0. 8 mcg | 1% | Match | 30 mg | 3% |
| Omega 6 | 2 mg | — | Thiamine | 0. 1 mg | 2% | Potassium | 230 mg | 7% |
| Protein | 0. 7 г | 1% | Riboflavin | 0. 1 mg | 5% | Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| 20 kcal | 1% | Niacina | 0. 4 mg | 2% | Zinc | 0. 2 mg | 2% | |
| Water | 94 г | В5 | 0. 2 mg | 2% | Copper | 0. 1 mg | 5% | |
| В6 | 0. 1 mg | 2% | Manganese | 0. 1 mg | 4% | |||
Benefits and damages of pumpkin juice for women
Pumpkin juice is a healthy drink. Its health benefits of women are due to its high content of micronutrients, fiber and low percentage of carbohydrates. There are no scientific research yet to objectively evaluate all its health benefits. But it is known that the drink contains a series of nutrients whose positive effects on the body have already been demonstrated. However, if you have health problems, consult your doctor before consuming pumpkin juice.
- Pumpkin contains a lot of β-carotene, which partially becomes vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is important to strengthen the intestinal mucosa and helps the body to fight infections.
- Vitamin A also helps the retina to absorb light, maintaining a clear vision even in low light conditions. Destroy the germs, guarantees the proper functioning of the female reproductive system and keeps the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs healthy.
- Vitamin A reduces the risk of lung cancer. Studies show that it is effective when consumed only in its natural form and not as a dietary supplement.
- Pumpkin vitamins help maintain a healthy view even at an advanced age.
- Vitamins C, E, folic acid and iron favor immunity. People with vitamin A tend to have a weaker immune system.
- Vitamin C favors the production of white blood cells and accelerates healing.
- The combination of vitamins, minerals (zinc, vitamins C, E, β-carotene, copper) prevents the degeneration of age-related yellow spots, cataracts.
- Pumpkin antioxidants (β-carotene, vitamins C, e) are important for skin health. Preliminary studies have shown that β-carotene protects against the harmful UV rays, improving the appearance and texture of the skin.
- The consumption of pumpkin juice can reduce the risk of premature obesity and death.
- Carotenoids act as a natural sunscreen.
- Vitamin C is necessary for the body to produce collagen, keeping healthy skin.
- Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer). Studies show that pumpkin antioxidants can prevent stomach, throat, pancreas and breast cancer.
- Another function of antioxidants is to avoid the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol. Oxidation causes its adhesion to the walls of blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart disease.
- The consumption of foods rich in β-carotene can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with abdominal obesity, as well as factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes (blood pressure, poor blood glucose control, increased triglycerid levels).
- People who consume enough potassium tend to have blood pressure and a lower risk of stroke. Potassium can also prevent renal calculations and the development of type 2. Diabetes increases bone mineral density, keeps healthy bones and prevents loss of muscle mass.
- Pumpkin juice prevents and relieves constipation and diarrhea.
- The drink improves hair status (vitamin A intervenes in the formation of capillary structure).
Pumpkin juice also reduces the risk of osteoporosis. In women, this problem usually appears after menopause. The pumpkin has a preventive effect against the thinning of the bones, mainly because of its high zinc content. The joints are also related to the bones; Although drinks does not directly help joint diseases or cure, it can relieve various painful reactions of the organism.
Possible damage
For most healthy adult women, the moderate consumption of pumpkin juice is safe. However, it can cause damage when combined with certain medications. Excess of potassium in the blood can cause hyperkalemia (fatigue, cramps, weakness and even death) and vitamin A overdose (jaundice, yellowish skin coloration, eyes, liver and kidney problems, liver damage).
How to correctly take pumpkin juice for women
The recommended daily dose of pumpkin drink has not been determined scientifically. It can be taken as a normal fruit or vegetable juice. If you have health problems or take medication regularly, consult your doctor about your diet inclusion.
About 100 ml of pumpkin juice a day are useful for preventive purposes.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially after childbirth, medicinal pumpkin juice is excellent for the general recovery of lost energy, complementing minerals, improving skin quality, hair and nails.
Useful effects of pumpkin juice consumption during pregnancy:
- Improvement of hematopoyesis processes. The vegetable contains iron, copper, which prevents the risk of anemia during pregnancy, reduces the load on the cardiovascular system, which almost doubles during this period.
- Reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Pumpkin juice reduces the probability of allergic reactions to certain food groups, which is typical of pregnant women.
- Relieve nausea. Vegetable drink is a good help against morning nausea that bother most pregnant women.
- Prevention and treatment of gum bleeding. The pumpkin juice consumed by a pregnant woman will be an excellent remedy to strengthen teeth, gums, which weaken during pregnancy.
This drink is also good for breastfeeding. But there are situations in which it can be harmful. It is advisable to avoid consumption in the following cases:
- First drink consumption (unpredictability of the organism’s reaction to an unknown product);
- Trend to constipation: Pumpkin can aggravate the problem;
- Infant baby of less than 3 months.
To lose weight
Although pumpkin is rich in nutrients, it is a lo w-calorie vegetable. It contains much less calories than potatoes and rice, among others. Thanks to its low energy value, it is recommended to consume pumpkin juice when a thinning diet is followed. In addition, this useful vegetable is an excellent fiber source, whose important capacity is to prolong the feeling of satiety and calm the appetite.
For some ailments
The aforementioned fiber is an important substance, but not the only beneficial one for the body that contains this autumn vegetable. It contains large amounts of other valuable components, such as potassium, selenium, sodium, iron, zinc, lutein, phosphorus, nucleic acid and vitamin A. These substances have beneficial effects on the nervous system, heart, circulation, renewal and cell regeneration, wrinkle formation, sight, quality of teeth, hair and nails. They favor the treatment of various skin diseases.
In addition, scientific studies have confirmed that regular consumption of pumpkin juice is an excellent natural cancer prevention.
Vegetable drink also helps with rheumatism, diabetes, gout, strengthens the immune system as a whole, contributing to the treatment of colds, flu.
Contraindications
But do not hurry to consume pumpkin juice without thinking – the benefits for women when taken go hand in hand with negative manifestations, contraindications. Some people can be allergic to pumpkin. This is more frequent in allergic people to citrus fruits, melon, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and bananas.
Who should not take pumpkin juice:
- People with kidney disease should avoid consuming large amounts of potassium. The consequences of the disability of the kidneys to eliminate excess blood potassium can be fatal.
- Taking β-blockers or ECA inhibitors at the same time as pumpkin (or other potassium-rich foods) can cause potassium overdose: hyperkalemia.
- Eating large quantities of pumpkin and pumpkin juice can prevent lithium excretion, which can cause a series of side effects caused by this medication.
How to collect and store
Pumpkin juice can be prepared in many different ways. Here you have 3 recipes that make the most of the taste of this healthy vegetable and are good for your digestive system and your health in general.
The classic homemade pumpkin juice
Cut the pumpkin pulp into pieces that they think in a squeezer. Do not worry if there are seeds in the pulp: they will only increase the benefits of the drink. After squeezing it, you can sweeten the homemade pumpkin juice to your liking or add spices, cinnamon, nutmeg.
Hot pumpkin
This recipe is literally made for cold winter afternoons. To do it, you will need
- Pumpkin juice (see previous recipe)
- milk;
- molten white chocolate
- cinnamon;
- Ground ginger;
- nutmeg;
- vanilla sugar.
- Mix pumpkin juice with milk and chocolate and cook over low heat.
- Add cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to taste.
- Sweeten the smoothie or add vanilla seeds.
Pumpkin juice with lemon
To prepare a delicious pumpkin juice you will need
- juicy pulp;
- a few oranges;
- lemon;
- sugar to taste.
- Mix the squeezed pumpkin juice, orange juice and lemon juice.
- Add beet or cane sugar to taste.
- You can add mint leaves, pumpkin cubes to decorate.
- It is best to cool the drink with ice cubes.
All previous recipes require a lot of time. However, the taste of the final product is worth it.
To keep it for a long time, pumpkin juice must be packaged in previously sterilized jars. Place them in a cool place, where it is kept for no more than 2 years. The optimal temperature is up to +25 ° C, humidity – not exceeding 75%.
Conclusion
Have you realized that pumpkin has become very popular among consumers in recent years? Many people are waiting for the arrival of this vegetable season to consume a healthy product at a very reasonable price.
Pumpkin juice contains more than 90% water, so it is considered a dietary product. It also contains vitamin C, group B vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and fiber, so it is an important component of a healthy diet. This vegetable drink is also suitable for gallbladder diseases and pancreas and, due to its low sodium content, people with hypertension are recommended.
