Fruits of any kind are a gift of nature, whose importance is invaluable. Not only do they help relieve the feeling of hunger, but they are also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, which in similar compositions are only found in some fruits. As a general rule, it is advisable to give preference to the fruits cultivated in the region itself.
This is due not only to the early harvest, but also to the most appropriate composition for the body. But some exceptions always break the rules. Among them are oranges, very popular in our country. Both they and their juice are a real vitamin bomb. Let’s see if orange juice is allowed for pregnant women, and in what quantity.
Chemical composition of orange juice in pregnancy
Oranges come from China; They arrived in Europe around the year 400 A. D. These fruits give a lot of juice due to their high water content, up to 87%. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B6, Bioflavonoids. Orange juice also contains minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium), fiber (pectin) that favors digestion. Contains silicon and a series of micronutrients.
Orange juice is known for its high vitamin C content. It is the main “engine” of cell life, participating in billions of chemical metabolic reactions every second. It is the answer to the question of whether pregnant women can drink natural orange juice: vitamin C is essential to maintain the health of the future mother and baby.
Nutritional value of orange juice (100 ml.):
| Kj | Kcal | Proteins | Carbohydrates | Fats | Fiber | Calcium | Glycemic index |
| 180 | 40 | 0. 9 г | 9 г | 0. 3 г | 3. 5 г | 55 mg | 60 |
Other substances – vitamins, minerals:
- Potassium – 220 mg;
- Magnesium – 12 mg;
- iron – 0. 1 mg ;;
- Phosphorus – 17 mg;
- Vitamin C – 70 mg.
You can drink orange juice during pregnancy
The ideal during pregnancy is to drink freshly squeezed orange juice, that is, prepared for yourself instead of purchased in the store. In addition to vitamin C and potassium, important during pregnancy, this drink also contains folic acid and other valuable components. For many pregnant women, orange juice is a way to escape morning nausea. In addition, thanks to its rich composition in essential substances, it contributes to the healthy development of the fetus.
Useful orange juice properties (during pregnancy)
Orange juice helps reduce the risk of renal calculations and improves the status of women with gestational diabetes. In case of pr e-managed depression, its pleasant smell will also improve your mood.
Oranges are the favorite winter fruit of many people. It is not surprising, because in addition to their excellent taste, they have many health benefits.
For the immune system
The benefits of freshly squeezed orange juice for pregnant women lie especially in their high vitamins A and C. Thanks to them, juice reinforces the immune system; Therefore, a cold with nasal drip, a cough that can bring a series of complications to the organism of a pregnant woman, can avoid it. If the disease is already present, a glass of orange juice per day will accelerate the treatment.
For diabetes
Red orange juice is recommended to pregnant women suffering from gestational and “normal” diabetes due to their ability to reduce blood sugar levels. For diabetics it is very important to maintain blood glucose levels, so (after consulting your doctor) it is advisable to include red orange juice in your menu.
Against kidney calculations
Enriching the menu of a pregnant woman with orange juice can reduce the risk of renal calculations. So become friends with these southern fruits in case you are prone to this disease.
Digestive help
Due to its high fiber content, orange juice favors healthy digestion, cleaning the intestines. Its regular consumption can also improve the absorption of nutrients, in particular the important iron in pregnancy.
Against constipation
Oranges and juice contain soluble and insoluble fiber. It helps maintain proper intestinal and stomach functioning, prevents irritable intestine syndrome. In addition, fiber helps relieve constipation, which most pregnant women face.
Against fatigue
The lack of vitamin C usually manifests itself in the form of chronic fatigue, due to a decrease in the metabolic rate of 70% or less. This entails a decrease in performance and concentration. Pregnant women are also at risk. In such a situation, a glass of orange juice can do wonders.
Cancer protection
Oranges contain phytochemicals that protect against cancer. The juice of this fruit is rich in citrus limonoids. It has been shown that these substances help fight many types of cancer, such as skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.
Activate all body glands
The important glands, such as the pituitary gland or the adrenal marrow, need a lot of vitamin C and, therefore, have the greatest concentration of it throughout the organism. Therefore, an adequate vitamin C intake provided by orange drink should be something natural for everyone, including pregnant women.
For heart disease and hypertension
Oranges contain potassium, the mineral electrolyte responsible for the proper functioning of the heart. Its low level can cause the development of an abnormal heart rate, arrhythmia. Drinking 1 cup of juice a day strengthens the heart and blood vessels. Benefits for pregnant women is also to reduce the risk of hypertension, a frequent cause of a dangerous condition – preeclampsia.
For ocular health
Oranges and their juice are a rich source of carotenoids. Vitamin to present in them plays an important role in the maintenance of the health of the mucous membranes of the eyes. He is also responsible for preventing macular degeneration associated with age, which can cause blindness, and helps the eyes to absorb light.
Vascular protection
This delicious southern fruit effectively protects blood vessels, subject to significant pressure during pregnancy. Thanks to its high vitamin C content, the walls of blood vessels remain elastic and transitable enough. The inclusion of orange juice in the daily menu reduces the risk of vasoconstriction (atherosclerosis).
Against depression
The smell of oranges has a beneficial effect on the typical depressive state of some women during pregnancy, relieves bad mood, stress irritability. Oranges are also an excellent antioxidant, since they help fix free radicals. They help keep the body and skin fresh, thus reducing the symptoms of aging.
For the skin
There are several reasons why oranges are used in the cosmetic industry. Many masks and facial creams contain the extract of this fruit as a key ingredient.
Experts attribute these effects to vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. These substances have direct and positive effects on the skin. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. In addition, its pigment is capable of repairing skin damages caused by sunlight and improving skin elasticity.
This vitamin is also an important component to maintain the general appearance and texture of the skin, preventing the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, oranges contain vitamin A, which maintains the health of skin membranes.
For the hair
Vitamin C present in oranges is essential for collagen production, responsible for the maintenance of capillary tissue. Therefore, enriching your diet with orange juice will make your hair stronger and stop or reduce your fall.
Cooking at home
The best source of the aforementioned substances that benefit the organism is the newly squeezed homemade juice. Packaged juice drinks are pasteurized, so their valuable content is destroyed.
The best way to prepare a fresh breakfast drink is to squeeze it in a squeezer. It is recommended to drink it immediately, do not keep it until next time. Besides, I never add sugar. Sweetened with honey if necessary.
The preparation of a fresh fruit classic is simple. Simply squeeze 2-3 fruits in a polishing. It can modify or enhance the taste with additional ingredients. Orange combines better with vegetable juices (especially carrot), apple juice. You can also add banana, ginger, mint, berries (for example, raspberries, strawberries). To vary, you can alternate the ingredients (their proportion must not exceed 1/3 of the total amount of the drink).
Orange beaten with celery
Orange juice is a popular drink that everyone likes. Improve it: prepare this healthy sweet drink full of vitamins.
- 5 oranges
- 3 carrots;
- 300 ml of water;
- 1 teaspoon of honey;
- If desired, a pinch of cinnamon, 3 ice cubes.
Put the washed and peeled oranges, grated carrots, water and honey in a blender and liquefy until you get a thick juice. Add ice or cinnamon cubes.
Many of the important substances mentioned above are found in white skin under the fruit bark. So keep in mind that juice with pulp is healthier.
What to eat and what amounts
During pregnancy, it is important to try to consume enough vitamins and minerals. Every future mother must feel good, and it is the substances of orange juice that make her feel good. But, of course, we must not abuse this healthy drink. A glass for breakfast or food is enough. This is the recommended daily dose.
The daily consumption of a glass of recently squeezed juice will not only refresh, but will contribute to the body all the necessary ingredients and prevent the risk of multiple sclerosis, cancer, degeneration of the yellow spot and other serious diseases.
Oranges also have a detoxifying effect and help clean the liver. To achieve these effects, it is recommended to take pure or diluted juice with water (2: 1) on an empty stomach.
Possible damages and contraindications
Some pregnant women avoid citrus, wanting to prevent allergies in the baby. But many doctors question the convenience of this measure. If you exclude any product from your diet, increase the probability that your baby is allergic to it. So if you love these exotic fruits, do not give up them. But keep in mind that citrus fruits are processed chemically. So, to avoid possible damage, always wash them with warm running water before peeling them. You can also buy ecological fruit. But, unfortunately, they are more expensive and are not usually available.
Conclusion
Regular orange juice consumption has numerous health benefits. In addition to being rich in flavonoids, they are a vitamin bomb, known for its high content of vitamin C. 1 cup of this drink covers up to 130% of the daily needs of this important vitamin, 2% of vitamin A and 6%of calcium.
This useful fruit also contains group B vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium, copper and carotenoids. All these substances are important not only for the wel l-being and good health of the future mother, but also for the correct development of the fetus.
