In recent years, cold pressed juice has become quite popular, especially among those who prioritize their health.
There's something exciting about whipping up your own juice, stashing it in the fridge, and trying out new recipes.
But for expectant moms, the question often comes up: are cold-pressed juices safe and good for you? What is going on between cold pressed juice and pregnancy?
This article will explore how cold pressed juice fits into pregnancy, looking at its health benefits, safety tips, and some advice on how to add it to a nutritious pregnancy diet.
What is Cold Pressed Juice?
Cold pressed juice is made with a hydraulic press that squeezes juice out of fruits and veggies without using any heat.
Unlike regular juicing methods that use fast-spinning blades and can create heat that messes with nutrients, cold-pressed juice usually has more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The result is a fresh and colorful juice that’s packed with goodness and doesn’t have any additives or preservatives.
Benefits of Cold Pressed Juice During Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the need for good nutrition.
Cold pressed juices can offer important nutrients that help both the mother and the developing baby.
Essential Nutrients
Pregnancy puts your body in overdrive when it comes to needing important nutrients like folate, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and potassium.
Drinking cold-pressed juices made from fruits and veggies like spinach, kale, oranges, carrots, and beets can give you a boost of these essential nutrients.
Plus, these juices are packed with antioxidants, which are great for fighting off oxidative stress.
Hydration Support
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is crucial, as water plays a key role in supporting increased blood volume, maintaining amniotic fluid, and ensuring proper bodily functions.
Cold-pressed juices, which are largely water-based, can help you meet your daily fluid needs while also offering extra nutrients.
However, it's important to remember that these juices should complement your intake of pure water rather than replace it.
Easier Digestion
Many pregnant women have digestive problems like constipation or bloating because of hormonal changes.
Drinking cold-pressed juices that contain fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can help support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
However, this doesn't mean that cold pressed juice will detox your body during pregnancy.
Drawbacks of Cold Pressed Juice During Pregnancy
While cold pressed juice offers great nutritional benefits, it's essential for pregnant women to prioritize safety and be aware of the potential concerns associated with consuming it.
Risks of Unpasteurized Juice
One big worry with cold pressed juice during pregnancy is the chance of getting foodborne illnesses like listeria or salmonella.
Unlike pasteurized juices that are heated to kill off bad bacteria, cold pressed juices are usually raw and unpasteurized, making them more prone to contamination.
If you want to enjoy cold pressed juice, look for ones that are high-pressure processed (HPP) since this method eliminates bacteria without losing the nutrients.
Or, you could just whip up your own cold pressed juice at home using thoroughly washed fruits and veggies.
Pesticide Exposure
Opting for organic fruits and vegetables when making cold-pressed juice can reduce the risk of exposure to harmful pesticides, which is particularly crucial during pregnancy.
If organic choices aren't accessible, it's essential to wash the produce thoroughly to ensure safety.
Sugar Content
Although the natural sugars found in cold pressed juice are healthier than refined sugars, consuming them in large quantities can still lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
Many cold pressed juices, particularly those mainly made from fruits, tend to be high in natural sugars.
Pregnant women should be cautious about their sugar consumption to prevent excessive weight gain and gestational diabetes.
So, go for juices that are mostly made from veggies and toss in just a little bit of fruit for some sweetness.
Some combos are cucumber, celery, spinach, and just a splash of apple or lemon for flavor.
What Do Professionals Say About Cold Pressed Juice and Pregnancy?
When it comes to cold pressed juice and pregnancy, healthcare professionals don’t always see eye to eye.
Nutritionists typically suggest that pregnant women incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into their diets and may recommend cold pressed juice as a helpful source of vitamins and minerals.
On the other hand, obstetricians often caution pregnant women against consuming unpasteurized juices because of the potential risk of foodborne illnesses.
They usually advise choosing pasteurized juices or preparing homemade cold pressed juice and consuming it shortly after it’s made.
Make Cold Pressed Juice at Home
Both nutritionists and obstetricians suggest selecting quality ingredients and preparing your own cold-pressed juice at home.
If you want to stay safe and enjoy quality produce:
Always opt for organically grown produce to minimize your exposure to pesticides.
Make sure to wash and scrub your fruits and vegetables really well with a food-grade hydrogen peroxide solution or a special fruit and veggie wash, even if they're organic.
For homemade cold-pressed juice, it’s best to drink it right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to preserve freshness and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
Best Cold Pressed Juice Ingredients for Pregnancy
When making or choosing cold pressed juices during pregnancy, pick ingredients that offer good nutrition.
Here are some great choices:
- Leafy Greens (like Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard) are loaded with folate, iron, and calcium, which are super important for baby’s growth and keeping anemia at bay.
- Citrus Fruits (think Oranges, Grapefruits, Lemons) are full of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost your immune system and improve iron absorption.
- Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A in your body, supporting your vision and immune health.
- Beets are packed with iron, folate, and potassium, they help keep your blood pressure in check and avoid anemia.
- Ginger is known for fighting nausea, so it can be a lifesaver for those morning sickness moments.
- Apples bring a good dose of fiber and vitamin C, plus a natural sweetness that complements veggie juices.
- Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories and can help with swelling and bloating.
In Summary
You can enjoy cold-pressed juice during pregnancy as long as you stick to organic ingredients that are washed well, make your own juice, and drink it within the first 24 hours.
At Drink Juice Co, our female team gets how important it is to keep up healthy habits while getting ready to be a mom, and we think that’s pretty admirable.
We’re also excited to help you out with some healthy drinks after pregnancy.