The benefits and harms of carrot juice: prepare and drink correctly with maximum therapeutic effect
Vegetable drinks are good for health - juices from carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes. Carrot juice saturates the body with B vitamins and has a beneficial effect on vision and digestion.
The drink is nutritious and dietary, looks appetizing. We will talk about the benefits and harms of carrot juice further.
Compound
Freshly squeezed juice has a unique composition. 100 g contains 0.15 g of fat, 0.95 g of protein and 9.3 g of carbohydrates. Calorie content – 40 kcal. Translated into daily consumption: per 100 g – 1% proteins, 0% fats, 3% carbohydrates.
Useful material consisting of:
- fat-soluble vitamins – vitamin A, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, vitamins E and K;
- water-soluble vitamins – vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 and B9;
- microelements - phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium, iodine and others.
Harm and benefit to the human body
100 g of drink contains the daily requirement of vitamin A, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive and nervous systems.
Interesting! The term "carotene" comes from carrot. It was in carrots that these substances were first discovered.
Phytoncides – natural antibiotics – are also beneficial for the body. They help fight bacterial diseases. Dietary fiber in the drink cleanses the intestines, working as a scrub, removing toxins and harmful substances.
However, excessive consumption of carrot juice leads to problems with the pancreas.If you drink a lot of juice for people suffering from ulcers or gastritis, stomach pain occurs. This is especially true during periods of exacerbation of diseases. Another consequence of an excess of carrot juice in the body is yellow complexion, which occurs due to the increased content of carotene in the body.
For various diseases and for their prevention
A carrot drink has beneficial properties and has few contraindications. It is used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases:
- One glass before meals increases the production of gastric juice. This has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Beta-carotene and lutein accumulate on the retina of the eye and serve as protection and increase visual acuity.
- Carotenoids lower blood sugar levels.
- Potassium prevents muscle cramps and lowers cholesterol levels.
For women, men and children
By drinking the drink during pregnancy, the young mother and the future baby receive vitamins and minerals for development. This product serves as an effective replacement for calcium from the pharmacy. The difference is that calcium from vegetables is completely absorbed by the body. During toxicosis, pregnant women are recommended to drink a drink with a small amount of fresh ginger.
Attention! Carotene activates female sex hormones, which helps maintain youth and energy. The drink has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
For men, the juice is useful because vitamin A improves potency and the synthesis of seminal fluid. This has a positive effect on men's health.
For young children, the medicinal drink is diluted with water to avoid allergies. The drink improves immunity and replenishes vitamin deficiencies.For children over 7 years old, the juice is not diluted, but it is not recommended to drink it often.
Daily consumption rates
To understand how to drink carrot juice correctly, you should first familiarize yourself with the recommended consumption rates for this product.
Children under one year old - 30 ml per day, from one year to 12 years - from 70 to 120 ml. Adults are recommended to drink one glass a day in 2 divided doses.
Homemade carrot juice is prepared in two ways. It’s quick and convenient to pass carrots through a juicer or process them using a blender. If these household appliances are not available, grate and squeeze through cheesecloth. If desired, mix with apple, beet or pumpkin juice - when consuming such a cocktail, carotene is better absorbed.
Uses of carrot juice
In cooking There are several processing methods. One of them is with a lot of salt, based on the principle of preparing tomato juice. Another way is with the addition of sugar and citric acid. In both cases, thanks to sterilization, the carrot drink is stored for a long time.
But cooking is not the only area where carrot juice is used. It is no less popular in folk medicine and cosmetology.
In folk medicine
Carrot juice with the addition of honey is used in the treatment of colds. For bronchitis, a mixture of 200 ml of juice and 2 tsp. honey take 2-3 tbsp. l. 3 times a day. If you have a cough, rinse your mouth with juice 2-3 times a day. For a runny nose, drop 3 drops of juice into each nasal passage 2-3 times a day (for children, dilute with water 1:1). For vision problems, drink 1-2 glasses a day.
In cosmetology
In face masks, the active substances of carrots fight the first signs of skin aging, have a rejuvenating effect, and smooth out small wrinkles.Face cream with the addition of carrot juice protects the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays and establishes a hydrolipid balance in the skin.
Interesting! Carrot hand cream is called anti-aging. It fights pigment spots and softens the skin. For nails, such a cream is also necessary: it strengthens the nail plate, makes it shiny and elastic.
Carrot masks strengthen hair and make it more elastic. With systematic use, the risk of dandruff decreases.
For weight loss
The drink helps cleanse and heal the body. Carrots contain fat-soluble vitamins, the absorption of which is impossible without the consumption of oils and fats. Therefore, nutritionists advise adding almond or coconut milk to carrot juice.
Carrot diets vary in composition and duration. Nutritionists recommend choosing mixed diets so that all nutrients are absorbed. Salads, casseroles, puddings, and soufflés are made from carrots.
The carrot diet is designed for 5, 7 or 10 days. In addition to carrot juice, they consume apple puree, boiled eggs, beetroot and cucumber salads. For the diet, only young and fresh vegetables are used; salt, sugar, pepper and other spices are not added to dishes.
Important! A little olive oil is added to the carrot drink so that beta-carotene is absorbed faster.
Contraindicated for whom
This juice is contraindicated for people prone to allergies, gastritis and high acidity of gastric juice. It is not recommended to consume juice in large quantities for people with diabetes or ulcers. With abuse, increased fatigue, drowsiness, severe headaches, and stomach discomfort are observed.
Reviews
Carrot juice is popular among supporters of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. Here are some reviews about this product.
Anastasia, 28 years old: «I started drinking carrot juice on an empty stomach after giving birth. First, I grated it, squeezed it out and drank 2 tsp. After a year of torment, I bought a juicer, and now we drink carrot juice with the whole family.”
Dmitry, 42: “I have known about the benefits of carrots since childhood. When vision problems began, I remembered my grandmother’s words about the benefits of orange vegetables. Now I not only nibble carrots, like in childhood, but also prepare juice for myself and my family. My wife noticed that her nails became stronger and her hair looked better.”
Svetlana, 32 years old: “We stock up on vitamins for our entire long winter. That's why we can a lot. We make carrot juice as soon as we can buy fresh ones.”
Conclusion
Freshly squeezed carrot juice has been and remains one of the favorite healthy drinks of children and adults. Thanks to its unique composition, it helps in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and improves immunity. Prepare the drink using a juicer or blender. Regular consumption improves vision, makes hair and skin healthy, and normalizes digestion.