What is useful for pumpkin juice — 7 properties and contraindications

Pumpkin juice has gained wide popularity all over the world and is often included in baby food products.

It contains vitamins (A, C, B2, E), minerals (iron, copper, manganese, potassium), as well as a small amount of fiber.

Modern research points to important beneficial properties of pumpkin juice. It regulates energy processes in the body and neutralizes free radicals, fights cancer and chronic diseases.

7 useful properties

Let's focus on the main theses about the benefits of taking pumpkin juice (based on scientific sources of information).

1. It has an antioxidant effect

Scientists from Iran claim that the accumulation of large amounts of free radicals in the body leads to oxidative stress, which causes the development of malignant tumors, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular, digestive and endocrine systems.

The antioxidant substances present in the composition of freshly squeezed pumpkin juice neutralize free radicals, reducing the likelihood of proliferative processes.

For example, German scientists proved the ability of pumpkin juice to prevent the appearance of cancer, as well as age-related vision loss.

2. Strengthens the immune system

Pumpkin juice is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which improve the work of the immune system .

Vitamin A, according to the information scientists from the UK, increases the activity of local immunity factors to various external infectious agents (bacteria, fungi, viruses) and prevents the manifestation of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Also vitamin A, according to the data research by Korean specialists activates the production of immune system cells with the ability to phagocytosis. As a result, they effectively capture foreign agents that have entered the body.

Ascorbic acid plays a special role. Vitamin C accelerates the repair of damaged tissues and the synthesis of white blood cells.

Additional contribution is made by folic acid, iron and vitamin E, which normalize metabolic processes and help the immune system work.

3. Improves eyesight

With age, each person has a decrease in visual acuity, and the risk of developing degenerative diseases increases.

Research demonstrate that the low intake of vitamin A, which is abundant in pumpkin, is directly related to the high prevalence of "senile" blindness.

Pumpkin is also a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin. These substances prevent macular degeneration and reduce the likelihood of cataracts.  Both diseases can lead to complete or partial loss of vision.

4. Helps to lose weight

Pumpkin juice can help with weight loss. He has low in calories and contains a lot of water.

During the squeezing process, up to 30% of the fiber from the pumpkin also gets into the juice. About the role of fiber in weight loss we talked in a separate article.

The drink perfectly satisfies hunger, as fiber inhibits the appetite centers in the brain. As a result, the daily caloric content of the diet decreases slightly.

The effect of juice is not related to hormonal mechanisms and manifests itself to the same extent in the body of men and women.

5. Reduces the risk of developing cancer

Cancer plays an important role in the development of cancer impact free radicals

Pumpkin juice is rich in carotenoids, which inhibit free radicals. This medicinal property can protect the body from certain types of malignant tumors.

Chinese specialists celebrate high efficacy of carotenoids in reducing the risk of stomach cancer.

Pumpkin juice is also capable of reduce the risk of malignant degeneration of pancreatic, throat, and mammary tissues in women.

6. Improves the health of the heart and blood vessels

Pumpkin juice contains potassium, vitamin C and fiber. These groups of substances are necessary for coordinated work of the heart muscle .

Italian scientists installed that potassium slightly lowers blood pressure and reduces the likelihood of early development of hypertension.

Also pumpkin juice reduces the level of total cholesterol and its atherogenic fractions (low and very low density lipoproteins), therefore, prevents the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries and the development of fatal vascular catastrophes (ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction).

The drink affects key risk factors for the development of cardiovascular pathologies. It is recommended for all persons of older age groups.

7. Improves the condition of the skin

Beta-carotene and various carotenoids of pumpkin juice protect the skin is protected from harmful solar radiation and the appearance of burns.

Carotenoids, after absorption in the digestive tract, enter almost all cells of the body, including the skin.

They improve metabolic processes and increase resistance to external infectious agents (bacteria, fungi, viruses), that is, reduce the likelihood of infectious and inflammatory processes in the skin and subcutaneous fat.

Vitamin C plays an equally important role. He increases smoothness and elasticity of the skin. As a result, wrinkles are less common.

Possible harm

Pumpkin juice has contraindications and can cause harm to health. Side effects include:

1. Dehydration. Despite the abundance of water in the composition, pumpkin has a diuretic effect and leads to loss of water and electrolytes. It is not recommended to take more than 200 ml of the drink at a time.
2. Allergic reactions. Are rare and manifest in mild form (dyspeptic disorders or skin reactions).

Pumpkin juice can be taken by children as well as pregnant women. It increases the adaptive abilities of the body of the expectant mother and increases blood flow to the developing fetus.

Admission Tips

Let's focus on the key rules of healthy juice consumption:

1. What kind of juice to drink. Pumpkin juice contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidant components than pumpkin pulp. However, they are destroyed during prolonged storage (more than 1-3 hours) or conservation. Preference should be given to freshly squeezed juice.
2. When you can take it. It is better to drink a drink during the daytime and after meals. Taking on an empty stomach (in the morning) or on an empty stomach can lead to dyspeptic disorders.
3. Daily rate. 200-400 ml of the drink is enough for an adult per day, for women during pregnancy – up to 500 ml.
4. Combination. Pumpkin juice is an independent dish. It can also be mixed with the juice of carrots, oranges, zucchini or melons, add berries.

Conclusion

1. Pumpkin juice has a unique combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
2. It is able to prevent the development of chronic diseases (mainly from the heart, blood vessels and organs of vision), cancer, improve skin condition and strengthen the immune system.
3. Pumpkin juice is recommended to take during pregnancy. It increases the adaptive capacity of the mother's body and increases the flow of blood with nutrients to the fetus.
4. The product can cause side effects, which requires a careful approach to its inclusion in the diet.