Carrots are a very ancient crop cultivated by humans. The first mentions of this vegetable, found by archaeologists, date back to the period of 4 thousand years ago. It is interesting that the crop was initially grown for the sake of obtaining aromatic greens and seeds, and only in the first century AD. e. information appears about the use of carrot root for culinary purposes.
Carrot juice is consumed as a source of an impressive amount of vitamins and minerals.
Chemical composition and calorie content of carrot juice
The benefit or harm of any product depends on the components it contains. First, let's get acquainted with the chemical composition of carrot juice. 100 grams of drink contains:
- organic acids – 0.2 g;
- water – 84.6 g;
- potassium - 130 mg;
- dietary fiber – 1.0 g;
- ash – 0.4 g;
- calcium - 19 mg;
- magnesium - 7 mg;
- sodium - 26 mg;
- phosphorus - 26 mg;
- iron - 0.6 mg.
Carrots, as well as their juice, contain a large list of vitamins. It is for them that the drink is valued. It contains beta carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, alpha tocopherol, niacin, vitamins A, PP, NE, RE and E.
The level of protein and carbohydrates is low. The first component contains a little more than one gram per hundred grams of product, the second a little more than 12 g. There is also a barely noticeable amount of fat, no more than 0.1 g. There is little protein and carbohydrates, hence the low calorie content - 55-60 kcal per 100 g of product .
Contraindications to the use of carrots
Carrot juice in large quantities is contraindicated for peptic ulcers and hyperacidity gastritis at the stage of exacerbation of the disease. This product may increase the secretion of the digestive glands, which aggravates the patient's condition.
In addition, diabetics should consume carrot juice with caution. Boiled carrots have a high glycemic index, so people with diabetes should exclude them from their diet.
Author of the article:
Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna |
Herbalist Education: Diploma in General Medicine and Therapy received from the University named after N.I. Pirogov (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Herbal Medicine at the Moscow People's Friendship University (2008). Our authors
Properties of carrot juice (for men, women and children)
The composition of the drink is rich in various vitamins and microelements. Its usefulness has been proven by doctors. The juice can help with various diseases. The main thing is to take it correctly.
Benefit
Experts consider the composition of carrot juice to be unique. The drink contains a large amount of beta-carotene. The lack of this substance in the body leads to deterioration of vision. In addition, beta-carotene affects other systems. If the level of the substance is reduced, then problems arise with tooth enamel, bone strength and the effectiveness of the immune defense.
Carrot juice also has beneficial effects on the human body:
- anti-inflammatory;
- cleaning;
- antitumor;
- soothing;
- bactericidal.
The drink is rich in magnesium. This microelement is useful for the functioning of the heart and blood vessels of the body. Thanks to its composition, carrot juice helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
The product will also be useful for representatives of the fairer sex who strive to maintain their beauty. The vitamins contained in it strengthens hair, making it shiny and more resilient. The juice also helps maintain the beauty of the skin.
Harm and contraindications
There are many useful substances in the drink. But this does not mean that it can be used uncontrollably. The benefits and harms of carrot juice for the human body largely depend on the daily intake that a person takes. Consuming large quantities can lead to headaches, lethargy and drowsiness. If you stop drinking the juice, all side effects quickly disappear.
Contraindication for use is the presence of a number of diseases:
- stomach ulcer;
- gastritis with high acidity;
- colitis.
The product contains a fairly large amount of natural sugar. People suffering from diabetes should consume the drink with caution. It is also not recommended to abuse carrot juice if a person is overweight.
Benefit
Carrot juice has beneficial properties both raw and canned. Vitamins that are obtained from food are absorbed faster and better, unlike store-bought synthetic ones.
For men, women and children
For those planning to conceive children, the product has a positive effect. It contains substances that affect fertility. Men who regularly drink carrot juice have higher libido and potency, active sperm production and motility. The drink is a prevention of genitourinary diseases, which is important for men after 40 years of age.
Benefits and uses of carrot juice
For women , juice has an effect on hormonal disorders. The necessary synthesis of progesterone and estrogen is stabilized. As a result, metabolism improves, outbursts of irritation and tearfulness decrease. This is important during menopause, when it is especially difficult to control your mood. Vitamin E is an important element in a woman’s body; its deficiency affects the condition of hair and nails.
Children will benefit from the product in the autumn-winter period, when cases of respiratory viral infections become more frequent and the load on the immune system increases.
Babies are allowed to introduce juice after 6-8 months. It can be given pre-diluted with water (1:1) and without sugar.
For teenagers who spend a lot of time with gadgets, taking the product will help maintain visual acuity.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
The load on a woman’s body while carrying a child is double. Carrot juice reduces the risk of vitamin deficiency, helps get rid of constipation, swelling, and normalizes emotional outbursts.
The drink contains magnesium and calcium , which supports the normal skeletal system of both mother and fetus. We must not forget that a growing child takes calcium from the mother’s body, which can cause damage to a woman’s teeth.
Iron in juice helps prevent anemia in pregnant women. It is especially important to monitor iron levels for those who do not consume meat and dairy products. A child needs iron no less than a mother.
On a note! Colorful foods have been proven to improve your mood. During periods of frequent mood changes for a pregnant woman, carrot juice will help avoid depression.
Fresh vegetable maintains the elasticity of ligaments and muscles, which prevents unwanted stretch marks. Some pregnant women claim that a cold drink helps cope with toxicosis. To reduce nausea, it is correct to drink carrot drink in small sips through a straw so as not to stain your tooth enamel.
It is better to drink carrot juice through a straw so as not to damage your teeth enamel.
During lactation, there is a possibility that the product may cause allergies in the newborn. Therefore, orange crop varieties can be replaced with white, yellow or purple ones. To identify the baby’s reaction, you should drink a quarter glass of juice, gradually increasing the dosage. But it is not recommended to drink more than 300 ml per day.
When losing weight
Since the drink contains a lot of beta-carotene, which negatively affects the body in excess, you should not go on a carrot diet. Due to the fact that it contains fiber, it will satiate the stomach for a couple of hours. In this case, a slight diuretic and laxative effect is observed, due to which the weight will gradually decrease. But for the most part it will leave water from the body. Therefore, you should not get carried away with mono-diets.
If you add juice to a diet balanced according to BJU, it will not do any harm. Regarding the appearance of appetite after drinking the drink, people's opinions are divided. For some, food cravings decrease, for others, on the contrary, they increase. If you look from the point of view of nutrition, then with a correctly calculated daily caloric intake and diet, there will be no hunger during the day.
You shouldn’t consider carrot juice a magic elixir that will get rid of extra pounds, but it won’t hurt in a healthy diet. It is important to drink it for people involved in sports, since carrots contain simple carbohydrates. For this reason, it is better to postpone the evening drink until the morning. Natural sugar is quickly absorbed and provides energy. Fresh juice should be consumed 1-1.5 hours before training.
In cosmetology for face, hair and tanning
A budget-friendly and effective option to give your skin a radiant, healthy look is a mask with the addition of carrot juice. Carotene in the composition rejuvenates tissues and protects against harmful ultraviolet radiation. After such masks, melanin is more actively produced, the skin becomes velvety, soft pink.
Vitamin K reduces pigmentation and swelling. In combination with oils, masks moisturize the skin and renew cells.
An allergy test must be performed before applying the product to the skin. To do this, take 1 tsp. juice, apply to the back of the hand or the crook of the elbow and leave for 5-7 minutes. If there is no redness or itching, you can apply the mixture to your face and hair.
On a note! To see the result, you need to use masks 1-2 times a week for a month. More frequent use of carrot juice will give a yellowish tint to the face.
The easiest and most affordable way to use carrot juice for the skin: apply freshly squeezed drink to a cotton pad and wet your face with it for 1-2 minutes. Then wash with warm water and apply moisturizer.
Carrot mask
options for different skin types :
- with the addition of sour cream or cream for dry skin;
- with lemon and protein for oily skin;
- with honey for normal facial skin;
- with crushed oatmeal for problematic type ;
- with the addition of white clay and kefir against inflammation .
For women 40+, a mask made from fresh carrots with olive oil and honey is suitable. If the consistency of the mixture turns out to be too liquid, then you need to add potato or corn starch.
Biologically active substances in carrots improve hair condition. Blood circulation increases, dandruff decreases, hair becomes soft and shiny. If you already have a purchased mask at home that suits your hair type, then you can add a couple of teaspoons of fresh juice to it before application. The same can be done with body lotions or creams.
In order for the tan to lie evenly on the skin, it is allowed to apply the juice to the skin or consume it internally half an hour before going out into the sun. There are recipes that will temporarily change the color of the epidermis. For example:
- 50 ml of juice from the root vegetable must be mixed in equal parts with almond or peach oil.
- Apply to skin, wait until the mixture is absorbed.
- Remove any residue with a towel.
In medicine
Ophthalmologists recommend drinking fresh juice to strengthen the retina. Elderly people are especially susceptible to eye diseases. It will not be possible to cure serious problems with a drink, but it is quite possible to support the immune system with vitamins.
But no matter how many positive qualities the product has, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the attending physician.
In folk medicine
Vitamin C in the composition heals wounds and helps collagen production. But it is worth paying attention that the product should not be applied to an open wound. According to folk recipes, the juice is used and taken for anemia, burns, and abrasions. There are cases when oncological diseases disappeared with regular use.
Carrot juice with pulp
The drink is drunk for cardiovascular diseases, with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
For frequent colds and hacking coughs, the product is mixed with warm milk (1:1) and honey.
In combination with a decoction of chamomile flowers, the medicinal properties of the juice help with stomatitis and gum disease.
Features of the use of traditional medicine
Vegetables and fruits often become ingredients in folk remedies. Carrot juice was no exception. The drink is used in folk medicine to treat a wide variety of diseases.
Attention! Any prescription of unofficial medicine should be used with caution. A preliminary consultation with a doctor is required.
Diabetes
Carrot drink helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. This property can help patients with diabetes by improving the condition of blood vessels, which often suffer from this disease. But you shouldn't overuse juice. It contains a large amount of sugars. Doctors recommend that patients with diabetes drink no more than one glass per day.
Pancreatitis
The components included in the product stimulate the production of bile. This circumstance is harmful for pancreatitis, as it increases the load on the pancreas.
Important! During an exacerbation of the disease, doctors categorically do not recommend drinking carrot juice.
During remission, doctors prescribe a special diet that helps normalize the functioning of the pancreas. At this time, drinking carrot juice is allowed. But first of all, get recommendations from your doctor. He will be able to accurately indicate the permitted amount of drink.
Benefits of carrot juice for the liver
The drink helps cleanse the body. It is recommended to include it in your regular diet in both traditional and folk medicine. Several recipes are used to solve problems with liver function:
- Mix equal amounts of juice and milk heated to 70 degrees. It is recommended to drink the resulting product in the morning, instead of breakfast. Take no more than a glass of the product per day. If you still cannot do without eating, then you can eat only after at least an hour. The recipe helps with functional disorder of the motor function of the hepatic ducts and gallbladder.
- The following recipe uses a mixture of carrot, cucumber and beet juice. All ingredients are mixed in equal proportions. The resulting remedy is taken half a glass three times a day 20 minutes before meals. The recipe is used for biliary dyskinesia.
In folk and traditional medicine, not only carrot juice is used. Seeds are widely used. A decoction of them helps with urolithiasis. Also in a similar situation, juice is used, which is drunk a tablespoon 4-6 times a day. The procedures are repeated for 4-6 months.
Gastritis
Important! For gastritis with high acidity, doctors do not recommend drinking carrot juice.
The drink has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. If the acidity is low, then it is recommended to use it daily. At the same time, if gastritis is diagnosed, then you should not drink a lot. It is better to limit yourself to half a glass of freshly squeezed drink three times a day, half an hour before meals. This technique is also recommended as a prophylactic against gastritis.
Oncology
In case of malignant neoplasms, it is important to support the functioning of the body. Carrot juice, rich in vitamins and microelements, is a good helper in this matter. In addition, the product contains phytoncides. Garlic and onions also contain a lot of these substances, and these are the products that are used to improve the functioning of the immune system.
For oncology, both doctors and traditional healers recommend drinking carrot juice. It is important that it is freshly squeezed and not get too carried away with the drink. It is recommended to consume half a glass of the product per day, before meals. The course lasts two weeks, after which there is a break for seven days.
Carrot juice for the intestines and stomach
The drink helps cleanse the body. It removes toxins. In addition, the composition includes fiber, which helps normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. These properties are used in both official and alternative medicine.
To solve problems with the stomach and intestines, several folk recipes are used. The first uses a mixture of carrot juice and honey. To do this, take one part of each component. Use immediately after infusion for no more than 10-15 minutes. For diarrhea, use a mixture of juices. Drinks made from carrots, beets and celery cuttings are taken in equal parts. The resulting mixture is drunk half a glass half an hour before meals.
Rules for drinking carrot drink, possible harm
Carrot juice is a fairly concentrated product, and therefore, its use is prohibited in the presence of ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, colitis, gastritis in the acute stage, or serious liver problems. For diabetic patients, a doctor's permission is required before taking fresh juice. Of course, you should not drink juice if you are intolerant or allergic to it.
Excessive consumption of the product may lead to diarrhea. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules for its use:
- You should only drink freshly prepared juice. It is squeezed from peeled root vegetables using an electric juicer. You can also grate the root and squeeze through cheesecloth into a glass.
- If there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then it is better to consume fresh juice half an hour before meals, including in the morning on an empty stomach.
- For a healing effect, it is enough to take the drink 3 times a day, 0.2 liters each. For better absorption of vitamin A, you can add 15 grams of cream or vegetable oil to a glass.
- Fresh juices from apples, citrus fruits or pumpkin added to carrot juice will add variety to the diet.
The most common occurrence of excessive drinking is yellowing of the skin. If you have any medical conditions, you should obtain a doctor's permission before consuming the concentrated drink.
In ancient times, the bright root vegetable carrot rightfully received the royal name “queen of vegetables.” Carrot juice is the leader in the content of the powerful antioxidant β-carotene. The drink is rich in alkalis and vitamins, and is an affordable remedy that helps in the treatment of a large number of diseases.
How to drink carrot juice correctly
The permitted amount of orange drink to drink on Sunday is an individual indicator, depending on the person’s health status. If everything is in order, then you can drink 3-6 glasses a day. If you have any illnesses, it is better to consult a doctor first.
Important! Excessive consumption of carrot juice can adversely affect a person's condition. Drinking alcohol leads to weakness and headaches.
You can drink it in its pure form, most often on an empty stomach. But for better absorption, it is better to combine juice with various fats. Cream or olive oil is suitable for this. Contains vitamins that are essential for fat. If you combine these products, there will be more benefits for the body.
Features of use
There are different situations in life. For example, during pregnancy, numerous changes occur in the female body. Therefore, the approach to taking this or that drug should change so as not to harm the unborn child and the mother herself. What is the best way to consume carrot juice on special occasions?
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
The drink helps cleanse the body of toxins, normalizes liver function and strengthens the body's protective functions. All this is useful during the period of bearing a child. In addition, the drink helps saturate the body with iron and other microelements, which will have a beneficial effect on the development of the child.
During the period of breastfeeding a newborn, a drink made from root vegetables is also useful. Along with it, the mother’s body will receive the missing substances, which will subsequently reach the baby. But it is precisely because of the latter circumstance that juice intake should be treated with caution. Allergies may appear in infancy. Therefore, it should be taken in small doses, constantly monitoring the child’s condition.
Important! Any product during the period of bearing a child, in addition to benefit, can also cause harm. Before taking, be sure to consult a doctor.
When losing weight
Carrot juice can also help in the fight against extra pounds. It helps improve intestinal function, has a weak diuretic and is rich in vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
When losing weight, root juice is used in different ways. A fasting diet is used. For 2-3 days I drink juice with a small amount of protein food. For the latter, you can take some nuts or bran porridge. The diet helps cleanse the gastrointestinal tract.
The juice is also used in a balanced diet. They drink it every morning on an empty stomach, one glass. The drink is also used instead of an afternoon snack. This method helps to “even out” a healthy appetite. Both methods will not remove extra pounds, but they will help supply the body with the necessary substances during the diet and will not allow harm to the digestive system.
Carrot juice during pregnancy
One of the unpleasant factors accompanying pregnancy is toxicosis. This exhausting phenomenon can deprive the expectant mother of her last strength. A carrot drink helps to significantly reduce the symptoms of this symptom due to its natural antioxidant properties.
By regularly consuming this product, the acid-base balance in the body gradually returns to normal, digestion improves and intestinal motility increases. Cleansing of waste and toxins accumulated in different parts of the body occurs naturally. The drink has a pleasant calming effect, having a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Vitamin C improves mood and helps relieve depression. A multivitamin drink increases the elasticity of blood vessels and muscles.
How to make fresh carrot juice
Root crops are harvested in late summer or early autumn. At this time, carrots are rich in vitamins and microelements necessary for health. It is advisable to choose healthy root vegetables, without traces of rot or other contamination.
The process itself can be divided into several stages:
- Clean root vegetables.
- Cut into pieces. It's better to make them smaller. Even if you have a powerful blender, carrots can damage it.
- We make fresh juice and let it settle. This is necessary so that the drink is saturated with vitamins and microelements.
- The last stage is getting rid of the pulp. To do this, the settled mass is passed through a sieve or gauze.
The result is a thick product. If you like a liquid drink, you can add cooled boiled water. You can also add orange juice for taste and increased “healthiness”.
How to store
It is recommended to consume healthy freshly squeezed carrot juice immediately. You can store it for no more than half an hour. Only in this case the medicinal properties of the drink are not lost. But it is not always possible to drink the entire prepared product at once. In such situations, there is a recipe that will help maintain the healing effect for a longer period.
To do this, freshly squeezed carrot juice is heated to a temperature of 80 degrees. After this, pour into sterilized glass jars and seal. The product can be stored in this form for several months.
Making juice at home
Homemade juices are valued for their naturalness. Each housewife independently determines how many plant components to add to the drink. He also chooses which varieties to make it from. At the same time, homemade versions do not contain artificial thickeners, colors or flavor enhancers, and freshly squeezed carrot juice is the most beneficial.
In cooking there are dozens of recipes on how to prepare the product. For example:
- freshly squeezed carrot juice without additives;
- juice from carrots, pumpkins and apples;
- apple-carrot with and without sugar;
- with the addition of beets and others.
Preparation of carrot juice
The following equipment can be used to obtain it:
- juicer;
- juice cooker;
- grater for vegetables;
- blender.
To make a raw detox smoothie, all you need is a juicer and vegetables. First, the root crop must be washed, peeled and passed through a press. An additional ingredient can be an apple or beets.
The product must be consumed within an hour, since freshly squeezed drink cannot be stored for a long time.
For winter preparations, the juice is boiled. The pulp can be left in or skimmed off during cooking. Recipe:
- Peel, cut or grate root vegetables. Place them in a saucepan and add enough water to cover the vegetables.
- Bring to a boil and then cook for about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cool and grind the mixture with a blender.
- Add granulated sugar, citric acid and mix. For 1 kg of carrots you will need 1 glass of sugar and 1 tsp. lemons.
- Return the pan with the mixture to the heat, bring to a boil again and simmer for another 4-5 minutes. The foam must be removed.
- Pour the drink into sterilized jars and roll up. The lids are also sterilized.
To obtain a liquid consistency, add more water at the beginning of cooking.
Canned carrot juice
A simple recipe that contains no additives other than vegetable fruits:
- To prepare, you will need to wash, peel and cut the carrots and apples in equal parts (the peel can be left, but the core removed).
- Pass them through a juicer and pour into a saucepan.
- Bring the drink to a boil, skimming off the foam. Boil for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Pour the juice into sterilized glass bottles or jars and roll up.
The product must be used within a year. In this case, the conditions for preserving carrot juice must be met; it can be stored in a cellar or cool room. Otherwise, the product will deteriorate in a couple of months.
