201 Organic Smoothies and Juices for a Healthy Pregnancy: Nutrient-Rich Recipes for Your Pregnancy Diet (15 page)

Good for fighting infections during pregnancy

The fear of getting sick or having fewer treatment options during pregnancy can be put to rest with this immune booster. Mangos are high in vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, niacin, fiber, and potassium, all of which help fight infection and toxins. In addition, kiwifruit contain more vitamin C than oranges, and they’re also high in antioxidants, which allow you to prevent those common colds or, if you do get sick, recover from them more quickly.

YIELDS: 1 CUP

2 mangos, pitted

3 kiwifruit, peeled

Juice mango and kiwi. Stir well before serving.

Good for your digestive system

If you experience a change in your digestive tract during pregnancy, this juice contains the best nutrients for your tummy health. Bromelain, a digestive enzyme found in pineapple, can help restore normal digestion, and papaya is a good source of vitamins A and C, which help remove waste products that can slow digestion.

YIELDS: 1
¹
⁄
₂
CUPS

1 cup pineapple

¹
⁄
₂
orange

1 papaya, seeded

Juice pineapple, orange, and papaya. Stir well.

Cabbage is high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and detoxifying sulfur compounds, which can assist in fighting off several germs found in common public places, like offices, restrooms, and schools. This juice will keep you and your baby-to-be healthy.

YIELDS: 1
¹
⁄
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CUPS

1 cup chopped cabbage

2 carrots, peeled

2 apples, cored

Juice cabbage, carrots, and apples. Stir.

Good for fighting infections during pregnancy

Pregnancy increases your risk for urinary infections, and incorporating the cranberry juice found in this recipe into your diet will help prevent bacteria from sticking to your bladder. Cranberries are very high in vitamin C. They’re only in season for a few months, but fresh berries purchased in November and December can be frozen and used throughout the year.

YIELDS: 1 CUP

1
¹
⁄
₄
cups cranberries

2 red apples, cored

Juice cranberries and apples. Stir.

Helps boost energy levels

Watermelon is very high in electrolytes, so this sweet treat is a glass of energy when you need it most during your pregnancy. Electrolytes help regulate your body’s fluids, which helps you maintain a healthy pH balance and supports an optimal level of body function. With this juice, your energy levels will also be more than efficient.

YIELDS: 1 CUP

1 cup watermelon, rind removed

1 lime, peeled

Juice watermelon and lime. Stir.

Good for fighting infections during pregnancy

If you’re exercising during pregnancy, this is the perfect juice to help strengthen those recovering muscles. The turnips, carrots, and watercress found in this recipe are good sources of vitamin C, which helps to fight off infections. Turnip is a root vegetable whose flavor varies from sweet to woody. It will keep for a long time in the refrigerator.

YIELDS: 1
¹
⁄
₄
CUP

1 apple, cored

1 turnip

2 carrots, peeled

¹
⁄
₂
cup watercress

Juice apple, turnip, carrots, and watercress. Stir.

Radishes are roots in the mustard family that are available year round. Their flavor is somewhat mild but has a peppery finish. The spiciness of the radish should help clear your sinus passages without medication, which many providers recommend you stay away from throughout pregnancy. And, while some spicy foods may not agree with your sensitive stomach during pregnancy, radishes may curb nausea in the first trimester by reducing the acid in your stomach.

YIELDS:
³
⁄
₄
CUP

2 tomatoes

4 radishes

Juice tomatoes and radishes. Stir.

Good for fighting infections during pregnancy

This juice will be most important for warding off any potential infections and may even prevent the need for any medications during your pregnancy. Fresh cranberries and oranges are very high in vitamin C, which will protect your body. In addition, cranberries have compounds called proanthocyanidins that will keep harmful bacteria from sticking to your bladder.

YIELDS:
¹
⁄
₂
CUP

2 cups cranberries

1 orange, peeled

Juice cranberries and orange.

Good for fighting infections during pregnancy

The last thing you want is for your immune system not to be in its best shape during your pregnancy. Nothing’s worse than being sick if you’re already not feeling your best! Fortunately, the strawberries and papayas found in this recipe are both known to help fight infections due to their high vitamin C content. In addition, the banana provides vitamin B
₆
for extra immune-system support.

YIELDS:
¹
⁄
₂
CUP

1 cup strawberries, hulls intact

1 papaya, seeded and peeled

1 banana, peeled

Juice berries and papaya separately. Blend juices in a blender. Add banana and blend until smooth.