How to make Pumpkin Juice?
Pumpkin juice is an extremely versatile juice that is used in several recipes apart from being consumed in its raw form. The method of making pumpkin juice is quite simple. Before proceeding to make pumpkin juice, ensure that the pumpkin is sweet which is suitable for eating or making pies. These pumpkins are relatively smaller in size. The pumpkin should also have consistent colour.
Wash the outside of the pumpkin properly and peel the hard outer skin of the pumpkin. Deseed the pumpkin and cut it into small chunks. Place the pumpkin in the juicer and extract the juice. Sweeten the juice by adding desired quantity of sugar. Alternatively, you can use honey or apple juice in case of obesity. You can enhance the flavor of the juice by adding spices like ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon or ginger or even lemon juice. But these should be added in moderation so that they do not interfere with the natural taste of the drink. Pumpkin juice can be served over ice to enhance its cooling and refreshing effect.
Pumpkin Juice for Health
The benefits of pumpkin juice are numerous. Just like the vegetable itself, pumpkin juice contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E and beta carotene; minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, sucrose and organic matter (1), (2). It also contains carbohydrates and certain vital salts and proteins. Half a cup of pumpkin juice is recommended every day, thanks to its various medicinal and therapeutic properties. Some of its health benefits are given below.
1. Benefits Liver & Kidney:
Pumpkin juice is very beneficial for the liver and kidney. Research shows that pumpkins can inhibit kidney stone formation (1). Those suffering from kidney stones and gallbladder problems can improve their condition by drinking half a glass of pumpkin juice three times a day for ten days.
2. Prevents Arteriosclerosis:
This orange colored juice is a great cleanser that helps to get rid of the old build-up of arterial deposits, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke. The high content of antioxidants helps in preventing arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) (3). [ Read: Red Bell Pepper ]
3. Aids Digestion And Cures Constipation:
Pumpkin juice is beneficial for the digestive system and is helpful in curing both constipation and loose motions due to its laxative action.
4. Aids Proper Functioning of Kidney And Urinary System:
This juice is effective in curing ulcers and acidity (4). It enables proper functioning of the kidney and urinary system.
5. Good Sedative Benefits:
Due to its sedative properties, pumpkin juice is effective in curing insomnia. Insomnia patients are advised to drink a glass of pumpkin juice with honey.
6. Lowers High Blood Pressure Risks & Reduces Cholesterol:
It minimizes the risk of high blood pressure. It also helps in reducing cholesterol (5).
7. Excellent Cooling Agent:
A mixture of pumpkin juice and honey is an excellent cooling agent and thus can be effective in lowering the body temperature.
8. Relieves Morning Sickness:
Pumpkin juice is effective in providing relief from morning sickness in pregnant women.
9. May Treat Viral Hepatitis A And Reactivate Liver Function:
Those dealing with viral hepatitis A may benefit from drinking pumpkin juice as part of their regular diet since it contains vitamin A. The vitamin A may help in the treatment of the condition. The biologically active substances present in pumpkin may help in reactivating liver functions.However, research is inconclusive in this regard. Consult your doctor for more information.
10. Boosts Immunity:
Vitamin C and other minerals present in the juice act as immunity boosters and thus protect the body from various diseases.
Pumpkin Juice For Skin
Apart from its range of health benefits, pumpkin juice is also beneficial to your skin in the following ways.
11. Maintains Healthy & Beautiful Skin:
As pointed out earlier, fresh pumpkin juice is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene which help in maintaining a healthy and beautiful skin.
12. Effective in Healing Burns, Bites & Inflammation:
Being a cooling agent, it may be effective in the treatment of burns, abscess and inflammation and also provides relief in case of insect bites (6). The high quantity of antioxidants in the form of vitamins A, C and E and zinc makes it an excellent healing agent. Regular consumption of pumpkin juice is the best way to obtain the healing properties.
13. Used in Anti-Wrinkle And Hydrating Creams:
Its high nutritional value makes it an active ingredient in many anti-wrinkle and hydrating creams. Pumpkins contain vitamin E which has anti-aging properties (7). It is widely used in facials in combination with other ingredients like honey, yogurt, lemon juice and vitamin E oil for different skin types.
Pumpkin Juice For Hair
14. Promotes Hair Regrowth:
The benefits of pumpkin juice for hair cannot be ignored. As said earlier, this juice is a great source of vitamin A which is extremely beneficial for your scalp. Research shows that it can stimulate hair growth (7). Moreover, it has a high content of potassium, a nutrient that helps in promoting the regrowth of hair. This makes it effective for treating hair loss.
15. Moisturizes Dry & Damaged Hair:
Pumpkins have emollient benefits (7). Pumpkin juice can be effective in moisturizing dry and damaged hair. The mixture given below can be tried to make pumpkin conditioner: Ingredients:
2 cups chopped and cooked pumpkins 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon yogurt 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Method: Puree the pumpkin and yogurt in a blender and add coconut oil and honey. Apply this mixture on the hair and cover it with a plastic cap. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash out thoroughly using shampoo and conditioner as usual. Thus, pumpkin juice comes with a range of benefits for health, skin and hair in addition to its refreshing and delicious taste. However, before consuming or using this juice, ensure that you are not allergic to it. Can I drink pumpkin juice on an empty stomach? Yes, consuming pumpkin juice on an empty stomach is generally considered safe. It helps in the maximum absorption of nutrients and cleanses the system well. Are pumpkin seeds good for the sperm? Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and help improve sperm quality. Can we drink pumpkin juice at night? Yes, pumpkin juice is safe to be consumed at night. Having it with honey exhibits a sedative effect and promotes sleep quality. Can you drink an excess of pumpkin juice? No, consuming more than 2 glasses of pumpkin juice in a day is not recommended, as it may trigger gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating.
