Daily Archives: October 3, 2016

The first thing you need to know about kale
is that it’s one of the cruciferous vegetables.  This is the famous family
of veggies that also contains broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts,
bok choy, mustard greens, turnip, and rutabaga.

Collectively, because they’re such
powerhouses of nutrition, they’re often referred to as “super-veggies.” 
Basically, they have it all:  abundant vitamins, minerals and fiber,
together with a rich assortment of phytochemicals that help fight off disease.

Because kale is a leafy green cruciferous
veggie, it’s automatically one of the most nutritious, healthful foods you
could eat (or drink, when it’s juiced).  It’s versatile, too:  kale
can be eaten fresh as part of a leafy green salad; it can be lightly sautéed
and used as a bed for salmon or baked chicken; or it can be juiced together
with other nutritious produce. 

Kales nutritional profile and other health benefits

No matter how you consume it, though, kale
provides a host of vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients.  Its
list of constituent nutrients is exceptionally long and includes vitamins A, B1
(thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), C, E and
K.  Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium
are among the minerals present in substantial amounts in kale.  And not to
be outdone by its cruciferous cousins, kale also contains fiber, omega-3 fatty
acids, glucosinolates (phytonutrients that facilitate and help regulate the
body’s own detox mechanisms), and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory carotenoids and
flavonoids like beta-carotene, kaempferol, lutein and quercetin.

A single cup of kale will give you 134% of
the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.  It also provides 204% of the
recommended amount of vitamin A and a whopping 684% of your vitamin K. 
All with just 33 calories!

Among other things, all that natural goodness
in kale supports proper blood clotting; healthy, strong skin, muscles, bones
and teeth; good vision; and proper function of your nervous, cardiovascular and
digestive systems.  Some of kale’s nutrients may help reduce your risk of
developing certain types of cancers, vascular disease like atherosclerosis,
gastric or duodenal ulcer, or even cataracts or asthma.

But besides this long list of potential
health benefits that kale can provide, you might also be able to use kale to
help you balance and regulate your blood sugar. 

How kale in your juice can help balance out blood sugar

A little background on blood glucose and insulin levels

We all need some sugar in our blood.  It comes from the foods
and beverages you eat and drink, and your body uses that sugar as a source of
energy.  Unfortunately, it’s possible for your blood sugar to be too high
(hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).  Like Goldilocks, what you want
is a blood sugar level that’s balanced and “just right.”

In large part, your blood sugar (blood
glucose) levels are regulated by insulin – a storage hormone produced by your
pancreas that helps regulate your body’s metabolism of fats and
carbohydrates.  Of course, the types of foods and beverages you eat and
drink also play a role:  sugary foods and other sweets, carbonated
beverages (the non-diet kind), processed foods, refined, simple carbohydrates
and alcohol all contribute to the amount of sugar in your blood.

Like it or not, your body’s secretion of most
hormones (insulin included) is sensitive to a variety of factors.  
The amount of insulin that’s released by your pancreas into your bloodstream is
impacted by how well you sleep, how often you exercise, your stress levels, the
medications you take, and the foods and beverages you eat and drink. 

After you eat, your blood sugar level will
rise, and the higher it goes, the more insulin will be secreted in order to
prevent it from rising too high.  Unfortunately, that means your insulin
and blood sugar levels can easily swing out of balance and stop being “just
right.”  When that
happens, your blood sugar can skyrocket or plummet and you’ll often feel
lethargic.  If your blood sugar gets out of whack too often, you’ll
probably become more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

If your consumption of sugary items is
excessive (or your diet has too many ingredients that convert into sugar inside
your body), your body will often store the excess sugar in your fat
tissues.  Remember, insulin is a storage hormone.  Among other
problems, high insulin levels caused by high blood sugar often result in fat
gain.  Not getting enough sugar in your system can cause problems too –
your body won’t be getting an important energy source.  It might react by
going into “starvation mode” (your metabolism slows down drastically and tries
to “hoard” its energy sources, inhibiting the breakdown of fat).  Either
way, you could end up gaining weight and suffering from excessive blood sugar
fluctuations.

That’s two of the reasons that sweets and
sugary foods and beverages are such a big no-no for diabetics. 
Fortunately, you can control the amount of sugar you consume by modifying your
diet.  To a certain degree, you can also balance and control the amount of
insulin your pancreas secretes just by eating the right foods and avoiding
blood sugar spikes and troughs.

Eating the right foods and drinking the right
beverages gives you two blood sugar-related benefits:  (1) it will help to
directly balance and control your blood sugar levels; and (2) it will help
balance and control your blood insulin levels, which indirectly helps balance your blood
sugar.

Where does kale come in?

Kale is a super green and contains chlorophyll. Chemically speaking, a molecule of chlorophyll closely resembles a
molecule of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in your red blood
cells that carries the life-sustaining oxygen you breathe throughout your body.
 Because of its strong molecular similarity to hemoglobin, chlorophyll can
help oxygenate your body and balance blood sugar. Chlorophyll helps to restore
and cleanse your body.

Greens like kale will help to maintain a
healthier pH in your body.  If your body’s pH
tips too far onto the acid side of the scale, you’ll probably become more
susceptible to infections and certain types of illnesses.  A green
juice or smoothie made from dark leafy greens and alkaline fruits will help your body’s
pH reach and remain in the healthy range, which can often be a problem in individuals with unbalanced blood sugar.  

Besides all the other goodness it contains, a
cup of kale can give you up to 3 grams of fiber.  In addition to helping
to ensure digestive tract health, fiber helps slow the rise of your blood sugar
after a meal.  Kale, therefore, juicing kale can help balance blood sugar
levels.  Plus, a single cup also contains almost 3 grams of protein, which
can also help stabilize your blood sugar.

Basically, kale is one of the most wholesome
and beneficial foods you could consume.  It’s one of the true
“superfoods,” so try to juice it often.  Aim to incorporate kale or
another high-fiber veggie into every meal. 

Try this yummy (kale filled) recipe from the Juice Club

Like this recipe and don’t have time to think up your own?  We’ve got you covered in the Juice Club.  Join hundreds of others who have taken control of their health by juicing daily here.

Juicing Guide > Juicing kale for healthy blood sugar

Tell us about yourself!

Hi
everyone! Well, I live in the States, the northeast actually, just
south of Boston, Ma. I’m a 47 year old mother of four fantastic kids
(three smart and beautiful grown daughters, and a very handsome witty
son). I’m a grandmother of 1 and 1/2….new baby coming in January! (We
actually find out tonight if it’s a boy or girl. SO excited!) I’ve been
married for 20 years this fall to a very supportive and encouraging man.
I come from a loving and close family, the last of 8 kids, and am
fortunate enough and happy to say I’m still enjoying times with my mom
and dad. We own our home in a nice, historical town on the south shore,
just minutes from the beach.

I’m a Christian woman with a strong faith.
I’ve raised my kids with strict morals and beliefs and am so grateful
that they, as young adults, have standards and work ethics which are not
seen very much in today’s generation. So clearly I have many reasons to
be happy and content, don’t I? Well yes, I certainly do. But have I
been? No I haven’t, and for many, many years. But more about that below.

What inspired you to change your life?

Well,
on whim I decided to do a juice cleanse. I thought “why not?” I’ll
clean out all the toxins and maybe start, yet again, on another way to
lose some weight. Being overweight for years caused me so much
unhappiness and awful insecurities. I, like so many, tried over and over
again to diet, try this new idea, that new idea, take this pill, avoid
this, avoid that. I’d start strong, lose weight, momentary happiness and
then nothing. I’d fizzle out after a few weeks or whatever I was doing
just stopped “doing”.

Crash and burn—AGAIN. Muscle pain was daily,
sluggishness, low self esteem, depression, no energy, and yo yo weight
loss and regain. I avoided mirrors and sometimes just didn’t want to get
out of bed, sleeping in as long as I could before my extremely busy
days started. I wouldn’t buy anything new for myself knowing how
frustrated I’d be in the changing room.

I suffered from feeling hot ALL
THE TIME, no matter what the temperature was. So uncomfortable in my own
body I wanted to just scream sometimes. There was no motivation to
dress nice or even try to look pretty or to go anywhere because I’d just
be a dripping sweaty mess by the time I got to the car. I cried, I
complained, I hurt inside so much. I don’t think anyone, even my own
husband and kids really
knew how much – although they certainly were witness to it every day
and tried to encourage me or make suggestions. It was just plain old
awful.

Then a few months ago, the migraines started. Yup, painful,
day-and night-long migraines. “It’s menopause” I heard. “It’s stress”
was another. And so on….just one big unhappy, sick, unhealthy,
insecure, middle aged woman who just figured “yup, this is me, for the
rest of my life. Deal with it cause it’s who I am”. Terrible isn’t it?

Did you set any goals for yourself?

Actually
no I didn’t. I was excited to do the juice cleanse and all but never
expected the results I got! I just figured, ok, I know this will be good
for me and maybe I’ll start back up with my walks and see what happens.
Why not?

How did All About Juicing contribute to your success?

Ok well, I could write a small book about this question. After the
cleanse which was three days, I stepped on the scale on the fourth
morning and whoa! It blew my mind. I had literally dropped 10 pounds! I
thought, no way..that can’t be possible, but there it was. Ten pounds
gone. Now, I knew that certainly wasn’t body fat but was toxins, water
weight, etc and thought to myself, hey I can really like this whole
juicing thing. I went online and poof, there was Vanessa and her
wonderful self. I read and took notes and read some more and took more
notes.

I was like a sponge. I learned, I did some more digging and just
clicked all around her site for as much information as I could squeeze
into this brain of mine. It was awesome! I got her e-books, joined the
club, bought a juicer and hit the produce section of the grocery store.
Haven’t looked back since.

How did you stay motivated and meet your goals?

After
those initial days, motivation wasn’t too hard because all of a sudden,
my entire life and body started changing. That alone kept me going and
does every day. More weight came off, more knowledge. Less pain, more
knowledge. Prettier glowing skin, more knowledge. I was waking up ready
to rock and roll hours earlier than normal. My walks turned into full on
workouts. More body changes, inside and out. I felt clean, vibrant,
energized, and so, so happy. My kids and my husband were like ” wow!”
and “Look at you!” and ” You look beautiful today hun.” My blood
pressure went down, my 15 years of daily muscle pain was gone, the
weight was coming off, the migraines stopped, and guess what? It hit me
after about 3 weeks…”oh my gosh! I’m not hot anymore!” And what’s
more, I’m not even at my goal weight yet. I’ve lost about 25 pounds and
several inches, but I don’t care as much about WEIGHT like I did all
those years. Because of how I FEEL, the weight loss is just an added
“whoo-hoo!”  How ’bout THAT for a change in thinking?

Did you have any setbacks?  How did you overcome them?

So far I can honestly say I’ve had no setbacks. I eat clean, drink
water, exercise, juice and enjoy the results on a daily basis. I give
myself a treat every so often and have no guilt pangs about it. It’s
funny, on the few occasions I had some no-so-healthy cook-out food or
some yummy comfort food, I could LITERALLY feel it and almost run to my
juicer the next morning. It’s almost like my body won’t allow me to have
setbacks because it just feels too good to be vibrant and energized. It
really is amazing what just a few adjustments like eating clean and
drinking pure delicious juices and smoothies can do. It’s not
hard–that’s the crazy thing! It just isn’t. No counting calories, no
counting fat grams, no gimmicks, no pills….nothing but educating
yourself on what “clean” eating is and juice along with it. Simple.

What are some of your favorite juices or smoothies?

Oh
boy, let’s see. Well, I drink some kind of green juice every day from
Vanessa’s recipes. I love the spicy zip from tomato, romaine, celery,
and cayenne pepper. I’ve begun making my own almond and coconut milk so
adding those to some mixed berries and a banana or two is delicious in
the morning mixed with oatmeal. I did the 14 day beauty challenge with
Vanessa and can say I loved every one of those juices. An all-citrus
juice with grapefruit, orange, lemon, pineapple with coconut water is
really refreshing. And oh my gosh, yes….carrots. Carrot juice with
just about anything — apples, spinach, beets, romaine, tomatoes. Or all
of ’em together. Guess it’s safe to say I don’t have a “favorite” huh? I
try them all. Just click around on her site and give it a go.

Do you exercise, and if so, what is your routine?

 
Yup, I certainly do. Every other night at the beach I walk 4 or so
miles with hand weights and work my arms while I do. And no, I don’t
care who stares at me or comments although sometimes, I hear very nice
remarks. On the off night, I exercise here at home. Squats, abs, Swiss
ball exercises, kettle bell exercises, stretching, routines I pick up on
Facebook or people I follow on Instagram. Sometimes when I just wanna
relax, I don’t exercise at all but am conscience not to let it happen
again the next night. No need for expensive equipment or trips to the
gym. Although there’s nothing wrong with that if you like that sort of
thing—go for it. Oh, and I incorporating moves in my daily routine
like squats while I fold laundry, or kickbacks while I’m at the kitchen
sink. Reaching for something? Do a lunge to grab it or stretch shoulders
and sides to reach it. Take stairs or better yet, do them twice at home
on your way to the bedroom or kids room or laundry room. Be creative.
Make it silly and fun and you’ll be laughing at yourself!

What are some of your favorite meals and snacks?

I LOVE chicken Caesar salad wraps. No croutons and easy on the
dressing but yumm. I can have one every day. Almonds and hard boiled
eggs for snacks. But instead of eating the yolk in all of them, I
usually eat one whole and maybe 2 or 3 others but just the whites.
Omelettes with veggies, chicken salad with veggies mixed in, tuna salad
with lemon juice instead of mayo and veggies. Oh, and try this….on a
healthy roll or bagel put lettuce, tomato, a green pepper slice, alfalfa
sprouts, red onion, cucumber slice and if you want maybe some turkey or
chicken. Absolutely delicious. Grilled veggies, zucchini pasta, yogurt
with fresh fruit…My guideline pretty much is the less ingredients, the
better for me. Don’t eat it if you can’t pronounce it.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get healthier and needs motivation?

Please,
please, please……just TRY juicing. Just start with once a day. If
you don’t have a juicer and can’t afford a quality one, throw some
things in a blender and give a smoothie a shot. Know that late afternoon
time when you could just lie down and take a nap? Don’t. Instead, whip
up a juice from Vanessa recipes and just watch what happens. Motivation?
Go online and meet people like Vanessa and sites like hers. Follow
fitness and clean eating people on Instagram and Facebook. Instead of
feeding yourself with social media gossip, feed your mind with healthy
tips and recipes. LISTEN to the people that have had success doing it
the RIGHT way. And most of all, keep it simple!
It can be very confusing out there and can be easily overwhelming.
Follow just a few key people and keep your fitness education simple. Set
daily
goals as well as long term ones. By the end of the day ask yourself
when you put your head on the pillow, “so, how’d I do? Did I attain that
goal I set for myself this morning?” If so, kuddos to you!

Anything else you’d like to share with the community?

I’m currently praying about it and hoping to open my own juice bar next spring. I want to do this so much! If it’s meant to be, IT’LL BE, right?! I’ll make it a FUN place to visit and a place to educate others. Kinda scary but very exciting. It’ll be a family operated shop as well. One of my daughters is a massage therapist and is beginning to sell essential healing oils. The other starts esthetician school next month. Eventually, I’d like to incorporate them both into the juice bar so my customers can enjoy a yummy juice before or after their massage or facial. My witty and wonderful son will spread the word and bring in millions! 🙂 And my other daughter will juice along with me in the shop. Hubby will be my support and encouragement. Hope it becomes a reality and a hit!!!

By the way, I haven’t been too fond of cameras for the past several years so I really don’t have many pics but when I hit my health and weight goal, I will post a before and after. For now, I posted a facial shot so you can at least see the person behind the words.

Most of all, I truly hope someone out there who has read this will be blessed and encouraged to make those changes you’ve wanted to. Stop the merry-go-round of sickness and sadness TODAY. Don’t forget, it’s not about weight, it’s about HEALTH. The extra pounds you lose are a bonus!

And remember, eat and drink like your life depends on it, cause it does!

Success spotlight > Dee’s story

Apple cider is awesome.  And when you make it fresh, raw and natural it’s even better.  It’s surprisingly easy and delightfully nutritious.

If you’re a regular juicer, you know that store bought juices have
lots of icky ingredients.  High fructose corn syrup?  No thanks. 
Natural flavors?  Nah..  Coloring?  Oh gosh, no way, no how.  But we
love spiced apple cider, right?  LOVE IT. 

Its like warm boots,
cozy socks, sitting by the fireplace, family and friends celebrating the
season.  It’s a must!  Cider that you buy in the market should be just
raw unfiltered apple juice.  No additives, colorings, etc, etc.  Many
times, I see them for purchase, and they look good, but they are
pasteurized. Make your own and you can drink the nutrients.  Because
this recipe is spiced, you get the added health benefits of cinnamon and
nutmeg.  Let’s look at the benefits of this spiced apple cider, which,
maybe should really be a health tonic 🙂

Spiced apple cider benefits

Benefits of apples.  I can hear you now, but Vanessa, this has sugar!  Yes, apples have sugar, but they also have so many other good things, so lets not forget these:  The peel and pulp are rich in anti-inflammatories,
antioxidants and fiber.  The nutrients present in apples may help to
slow the signs of aging and improve some bodily functions.  They may
even help deter the development of certain chronic health conditions.

A 2001 University of California research study that
employed human subjects indicates that the quercetin that exists in
fresh apples decreases the amount of cholesterol plaque that builds up
on artery walls, thereby reducing the likelihood of heart attack and
cardiovascular disease.  Moreover, the potassium in apples is important
for proper cardiac function.  Apples are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols.  The
cleansing properties of these constituents can help remove waste,
toxins and other harmful substances from the body.

Benefits of cinnamon. There are many, many health benefits of cinnamon- too many to list!  Studies have shown that 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon added to your diet each day can aid in lowering LDL (the bad) cholesterol.  It may help stabilize blood sugar.  It has anti-fungal properties.  It’s a natural remedy for headaches.

Benefits of nutmeg. Nutmeg has been used for centuries as a medicinal source for easing digestive troubles.  It has antibacterial properties that aid the teeth and gums. Nutmeg is often used by holistic practitioners to rev up blood circulation and treat kidney infections.

Real spiced apple cider recipe

INGREDIENTS

Serves 1

• 3 large apples, cored and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Serves 4 (for a group!)

• 12 large apples
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

METHOD

Cut and core the apples.  Juice the apples.  Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the juice.  Add more cinnamon and nutmeg if you like it and if you want more of the health benefits.  Stir to combine. Serve near a cozy fire or on a comfy couch.

If you want to make more for your friends and family, multiply the recipe.

You could warm this juice, however, cooking any juice will destroy many of the delicate nutrients and enzymes that are present in fresh juice.  If you do want it to be heated, warm it gently on low heat, in a pan, over the stove (not a microwave).

For the maximum amount of health benefits, it’s best to drink this spiced apple cider at room temperature, right after it’s been juiced.

If you want to blend this recipe, that will still work but will be very thick and will need adjusting.  Add 1-2 cups of water or coconut water to adjust consistency.  You also may need to add more cinnamon and nutmeg.

Juicing Recipes > Spiced Apple Cider

You might have noticed that I put a lot of ginger in my
recipes.  It’s not just because it tastes
good and is my secret trick to hide the taste of greens and other produce that
aren’t so palatable.  It’s also because
it’s super good for you.  It’s one of our
best friends for hiding taste and adding nutrition.

I’ve done a little digging to compile the latest health
benefit- and it’s no surprise why it’s been used medicinally for
thousands of years.  Take a look at why I’m
always including this root in my juice and smoothie recipes, at least a few times
a week.

Health benefits of ginger

A favorite ingredient in traditional Asian and
Asian-inspired dishes, ginger root also has a long history of use as an
herbal remedy for excessive intestinal gas and certain other symptoms of
gastrointestinal distress.  Although ginger only contains insignificant
traces of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, modern research has
verified that it does have several health-benefiting properties.

For example, several recent studies confirm that it can
help prevent or alleviate the unpleasant nausea, vomiting, cold sweats,
and dizziness that are associated with motion sickness – seasickness in
particular.  Research has also shown that ginger is effective in
reducing the nausea and vomiting that are associated with pregnancy,
without any risk of significant side effects that may harm either the
fetus or the mother.

This root also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties.  Compounds called “gingerols” appear to be responsible for
both.  Research confirms that many arthritis sufferers have better
mobility, less swelling in their joints, and less general joint pain
after adding ginger to their diet for several months.  Among other
things, ginger has been shown to suppress the production of compounds
that promote inflammation in and near the joints.

The antioxidant properties exhibited by gingerols may also
be responsible for part of the improvement seen in arthritis patients.
 Antioxidants help protect the body from the effects of free radicals,
which are known to damage cells, organs and other tissues – potentially
including the tissues comprising and surrounding joints.

According to research conducted on mice a little over a
decade ago, gingerols may also suppress the growth of colon cancer
cells.  A different study found that gingerols may kill ovarian cancer
cells. 

A recent German study discovered that sweat contains a
powerful antimicrobial compound that might help fight off certain fungal
and bacterial infections.  Because it can help induce sweating,
this discovery means that it might provide some protection against skin
infections caused by Candida albicans (a common species of
yeast which lives on the skin), Staphylococcus aureus (a species of
bacteria that’s responsible for many skin infections) and certain
strains of Escherichia coli.

In juices and smoothies

Ginger is pretty powerful and very potent.  When adding it to juices or
smoothies, you just want to add a little knob.  You’ll have to start
slow by testing out the amount that you like, but most people like to
juice or smoothie about half and inch.  You can add more to smoothies
because it not as strong (taste wise) when it’s blended.

Ginger shot recipe

Have you seen these juice shots in juice bars?  Making a shot is a great idea if you do it right.  Drinking ginger alone is doable, but isn’t ideal. It also doesn’t yield much juice, and a little does go a long way. Mixing it with lemon and apple are my choice for a anti-inflammatory, immune boosting shot.  This is great for circulation, nausea, and if you’re coming down with something and feel ill. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1-2 inch piece of ginger
• 1 apple, cored
• 1/2 lemon, rind ok

METHOD

You’ll need a juicer to make this juice shot.  Core and slice the apple.  Slice a lemon in half.  Juice the ginger, apple, and lemon together. Serve.

OPTIONAL VARIATIONS

• 1 tsp of honey, optional, if desired
• 1 tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar, optional

Add honey and apple cider vinegar and mix, if desired.  These ingredients add an extra nutritional boost, but is not needed. 

The shot will be powerful and strong, but that is the point.  It will give you an added boost of nutrition to your diet and your day.  Enjoy!

Making ginger tea

If you don’t have a juicer or a blender, or want to switch it up, make homemade ginger tea.  All you need to do is cut a few small pieces of fresh ginger and place it in the bottom of your mug.  Pour boiling water over it and let it steep for a good 5 to 10 minutes.  Remove the ginger, add stevia or honey to taste, and serve. 

Juicing guide > using ginger in juices and smoothies

Did you know you can juice pumpkins and make pumpkin juice drinks?  You can! 
They have a great neutral taste that go with many other fruits and
vegetables.  So many people use the
canned and cooked pumpkin for smoothies, but never think to juice it.  If you have some extra pumpkins lying around from
the holidays give it a try.  It makes a
great thanksgiving snack or brunch juice for your guests. 

The benefits of pumpkin juice

Some people love pumpkin’s flavor, others
don’t – but health-wise, its nutrients make it a valuable addition to the diet.
 Pumpkin is a good source of B-complex vitamins, along with vitamins A, C
and E, carotenoids (that’s where the orange color comes from), calcium, copper,
iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and fiber.

Pumpkin’s B-complex vitamins promote proper
nervous system function.  They’re also needed for healthy skin, eyes and
hair, and they aid protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

The carotenoids, manganese, zinc and
vitamins A, C and E in pumpkin are antioxidants which can mitigate the
oxidative damage that free radicals would otherwise cause.  Preliminary
research indicates that by neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants may lower
the risk of certain cancers.  Likewise, antioxidants facilitate detox and
reduce the risk of cellular damage caused by chronic exposure to toxins.
 Again, some scientists believe this activity can reduce the likelihood of
some cancers.  Moreover, antioxidants also help prevent the oxidation of
cholesterol (important because oxidized cholesterol is the type that forms
plaque on artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis). Further research is needed
to investigate these potential anti-cancer and cardiovascular benefits.

Besides being antioxidants, pumpkin’s
beta-carotene and vitamin A are essential for healthy eyes, good vision and a
strong immune system.  They also promote healthy skin, bones and mucus
membranes.

In addition to its role as pumpkin’s most
powerful antioxidant, vitamin C has several other beneficial properties.
 Among other things, it’s needed for healthy connective tissue, speeds
wound healing, boosts resistance against colds and the flu, helps keep artery
walls elastic (deterring atherosclerosis), and promotes dietary iron
absorption.

The vitamin E in pumpkin is involved in
immune function, cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and other
important metabolic processes.  Calcium is needed for proper muscle
function and strong bones.  Copper supports the immune system, is
important in red blood cell production, and helps maintain healthy blood
vessels, nerves and bones.

Consuming pumpkin can boost your dietary
iron, essential for hemoglobin synthesis and producing red blood cells.
 Pumpkin’s magnesium supports bone formation and regulates body
temperature.

Manganese, also present in pumpkin, is
important in bone formation.  It supports calcium absorption and is needed
for a properly functioning nervous system.

The phosphorus in pumpkin supports renal
function and healthy teeth and bones, while its potassium helps regulate heart
rate and blood pressure, is essential for nerve conduction and muscle
contraction, and is needed to keep the body’s electrolytes in balance.
 Pumpkin’s fiber promotes digestive system health by regulating the
bowels, possibly lowering the risk of colon cancer.  There is also
evidence that fiber can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and thereby
benefit the cardiovascular system.

Pumpkin juicing tips

• Use pie pumpkins or any pumpkin variety that can be eaten.
  
• Always cut the rind off of the pumpkin
  before juicing.  The rind can damage your
  juicer.
• Remove the pumpkin seeds from the center
  before juicing.
• Pumpkins pair well with carrots, sweet
  potatoes, regular potatoes, citrus, pineapple, mango, apples, pears, squash,
  zucchini, kale, spinach and beets.
• Pumpkins don’t yield much juice, so when
  creating your own pumpkin juice recipe, you’ll need to pair it with other juicy
  produce.
• You’ll need a strong knife to remove the
  rind and cut through the pumpkin.  A
  little knife won’t cut it well and will cause you frustration.
• Pumpkins should be juiced raw, just as all
  other produce is juiced raw.  Do not cook
  the pumpkin first.

Pumpkin juice recipes

Tropical pumpkin juice recipe

• 1 pie pumpkin

• 2 cups of pineapple
• 1 pear
• 2 sweet potatoes
• Optional: 1 cup of kale

Prepare the pumpkin by removing the rind,
cut it down the center and removing the seeds. 
Then cut it lengthwise or into chunks. 
Core the pear and pineapple.  Cut
the sweet potatoes into long spears. 
Juice the pumpkin, pineapple, pear, and sweet potatoes together,
alternating.  Serve immediately. 

Carrot pumpkin spice juice

• 1 pie pumpkin
• 9 long carrots
• 2 apples
• 1 inch knob of ginger
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Prepare the pumpkin by removing the rind,
cut it down the center and removing the seeds. 
Then cut it lengthwise or into chunks. 
Core the apple.  Juice the pumpkin,
carrots, apples, and ginger together. 
Pour into a glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Serve immediately. 

Pumpkin green juice

• 1 pie pumpkin
• 7 carrots
• 1 zucchini
• 2 apples
• 2 cups of kale or spinach

Prepare the pumpkin by removing the rind,
cut it down the center and removing the seeds. 
Then cut it lengthwise or into chunks. 
Core the apples.  Juice the
pumpkin, carrots, zucchini, apples, carrots and kale/spinach together.  Serve.

Red pumpkin juice

• 1 pie pumpkin
• 2 beets
• 1 apple
• 6 carrots
• handful of spinach

Prepare the pumpkin by removing the rind,
cut it down the center and removing the seeds. 
Then cut it lengthwise or into chunks. 
Core the apple.  Cut the beets
into wedges.  Juice the pumpkin, beets,
apple, carrots and spinach together. 
Serve immediately. 

Juice Recipes > Pumpkin Juice

Healthy holiday?  I know. This is a difficult time of year to stay on track.  There are parties with fun foods that
sabotage our health and waistline, and events that take us away from our daily
workouts.  While I do believe in
moderation to some extent, I do think it’s a slippery slope sometimes.  We always need to be health conscious of how
we treat our bodies, and our spirit.

I wanted to share what I do for the holiday.  Here are some healthy holiday tips to keep
you going strong this season.  I
challenge you to make it a priority.  You’ll
thank me in January 😉

Healthy holiday tip #1

Drink juice every day. By having at least one
glass of juice each day, you’ll be doing a body good.  Green juice can help balance out blood sugar
if you’ve overdone it with the dessert and will give you loads of nutrients to
keep your energy up. 

Healthy holiday tip #2

Eat a snack before you go to your holiday
parties.  You don’t want to be tempted to
eat something you don’t want to.  Have an
apple or a banana.  It’s light enough to
not spoil your appetite, but strong enough to keep you full until it’s time to
eat again.

Healthy holiday tip #3

Bring healthy options to your dinners and
parties.  This is normal nowadays.  If you are worried that there might not be
any options for you at dinner, bring a salad, or veggie dish or something you’d
rather have.

Healthy holiday tip #4

Don’t skip meals.  A lot of people will wake up during the
holidays and skip breakfast and lunch because they are going to have a huge
dinner.  It’s bad to overload your body
during one meal this way.  It interferes
with digestion and is just not good for metabolism.  Keep a regular breakfast-lunch-dinner
schedule and use moderation, good judgement at each meal.

Healthy holiday tip #5

Focus on the things that matter during the
holidays– spending time with your loved ones, having great conversations and
making memories rather than the food.  We
definitely focus on food too much. 
Relationships are more important.

Healthy holiday tip #6

Remember to exercise. 
Move your body to encourage detox and elimination.  Try to get moving at
least once a day.  If you’re tight on time, you’ll still feel
good about a light walk after dinner, or some stretching in the morning.

Healthy holiday tip #7

Take time out to a nap, meditate and pray.  If you feel stressed, take time out to pray
or take a nap.  A quiet time will help
you re-focus and bring calm back into your life.  It will give you a little re-charge in your
day.

Healthy holiday tip #8

Use calming and adrenal herbs, teas and
essential oils.  Because the holidays can
be stressful, this really helps me.  I
love herbal tinctures and essential oils. 
They help me so much when I’m very busy, need to focus, or need a
pick-me-up.  I like essential oils combos
with peppermint, chamomile and lavender. 
I sip on tulsi tea, and take holy basil supplements, for example. 

Healthy holiday tip #9

Organize your schedule.  I find that making lists and jotting things
down on a calendar is a great way to help me stay on track and feel like I’ve
got it under control.  It really
works.  A heafty to-do is harder than you
think if you don’t have an organized plan.

Healthy holiday tip #10

If
you have a hankering for a dessert, make a flavorful holiday juice or smoothie
instead.  I created the Healthy Holiday
Juices & Smoothies ebook just for this purpose.  It contains the smoothies and juices I use to
keep my cravings at bay.  They are
delicious and satisfying, and have saved me from eating something I shouldn’t
have.

Juicing guide > 10 tips for a Healthy holiday

It’s hard not to
overindulge during the festive season and your New Year’s resolutions for a new
you can only carry you so far. You might be feeling a little tired, bloated and
listless already and it’s only February! Don’t panic because we’ve put together
10 ways to detox naturally in the New Year so you can get a head start
on your health and fitness goals and feel revitalized and refreshed throughout
the year.

1.  Drink
enough water

Water is part of
every metabolic process in the body – we literally cannot survive without it. If
the body is not properly hydrated, the cells will draw water from the
bloodstream, thus putting pressure on your heart. Even slight dehydration can prevent
the kidneys from purifying the blood effectively.

A simple way to
cleanse is to ensure you drink 2 liters of water a day – which helps to keep
the balance of body salts normal and leaves you with dramatically improved
health: think glowing skin and increased energy!

Fruits and vegetables
are almost all water, so eating 5-7 servings can also help boost your natural
water intake. And the best way to tell if you’re drinking enough water is to
check the color of your urine – if it’s any darker than pale yellow you’re not
getting enough!  

2. 
Work up a sweat

Exercise allows
your body to breathe, stretch, circulate and sweat. Exercise raises your heart
rate, and this combined with lots of water, helps your body to more effectively
flush out unwanted fats, toxins and waste.

Moving your body helps to circulate your blood and lymph – and
the more they circulate the more the liver and lymph nodes can cleanse and
purify. Regular exercise also helps the digestive system, lungs and heart to
work better, while the skin is cleansed from the inside out by the process of
perspiration.

3.  Get
sufficient sleep

Getting enough
sleep should be a priority – research has shown that inadequate sleep is as
harmful to our body as stress or illness! Sufficient sleep supports and
maintains a healthy brain so aim for seven to nine hours every night.

Your cells also
repair themselves more rapidly at night time and because you’re not eating
during the hours that you sleep, you give your digestive system a break and
your elimination processes can catch up.

4.  Cut out processed
and prepared foods

Stick to as much whole, fresh and
organic fruit and vegetables as you can eat and try avoid anything store-bought
that comes in cans, boxes, bags or jars (unless you made them yourself). Try avoid restaurants because often food is prepared
in unhealthy oils or drenched in heavy sauces and dressings.

By including fruit
and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory
compounds, potassium, water and fiber, but low in calories and sodium, you’ll
provide your body with a supercharge of nutrients to help neutralize any
accumulated damage, leaving you renewed and your cells revitalized.

They’re also easier to digest and
usually more hydrating, which means better sleep and greater chance for cell
renewal. Cutting out
processed (and junk) foods is the often the quickest and easiest way to weight
loss because you’re limiting the excess sugars, fats, and calories found in
these foods.   

5.  Use
a tongue scraper

Tongue scraping
comes from an Ayurvedic tradition used to detoxify the mouth. It will help
remove bacteria, food deposits and other impurities, which leave an unhealthy
coating on the surface of your tongue and are later re-absorbed into the blood
stream every time you eat or drink!

By cleaning the
tongue of leftover food residue that could lead to cravings for foods eaten
previously (yuck!), tongue scraping can even lead to reduced cravings. Regular
tongue scraping can even allow you to enjoy the subtle flavors in food more.

Use a tongue
scraper every day to reduce your overall level of toxicity and keep your immune
system healthy. As added benefits, your breath will improve and your teeth will
be healthier and whiter. 

6.  Sweat
it out in a sauna

We spend so much
time sitting down and in air conditioned environments that often we don’t sweat
enough. The skin is the largest organ in the body and its main barrier against
environmental toxins. If you don’t sweat enough, the pores of the skin may
become clogged.

Sweating in a
sauna may help your body to get rid of these harmful toxins, expelling built-up
sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells through the pores. Sweating in a sauna can
also help your skin keep its elasticity.

7.  Dry
brush your skin

Dry brushing
(also known as skin brushing) is a great way of boosting circulation and
improving the appearance of dull skin. It’s one of the most important of the 10 ways to detox. It actually removes the top layer of
dead skin, and with it, any remaining toxins.

Because it
stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system (and facilitates the removal of
waste at the cellular level), your cells will also be able to more effectively
receive the nutrients from the food you’re eating.

Dry brushing can
also lead to increased cell renewal, which can result in a more youthful
appearance. Dry brushing has even been shown to stimulate the movement of
toxins out of the fat tissue – which means reduced cellulite! So invest in a
body brush and brush your skin as part of your daily routine for softer, glowing
skin.

8.  Use
houseplants to cleanse the air

You can’t control
the environment around you but you can control the air you breathe in your own
home. Rather than buying an expensive humidifier or air filter, you can use houseplants
to cleanse the air.

Studies prove
that certain plants can rid the room of up to 90% of harmful environmental
toxins in only twenty-four hours! Aloe, English ivy, peace lily or bamboo palm
are just some of the household plants that can help detox your home (and your
body in the process).

9.  Cut
out sugar, alcohol and caffeine

The best way to
make up for the indulgences of the festive season is to reset those taste buds
by cutting out sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Refined sugars add loads of
calories with no nutrients, which can lead to weight gain and increased cravings.

When it comes to coffee,
too much can cause fatigue or adrenal issues, anxiety and sleep problems,
leading to depression and even weakened immune systems. It seems that the less
often you consume caffeine, the more you can expect a positive biological
effect. 

Alcohol is like
liquid sugar in the body as well as a diuretic which can be dehydrating. It can
affect anxiety levels, depression, sleep patterns, skin, weight, the immune
system and more. It’s also very easy to over consume alcohol, as alcohol
impairs your judgment fairly quickly.

So cut out the
sugar, alcohol and caffeine so your body can cleanse and detox, let fruit
satisfy your sweet tooth and juice your fresh vegetables to cut out the
cravings!

10.  Juice
regularly

Drink lots of
fresh, organic juice to get the best detox possible. Juicing allows you to rest
and repair your gut because it is assimilate quickly through your intestine –
so your stomach has to work less to extract nutrients.

The liver, which
is our main detoxifying organ, can quickly become overloaded with so many
toxins in our lives. An organic juice cleanse allows you to rest the liver, and
as a bonus you get to eliminate other harmful foods while you flood your body
with energizing and healing nutrients.

By providing the
body with super-nutrient dense foods when juicing, your body will have more of
the resources it needs to support the different phases of detoxification and
remove any cumulative stored toxins. Juicing as part of a detox is also a great
way to start a new diet or lifestyle.

Ultimately, by eating well,
drinking enough fluids, exercising and getting plenty of sleep, you’re starting a healthy lifestyle
program that doesn’t need to end after you detox. These 10 ways to detox will get you on the right road.  A detox can be 3 days, a
week, a month or a lifetime, but by implementing these practices into your
lifestyle, you can kick-start your goals for long-lasting health.  If you need some daily help juicing to help your body to detox naturally, check out the Juice Club.

Detox juicing > 10 ways to detox

Have you been wondering what is juicing and what it really means?

Growing up, the only kind of juicing I knew involved oranges and a press-down citrus juicer that kept most of the pulp with the juice. But these days, juicing is more of an art form and incorporates any kind of fruit, vegetable or herb.

But, before we get into the different kinds of juicing, what is juicing exactly?

Juicing is the juice extracted from the fruit or vegetable.  The only way to get true “juice” that people refer to in juicing is to have a juicer machine.  

Many of us get confused between smoothies and juices because of blender advertisements saying smoothies are juices.

The main difference between a juice and a smoothie is that juicing involves extracting the juice (liquid) from raw fruits, vegetables and herbs. This process separates the fiber from the fruit and vegetables and you’re left with the nutrient rich liquid.

Smoothies, however, generally involve a whole fruit, vegetable or herb (along with any nut, seed, powder or superfood) chucked into the blender. Simply put, a smoothie is blended food.  This means that the foods have been broken down into liquid form, whilst still retaining all of their fiber.

One is not better than the other, but it’s important to understand they are very different.  They both should have a place in your diet.

So, what is juicing best for?

The main argument for juicing is that your body does not have to do any digestive work to break down the food and extract the nutrients – they are absorbed directly into your blood stream.

The juice comes pre-loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and all the other goodness of fruits and vegetables in one easy-to-sip drink.

And because you can juice much larger quantities of fruit and vegetables than you can eat (just imagine drinking 10 oranges vs eating 10 oranges), it makes the nutrients more readily available to the body in much larger quantities than if you were to eat the fruits and vegetables whole. Juice also gives you a quick dose of feel-good energy.

However, juicing (especially in the case of fruits) can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and this can lead to mood swings and even energy loss. They can also take long to prepare (depending on what kind of juicer you have) but they’re fantastic for a quick burst of energy and goodness.

What’s the benefit of blending?

The best thing about blending is that the result is a smoothie – a quick and easy meal on the go! A smoothie is perfect for those with very little time on their hands because all you have to do is chuck whole fruits and vegetables in the blender and voila, you have a meal in a glass.

Of course you can also make a thick savoury juice (a tomato juice for example), raw soup, nut butters and milks and more, but generally a blender is used primarily for fresh fruit and vegetables (smoothies, juices and soups).

Unlike juices, smoothies consist of the entire (mostly peeled) fruit and vegetable, including all the fiber, and the result is smoother and thicker than your typical juice.

The blending process breaks the fiber apart, which makes the fruit and vegetables easier to digest and creates a slower and relatively more even release of nutrients into the bloodstream (especially if sipped and not downed).

This helps avoid blood sugar spikes and makes them more filling over a longer period of time. Similarly to juices, you can pack a lot more servings of fresh raw fruit and vegetables into your smoothie than you can if you were eating them.

However some produce is really not good for blending and is better off juiced – such as carrots, beets and sweet potatoes.

Smoothies can also contain a lot of calories (especially if you add stuff like nut butters to your smoothie) but they’re great for chucking in a quick protein or green powder (eg spirulina or wheatgrass) for an extra nutritional punch. As an added bonus, you can also use frozen fruit in a smoothie.

Juicing or smoothies: What’s the best option?

Even though my
site is All About Juicing (I have some smoothie recipes too), I don’t think
there’s a hard and fast rule as to what’s a better bet between juices and
smoothies – after all, we need plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in our
diet. Why skimp on either of these nutrient-powerhouses?

I do both and encourage you to do both.  I love a juice that has freshly juiced
oranges, pineapple and strawberries. Or sometimes I juice my greens (spinach
and kale for example) and then blend the green juice with whole peeled banana!

I’m also
particularly fond of an apple, beetroot, carrot and ginger combination where I
juice everything except the apple and then blend everything together.

So why not get
the greatest variety by combining both juices and smoothies, either in one
drink or separately throughout the day?

You can also
disguise the taste of a lot of healthy greens in a juice or smoothie simply by
combining it with some fruit – apple, for example, works brilliantly with kale
or spinach. Chucking fresh baby spinach into juiced orange juice and blending
the two makes for a delicious green smoothie/juice hybrid.

Both smoothies
and juices are great for when you’re on the go and don’t have the time to sit
down and eat a proper meal. They’re also fantastic before and after a workout
(which is why you always see smoothie and juice bars at the gym) because
they’re full of fresh, natural ingredients that can speed up your recovery.

Smoothies and
juices can also help when you’re coming off a fast of some kind, or recovering
from an illness, because you can gradually re-introduce your body to food.  They’re amazing for those who want to start
introducing more raw food into their diet, or just want to get their five a day!

Of course, it’s
also important to have the right equipment. Personally I use a Champion juicer and Greenstar juicer and love it. I also have a Vitamix for blending smoothies (you can strain the liquid for a quick juice).

There are also
many different types of juicers – manual, single or twin gear, masticating and
centrifugal. To find out more about the different types, check out my juicer
reviews and discover the best type of juicer to meet your specific needs.

I hope we answered your question of “what is juicing?” and that you now know what it’s all about.  No matter where
you are on your health journey, consider adding a (preferably green) juice or
smoothie to your diet every day. You’ll be getting a comprehensive and balanced
blend of essential nutrients – and you will soon feel the benefits.

Juicing basics > what is juicing

We’ve all heard about the benefits of juicing – from healthier skin to increased energy, the fact that it can promote weight loss, strengthen your bones, prevent disease and cleanse and detoxify your body – but what about the dangers of juicing?

With all the hype around celebrities who endorse juicing such as Jennifer Anniston, Salma Hayek (who started her own juicing company), Jared Leto and Gwyneth Paltrow among others, it’s increasingly difficult to piece together the facts around juicing from the fiction.

What’s more, many of the concerns raised about the dangers of juicing address an all-fruit juice diet, a juice fast or even store-bought juice, but most of us just like to combine juicing as part of a healthy diet and get those organic fresh veggies in.

I’ve put together the top 5 dangers of juicing along with some information that addresses these concerns – so you can make an educated decision about what level of juicing is right for you.

1.  High
sugar content and weight gain

“Juice” has been associated with an increased risk of
Type-2 diabetes and even long-term weight gain. But not all juices are created
equal. There’s a big difference between store-bought pasteurised juices (the
heat from the pasteurisation kills the enzymes) and fresh juice you make from
scratch, for example.  These studies are not referring to juicing fresh fruit and veggies, but store bought juices that many times are not juice at all.

Because juice doesn’t have the fiber contained in
whole fruits and vegetables, your body absorbs fructose sugar more easily,
which can cause your blood sugar levels to spike.  The remedy to this is to juice more green juices and use low sugar or no fruit.  Eat or blend your fruit instead.

The fiber is also what makes you feel full – so you
might actually end up taking in more calories than you should, after all, it
takes a lot less effort to down a glass of orange juice than it does to eat 5
oranges!

And if you only juice fruits – the calories and
natural sugars in fruit can add up and you might even gain weight instead of
losing it.

Most vegetables however, contain less calories and
sugar than fruits – so consider juicing some veggies along with your fruit to reduce
the calories and sugars you’ll consume while enhancing the overall nutrient
content.  

Add a quick dose of fiber by chucking some of the
fruit and/or veggie pulp back in your juice. It’ll also keep you full for
longer.

2.  Fasting
Flops

Much of the dangers of juicing affect those who do
juice fasts (drinking only juice for extended periods of time – and often only
one type of juice).

Juice fasting
can leave you feeling lighter, happier and more focused, it’s a powerful
detoxer, can lead to weight loss and increased mental clarity. Juice fasts normally
last for between one, two, three, or more days (you can fast up to 10 days or
more), while some people fast one day each week to give their digestive system
a break.

The downside of
juice fasting is that, depending on the person, any pre-existing conditions and
the duration of the fast, there can be some adverse effects. Doctors
advise that those who suffer from diabetes, anaemia, eating disorders,
nutritional deficiencies, kidney problems, hypoglycaemia or undergoing
chemotherapy, and women who are pregnant or nursing, should not juice
fast. However, keep in mind that juice fasts have been around for a very long time and have been used by natural practitioners to help your body cleanse and remove toxins that promote disease.  

Juice fasts often
lack protein and fat (particularly all-fruit ones). Without sufficient protein,
the body can’t build new tissue. Without sufficient fats, your skin and hair
will suffer.  However, keep in mind that your body stores protein and you also get it from greens in juices.

Longer fasts could result in electrolyte
imbalances, and if you’re not getting enough calories over a long time, your
body may start using muscle tissue instead of fat for energy and burning fewer
calories overall. A liquid diet may make you lose weight in the short term, but
could mess up your metabolism.

So, if the dangers of juicing are so severe,
why is juice fasting so popular? I believe, like many others, that it can heal all kinds of
diseases including cancer, while some celebs even credit their younger looks to
juice fasting. It’s these kinds of alluring benefits that ensure juice fasting
remains in the press.

I recommend consulting with your doctor or
natural healthcare practitioner before beginning a juice fast – everyone is different and it’s best to get advice first.  You can even do
supervised fasting at special retreats with doctors on hand to monitor the
situation.

As for protein and fat – well you can blend avocado for those essential fatty acids and lots of greens including kale and
spinach for that extra dose of protein.

You don’t have to go on a juice fast to be
healthy if it worries you. Have a glass of fresh juice (green juice made mostly from veggies with
some fruit to add flavour is best) as a regular part of a healthy diet and you’ll
get all those health benefits. If you’re really keen on juice fasting – make
sure you do it with medical supervision- and know that hundreds of thousands of people have done it with really great results.  If you want more information on juice cleansing, check out our Juice Cleanse Reset package.

3.  Food-borne
illness, pesticides and GMO

Raw produce is more nutritious than cooked, because
none of the nutrients in raw produce have been destroyed by heat. Juicing raw
fruits and veggies preserves all their vitamins, minerals, enzymes and natural
goodness.

But raw fruit and vegetables can be contaminated with
disease-causing micro-organisms and pesticides – leading to food-borne illness.

Store-bought fruit juices that stay on the shelves for
a long time are pasteurized to kill these dangerous organisms (which simultaneously
also kills all the beneficial enzymes) whereas the fresh, raw juice you make at
home or buy at juice bars can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

The raw produce you use may also contain pesticides
or be genetically-modified, which involves the addition of foreign genes (that
would not occur nature) to improve taste, yield or disease resistance. Scarily
enough, the long-term health consequences of eating GMO’s or high levels of
pesticides are still relatively unknown.

The solution? Drink fresh, juice made from organic, raw fruit and vegetables and
keep any left-overs in a sealed container in the fridge. Personally I try and drink
all my juice within a day of making it just to be on the safe side.  This danger is the same with regular food you eat every day.  Organic, clean and non-contaminated food should always be at the top of your list.

5.  Dental
issues

As we’ve already
established, fruit juice naturally contains sugar (and store-bought juices
contain even more added sugar). In fact, a fruit juice can contain more sugar
than a soda.  This sugar is not equal.  Soda has corn syrup and white sugar.  That is not exactly the same as fruit sugar.

This sugar is
consumed by the bacteria in the mouth and converted to an acid that can wear
away tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Dental plaque is the build-up of this
bacteria on the tooth surface.

However, studies
attempting to prove the link between fruit juice and tooth decay are by no
means conclusive.

A far-reaching
study by the American Dental Association found no link between juice and tooth
decay among pre-schoolers who drank 100% fruit juice. So, the jury is still out
on this one and the safest best is to practice good dental care.

Make sure you
drink your juice through a straw and brush and floss your teeth regularly.

Some dentists
recommend waiting half an hour after your juice to begin brushing because your
enamel will be less likely to wear away (acid softens our enamel so much that
if we brush right away we can literally brush away some of our teeth).

Drinking juice
quickly is also better than sipping at it slowly over the day. After your
juice, drink some water to help neutralise any acid that may remain in your
mouth.  I also like to use a glass straw.

Adding some
fiber back into your juice can help increase saliva flow, which is a natural
defence against cavities – washing away food particles and neutralising the
acids from attacking your teeth.

Fluoride may lessen
the effects of fruit juice on teeth (though studies about the harmful effects
of fluoride also exist) so brushing with fluoride toothpaste may be helpful.

Fruit juice has so
many benefits that offset the dangers of juicing, so ensure that your commitment to
greater health is not foiled by practicing good dental hygiene and visiting your
dentist for regular check-ups.

5.    Potential
health problems

Nearly every health authority recommends that we get six to
eight servings of fruit and vegetables a day – and nearly every one of us
doesn’t even get close to that! Juicing is a way to virtually guarantee that
you’ll reach those targets.

However, one of the main dangers of juicing is that it can lead
to potential health issues – particularly for those who are currently taking
medication or who have certain pre-existing conditions.

For instance, the high levels of potassium and minerals from
excessive juice consumption can build up to dangerous levels in the blood for
those with kidney disease. And the high levels of antioxidants and low protein content
of juice can potentially be dangerous for those undergoing chemotherapy.

The Vitamin K content of greens including kale, spinach,
collards, chard, parsley and mustard greens can interact negatively with those
on blood thinning medication such as warfarin (lowering its anti-clogging
abilities).

Grapefruit juice can be dangerous for those on
cholesterol-lowering drugs (blocking absorption).

Oxalic acid (found in parsley, spinach, bananas, beetroot,
chard and star fruit) binds with calcium to form oxalate crystals that can cause
irritation of the kidneys (and even kidney stones), irritate the mouth and
intestinal tract and block absorption of iron and calcium.

Gout, osteoporosis, kidney disorders and rheumatic arthritis
can be aggravated by oxalic acid. Always drink plenty of water to prevent the
formation of oxalate crystals.

Others should avoid juicing cruciferous vegetables (cabbage,
collards, bok choy, kale and broccoli) because they are goitrogenic, meaning
they can suppress thyroid function if eaten raw.

These vegetables may also cause gas, bloating and stomach
upset – so those suffering from these issues may benefit more from eating them
cooked or steamed (which deactivates the goitrogens).

Meanwhile sorbitol, a natural occurring sugar in some fruits
(peaches, pears, cherries, apples and prunes) can cause stomach issues and diarrhoea.

It really does
sound quite scary. But even with these top 5 dangers of juicing, the nutrients
obtained by juicing outweigh the risks.

Juicing helps your body absorb and
metabolize the many vitamins and minerals that fight disease and support
greater health.

While people
with certain medical conditions need to be aware of the risks of juicing
certain foods, juicing is an easy way to maintain health and prevent disease as
part of a healthy diet.

Juicing basics > Dangers of juicing

You are going to love the Green Starlet Juice recipe.  If you’re new to green juice, you may not know that cucumbers make a fabulous base for any kind of green juice.  This juice is very “green” in color but don’t let that scare you.  Set all fears aside, you’re going to love this combo!  Don’t miss the optional variations below to put a little twist on the basic Green Starlet juice recipe.

I love this juice for a few reasons.  It’s tasty, and it packs a serious nutrition punch. 

The juice ingredients and the benefits

This juice is rich in natural electrolytes, low sugar and is extremely cleansing.  The rich nutrients and cleansing power contribute to bone building, de-bloating and boosted brain power. 

APPLES   Apples have a host of vitamins and minerals needed for a balanced diet. One cool thing is that the pectin that remains in the juice binds to toxins and fat to help carry it out of the body. 

ROMAINE LETTUCE  Lettuce is high in silicon which contributes to hair and skin
health.  It also has B complex vitamins
which are good for healthy skin.

CELERY  Celery juice
is high in organic sodium.  It’s a great way to replace the water you lose
during the day or if you are active.  It
helps to remove water weight (debloat naturally!) and is said to curb your
desire for sweets.

CUCUMBER  Cucumbers have a lot of water so
they help to regulate body temperature by carrying vitamins to the cells and
carrying waste from the cells.  It’s an excellent source
of silicon which gives elasticity to the skin and is great for the complexion.

Here’s the Green Starlet Juice recipe

This makes enough for 2 glasses or juice or one large glass
(16 ounces).

INGREDIENTS

2 apples, cored

1 large cucumber

3 celery stalks

a few leaves of romaine lettuce (2-3)

METHOD

Cut the cucumber into long spears.  Cut the celery into 2 inch pieces, if needed.  Core and cut the apples

Juice the cucumber, celery, apples and romaine
lettuce together, alternating. 

Tip: Roll the romaine lettuce around the apples and feed into your juicing tube.

Optional variations for the Green Starlet Juice

Add coconut water:  If you want to stretch this recipe, add about 1/2 cup of coconut water. It tastes great!

If you want it sweeter:  This recipe doesn’t include that much sugar.  If you want something sweeter, add 1 pear, in any variety, to the whole recipe.

Add a lime or lemon:  Add a twist by adding 1 whole lime or lemon, peeled.  I think limes taste better in this recipe.  You can leave the peel on, but know that it might make it bitter (I know some of you like this!).

Add cilantro or parsley:  Cilantro and parsley help to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, so it’s a good idea to include a few sprigs in your juices.  It tastes great in this one. 

If you juice the Green Starlet Juice you’ll be on your way to reducing water weight, clearer skin and more energy.

Enjoy!  Let me know what you think of it below.

Juice Recipes > Green Starlet Juice