Juicing Your Way to Great Health

Healthy living is so much more of a pleasure in the summer. Gone are the cravings for comfort food that the winter brings; and in comes the sunshine, the long days… and, of course, an abundance of fresh seasonal foods! Fresh fruit and veg’ are plentiful in these summer months and your local farm shop or market will be brimming with delicious produce. There’s nothing like a cool, crisp salad on a hot day; and there’s not much more delicious – or good for you – than an home-made juice.

To celebrate the arrival of summer – and the arrival at NutriVital health of the revolutionary new Omega juicer, we have put together a small list of juice suggestions that hold profound health benefits. So if you don’t have a good quality masticating juicer, give us a call on 01730 233 414. If you do, head down to the pick your own farm to stock up and get juicing!

The following recipes make two 200ml drinks each.

The Ginger Booster
GINGER, BEETROOT, CARROT AND ECHINACEA

The rich blood-red/orange colour of this energising juice is a sign of its abundance of vitamins and minerals. Beetroot strengthens the immune system, and is rich in blood-building iron. Vitamin A in carrots is a cancer-fighting antioxidant that will also promote healthy skin and nails (perfect for your tan!) and help regulate hormones. Ginger helps to beat off chills and improves nutrient absorption. If feeling low, add Echinacea, the antibacterial, antifungal herb, to fight off infection (available from www.nutrivital.co.uk).

1 tsp chopped fresh ginger
500g (1lb 2oz) carrots
20 drops echinacea tincture (optional)
250g (9oz) raw beetroot
Juice all the above and drink straight away. To maintain optimum health, drink twice a week.

The Eco-challenger
SPROUTED ALFALFA, TOMATO, LETTUCE AND MINT

The so-called Father of all Foods, alfalfa is packed with nutrients because its roots can travel as deep as 125 metres (125 yards) into unpolluted earth. It is rich in vitamin B12, making this juice excellent for non-meat eaters, and contains a natural fluoride to prevent tooth decay. The taste can be too sprouty for some people, hence the name of this juice. Disguise it with a splash of Worcester sauce if necessary.

It will be worth your while, especially if you are thinning on top, because this juice stimulates hair growth. The tomatoes help flush out toxins and have anti-cancer properties, and their vitamin E is a valued anti-ageing antioxidant (Vitamin E is great when you’re getting a lot of sun).

600g (1lb Soz) organic tomatoes
100G (3 1/2 oz) lettuce
100g (3 1/2 oz) celery stalks
handful of fresh mint leaves
50g ( 1 3/4 oz) alfalfa, sprouted
Juice all the above and drink straight away while the live enzymes are still active.

The Red Devil
CRANBERRY JUICE, RASPBERRY AND PAPAYA

Raspberries provide natural pain relief and the pepsin enzyme in the papaya aids digestion by helping to break down proteins and other foods in the stomach. Cranberries reduce the acidity of urine and keep the urinary tract in men and women free from the bacteria that can cause painful and recurrent infections, including cystitis. They can also help prevent kidney stones. This drink can help guard against stomach ulcers, especially for those taking large daily doses of aspirin.

300ml (1/2 pint) cranberry juice
200g (7oz) papaya
200g (7oz) raspberries
Blend all the above together and drink.

If you have a urinary tract infection, try to drink this every day.

Kiwi Quencher KIWI, APPLE AND WHITE GRAPE

In traditional Chinese medicine, kiwi fruit is one of the foods used to treat breast cancer. It has more vitamin C and zinc than oranges. Grapes are packed with potent anti-cancer agents and apples can help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugars and keep the cardiovascular system healthy. This juice packs a huge vitamin C punch and will help alleviate stress and boost your resistance to disease.

200g (7oz) sweet dessert apples
200g (7oz) kiwi fruit
200g (7oz) white grapes, seedless
Juice all the above and drink with breakfast.

All fresh organic produce has fantastic health benefits. For example, you can experiment with the following juices to ease health challenges:

Insomnia
Dates/Figs, Lettuce, Passion Fruit, Celery
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Artichoke, Tomato, Caugette
Poor Circulation
Carrot/Beet, Papaya/Mango, Raspberry
Dry Skin
Cucumber, Avocado
Acne
Asparagus, Raspberry, Carrot/Celery/Beet
Gout
Alfalfa, Elderberry, Cherry, Watermelon, Blueberry
Common Cold
Raspberry, Citrus, Echinacia
Headaches
Gooseberry, Lettuce
Allergies
Alfalfa, Celery, Parsley, Pumpkin

Of course, these recipes are just suggestions. Pick out the fruit and veg’ that looks best and experiment with your own concoctions!