Thursday 8 May 2014

Essential Spring Juicing Ingredients




The craze for juicing is still going strong, whether you choose to do a regular detox or include a juice in your daily diet, there is no denying that it has an impressive list of health, well-being and dietary benefits and there are so many different juicers, juicing recipe books and experts that we can refer to in our quest to find the find a mix that you enjoy and that works for you.  We’ve had a good look around and found some essential ingredients that you should try to include in your juicing and explained why:



1. Strawberries – to start with they taste delicious, and feel like spring, they're rich in vitamin c, high in antioxidants and are excellent for skin health and beauty.

2. Arugula - Very cleansing, high in chlorophyll, great for bone building and mental sharpness.  And lettuce in general is a "brimming with micronutrients, super hydrating and very cleansing," she says. "They're wonderful in blends and juices because they add a light fresh taste.

3. Lemon - Never leave this citrus out the mix.  We all know that lemon squeezed in warm water is the perfect way to start each and every day - it’s a great liver cleanser.  But it's also important to add to your juice, too.  Although acidic in taste, lemon is very alkaline when taken into the body.

4. Avocado - Rich in good fat, and an amazing support for the body’s detox and nourishment, plus it's also a great source of glutathione (helps to block carcinogens while aiding the liver in its detox). And due to its consistency it adds creaminess to any blend.

5. Kale and Spinach - There's a reason kale is laced into nearly every juice joint concoction…..It’s high in fibre so it's great for digestion and is loaded with nutrients including, calcium, magnesium, and iron (kale has more iron than red meat!).   It's also high in vitamin K, touted for cancer-fighting and bone health properties, as well as prevention of blood clots, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.  It is also known to promote cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol levels, boost immunity, promote metabolic function, and aid in liver detoxification – a true super-food if ever there was one!
Spinach - the other popular leafy green, it's not only "antioxidant rich, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, bone healthy and just all around so healthy for you.

6. Chia – A great way to add some heft to a juice.  Another modern super-food that really should be found in everyone’s kitchen cupboard.   Chia seeds are an amazing source of soluble fibre, omega 3, and protein.

7. Basil and Parsley - Antioxidant rich, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, bone healthy and so healthy for you, basil is a great source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent the cells from damage by free radicals and is rich in an array of flavonoids which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Basil also contains potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds, antibacterial properties, and has a whole host of antioxidants that boost the immune system.
Parsley - Helps clean the colon which is often the source of bad breath…. also rich in chlorophyll which helps clean our blood and eating a few sprigs isn’t going to do the trick—but to reap the rewards of this plant you ideally need to juice a half a bunch.

8. Cabbage – Pretty new to juicing, but so good for the digestive system— if you have a sensitive or upset stomach, juicing cabbage will help.  However, as it has a slightly bitter taste —just juice about a quarter head of cabbage for a few ounces with in equal parts carrot. Juicing red cabbage over green as it has more vitamin C and phytonutrients. 

9. Carrots - have important nutrients such as vitamin c and a, both vitamins that assist our bodies to maintain a strong vision, teeth, bones and skin too.  Plus, they add sweetness, which is great when doing an all veggie juice. Try ¼ red cabbage, four oranges and carrots with their tops and two apples.


10. Turmeric – An amazing anti-inflammatory so great when you have sore muscles after a workout and it's also been given some credit in research for being used against Alzheimer’s.  A little goes a long way thought, don’t over do it, you only need a pinch.

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