If you are anything like me then you might have had plenty of rich foods and more than your fair share of booze over the break. Drinking fresh juices can detoxify the body, help to create a more alkaline body, and to give a boost of energy and clear the mind.
After a holiday I reach for a healthy juice to cleanse my body and give my digestive system a break. According to the Mayo Clinic, by drinking freshly made juices, your body can absorb the nutrients better than eating whole fruits and vegetables and it gives your digestive system a rest from working on fiber. They say that juicing can reduce your risk of cancer, boost your immune system, help remove toxins from your body, aid digestion and help you lose weight. Fresh juices can give you a burst of energy and a clear mind.
Here are some of the favourite fruit and vegetables to put in your juice and their health benefits.
Kale – insanely low in calories, powerful anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, and helpful for arthritis and autoimmune diseases
Spinach – the beauty of spinach lies in how easy it is to disguise the taste. It’s mild tasting yet packed with vitamins, has anti-cancerous properties, and is one of the healthiest foods on the planet
Cucumber – since it’s 95% water, it’s an incredible detoxifier and helps with liver and kidney function
Lemon – one of the most important items to stock in your kitchen as it’s a highly effective cleansing agent and cuts through the bitterness of greens
Carrots - known for being a good source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K, and potassium. Carrots have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health
Celery - low in calories since it is mostly water. It is a low-glycemic food and a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.
Beets - contain nutrients that may help lower your blood pressure, fight inflammation, and support detoxification.
Apples - "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a famous saying for good reason. Helps to fight inflammation and heart health.
Oranges - immune system booster since it is high in Vitamin C and low in calories.
Turmeric – anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
Ginger – aids in digestion and supports the immune system
One of my favourite juices is orange, carrot, turmeric, lemon and ginger. It is a bit on the tangy side but it tastes good! If you have any good combos you want to share then please comment here.