Tag: juicing

FUN

Health MATTERS – Myths about Juicing

juice2 Is everyone still juicing?

For ages I’ve been juicing.  At first with a blender, then a George Foreman and finally a Vitamix. juice3 Then for no valid reason I took a break from juicing with the intention of getting back to it real soon.  There’s something healthily satisfying about a morning routine of downing a concoction of fresh fruit and veggies.  I’ve been told so many things over the years about the correct and incorrect way to juice properly to reap all the benefits. Someone told me years ago that I better drink up within the first 15 minutes otherwise all the vitamins will evaporate. Here’s answers to a few questions of late:

Does juice have to be consumed right away?

Answer: Stored in an airtight container, I’m now told that juice can be kept for up to three days.  You can even make it the night before (although I prefer first thing in the morning) and have it for breakfast, or take it to work the next day.

What to do with all that pulp?

Answer: For every serving of juice, you get up to four cups of pulp.  Right now I no longer worry about this as the Vitamix tends to process all of the pulp which is the main reason I bought it (also to make sorbets), so don’t just toss it – it may not look appealing, but it contains a lot of fibre and flavour.  Try adding carrot, zucchini, beet or ginger pulp to muffins for a nutritious boost, or cucumber pulp to a veggie dip.  You can even toss frozen pulp (I’ve frozen it in ice cube trays) into soups and stews.

Should you peel your produce first?

Answer: It’s best to leave peel on for most produce (especially organic) because that’s where a lot of the nutrients thrive.  Did you know that the flavonoids found in apple peel can help with weight loss?

juice1If you don’t have a juicer, will a blender suffice?

Answer: Blenders are great for making smoothies – not so much for making juice.  A juicer is designed to extract and separate the liquid from the pulp of fruits and vegetables.  A blender, on the other hand, will purée the entire mix.

What else should you incorporate with your juice?

Answer: How about fresh herbs? Toss immune-boosting garlic into a savoury veggie juice, or add basil or parsley for extra flavour.  Or, fresh spices…a thumb-sized chunk of ginger root is a great way to add flavour while giving your immune system a quick pick-me-up.  Fresh turmeric and cinnamon help with digestion.  Chia Seeds – these omega-3-rich seeds don’t look like much dry, but when added to juice they absorb the liquid and become plump and full of flavour.  Toss a couple of Tablespoons in for extra crunch.

AND:

**Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.  Here’s the link: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1686/transforming-health

 

FUN

B well – Juicing the smart way

smoothies - CopyHEALTH IN A GLASS?

Whether it’s an early-morning fruit-juice fix or pulverized carrots and kale for lunch, may of us are taking our meals in liquid form. But do the health claims justify giving juice a whirl?

You can’t walk down the street these days without seeing someone sipping juice.  From trendsetting celebs to health gurus like Dr. Oz  and Oprah, it seems everyone is enjoying their salads through a straw.  And making some pretty big claims about the benefits.  Juicing, they say, can help you turn back the clock, shed unwanted pounds fast and even fight a whole host of diseases.smoothies - Copy (2)

Doctors, dietitians and nutritionists are divided as to whether juice cleanses have all the detoxifying, diet-transforming and disease-fighting properties their advocates so reverently profess.  From a medical standpoint, doctors say our bodies (specifically the kidneys and liver) are equipped to naturally remove toxins from our systems.

One thing most experts can agree on is that juicing in moderation (think a glass a day as opposed to a meal replacement) can supplement an already decent diet or help jump start a range of healthy behaviour, such as more mindful eating in general.  The bottom line is It’s fine to occasionally drink your fruits and veggies as long as you eat them often too.

Whole or pulverized, fruit and vegetables are essential to a healthy diet, so if it takes a glass of juice to help you get more of them, then that’s not entirely a bad thing.  Experiment with ingredients like ginger for energy, or antioxidant-rich beets, which are high in folate, to help protect your heart.

For a super smoothie try mixing up some high grade protein powder with wild greens, blueberries, yogurt, banana, flax seeds, wheat germ & green tea powder.

Also: **Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host BradKing for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.  Here’s the link: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1686/transforming-health

excerpts taken from Health Trends – Chatelaine Magazine