What do I juice and why?

Carrots

They are the main root vegetables in my almost every day juice. It is the base of all vegetable juices. Carrots contain vitamins A (beta carotene), D, E, K, C and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium and other minerals and trace elements.

Carrot juice acts as a liver cleanser and therefore you may experience your skin turning a slight tint of orange in the palms of your hands when you first start drinking fresh carrot juice on a daily basis.

It’s nothing to worry about, it doesn’t last long and there is no permanent skin discolouration! I too experienced this discolouration on my skin as I drank a lot of pure fresh carrot juice every day. If you turn too orange, just lower the volume of carrots and juice them along with other vegetables such as kale, spinach, celery or apples.

Why does such discolouration happen? Well, it is a good sign. It means your body is getting rid of accumulated toxins from your liver – it’s simply detoxing. 🙂

Celery

Contains natural sodium with many minerals. A rich source of vitamins C, K and B and minerals such as potassium, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and sodium. Celery promotes a calming effect on the nervous system, so it is a good tonic for insomnia.

Beetroot

Contains vitamins A and C and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, manganese and folic acid. It is a powerful cleanser, as it cleanses your blood, kidneys and keeps your intestinal tract healthy. Also, it eliminates kidney stones and detoxifies liver and gall bladder. Beetroot helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It is very beneficial when drunk during menstruation.

Cucumbers

Contains lots of water, it is a natural diuretic and high in potassium levels. It helps with rheumatic ailments and promotes nail and hair growth. It is great for your skin.

Spinach

Is a rich source of vitamins A and E and high in iron, calcium and protein. Spinach is nourishing for the skin, eyes and for building bones. It also helps to increase serotonin levels naturally, so it is a great energy booster.

Parsley

Is nutritionally dense and very concentrated. It contains vitamins A, C, and K and the minerals folate, iron, copper, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It is good for bad breath.

Kale

Is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K and B as well as minerals such as manganese, protein, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, calcium, and is high in chlorophyll and fibre. It is a great cancer fighting food, is good for your heart and helps to treat many other ailments.

Apples

Are the only fruit which combines well with other juices. Other fruit juices and vegetables juices do not combine that well.

Apples contain pectin, helping lower cholesterol. Also vitamins such as A, B and C as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. They are great for the immune system as they fight against infection, help remove toxins, relieve constipation and soothe the nerves.

Yes, you can also juice Watermelons  – but do not mix it with other juices. Watermelon drink it alone. Watermelon is very alkalising fruit and high in minerals and vitamins.

Other ingredients that can be juiced are:

• pineapple,

• tomatoes,

• lettuce,

• bok choi,

• fennel bulb,

• lemon,

• herbs, garlic, ginger root, turmeric root, etc.

When choosing greens, get the darkest in colour as they contain the most nutrients!

Three basic tips before you start juicing:

1. Ideally, use as many organic ingredients as are available and affordable.

Why? Organic foods have a higher content of nutrients and taste better and sweeter. Conventional farming methods involve lots of pesticides which are harmful to your health. Farmers don’t spend millions every year in pesticides just so they can be washed away by rain. Therefore washing your produce in water will not remove its pesticides.

2. I use a vegetable spray wash that will get rid of pesticides and chemical residue from produce which cannot be peeled and can be bought in most health food shops.

3. Keep your juicer visible on a counter because if you see it, you are more likely to use it. If you keep it hidden in the cupboard, you have one more reason not to use it regularly.

If you like to learn more please check out my book ‘Healing Beverages’ which has over 100 delicious and simple recipes for juices, smoothies, plant-based milks and herbal teas, plus lots of other helpful information. 😉

Download here

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