Juicing for health

A few years ago, I was living off caramel macchiatos and hummus. My working day was so busy, that I simply forgot to feed my body what it needed, and as a result I piled on fat. It was my older sister that stopped me in my tracks one day and introduced me to a book on juicing. Together with exercise and (obviously quitting my habit of 5 coffees a day) I was able to get myself back on track and to a much healthier body; not to mention my skin was happier and clearer.

I remember asking my sister why she recommended juicing in the first instance, and as a mother of 2 (now 3), she said getting a balance of nutrients can be difficult. For her, as a parent, making sure her children are getting what they need to be strong and healthy is paramount. Not only that, but also keeping herself healthy, as she can be a busy mum with little time left to go to yoga or for a run.

As I started doing some research, I discovered that juicing has not just been related to weight loss but also to detoxing, boosting the immune system and fighting off illness. A study done by Rice University in Texas, USA, talked about how important antioxidants and vitamins are in the prevention of cellular damage and fighting free radicals. With that being said, juicing provides your body with a higher quantity of vitamins and minerals than say consuming the vegetables and fruits whole.

Now naturally, like with everything, there are those who have scepticism around juicing. Some have called it a 'fad', some criticised juicing because it removes 'important' fibre, and some simply say juices contain 'a lot of sugar' that make you gain weight.

First, any juicing book worth reading will give you recipes for juices that contain primarily vegetables, which contain a low amount of sugar. Following a juicing plan for a short period of time can give your body a chance to free you of toxins and kick start your body into losing fat. This is not to suggest you should only consume juice for the rest of your life. Some vegetables have vitamins that are locked in the fibre of the vegetable. By juicing and removing this fibre you in turn gain access to these vitamins, and gain more than you would do by simply consuming them whole. For example, when you eat a raw carrot, you are only able to get about 1% of the available beta carotene. But when a carrot is juiced, and the fibre is removed, you get almost 100% of the beta carotene.

Juicing for short periods, once a week or even once a day is a great way to get nutrients not only into you but into your kids too. Some kids dislike certain high vitamin vegetables because they struggle with different tastes and textures. Juice has a smooth texture, and with the right combination of ingredients, a more palatable flavour. So, giving your child a tasty juice can be a way for them to get nutrients they might struggle to eat. Lastly, real testimonials have shown that juicing has helped their bodies fight illnesses and skin conditions. Jason Vale, also known as the 'Juicemaster', had severe asthma, eczema, mild acne and even severe psoriasis, before he began juicing. Now, his psoriasis is 95% gone and all other conditions disappeared; not to mention he is no longer overweight. 

With all that in mind, I would like to share juices I was inspired to drink from different books I have read and followed over the years. Provided you have a juicing machine and a blender, these juices are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike!

Keep in mind, that I am not an expert, this is simply an account of my experience and my research. If you feel sceptical, there is a lot of research out there available on the internet.

Sweet and Light: Perfect way to start the day

• 1 apple

• 2 pears

• ¼ cucumber

• ½ lime (peeled)

• Small handful of mint leaves

• 1 handful of ice cubes

First, juice the apple and pears. Then, juice the mint leaves, lime and cucumber together so that you get the maximum flavour of mint. Finally, blend ice cubes and juice together for a refreshing morning juice.

Blueberry and Banana Munch: Ideal for a light lunch 

(warning recipe contains nuts and seeds)

• 2  apples

• 50g blueberries

• 2 tbsps of natural yoghurt (if you're vegan use coconut/soya yoghurt)

• 1/2 banana

• 1 tbsp almonds

• 1 tsp chia seeds

• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

• 1 handful ice cubes

First, juice your apples. Then, blend your yoghurt (or vegan yoghurt) blueberries, banana, almonds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds together with your juiced apples until smooth. Finally, add your ice cubes to your thick juice and blend. 

Energiser – Beats your best caffeine drink 

• 1/4 pineapple (remove the skin first)

• 1 handful of fresh spinach

• 1/2 cucumber

• 1/4 courgette

• 1/2 lime (peeled)

• 2 cm ginger (peeled)

• 15 sugar snap peas/ green beans

• 1 handful of ice cubes

First, juice your pineapple, lime and spinach together so you maximise what you can get from your spinach. Then, juice your sugar snap peas and courgette together. Next, juice your cucumber and ginger together. Finally, add your ice cubes to your juice and blend. 

Super Veggie - Low in sugar, high in vitamins and delicious.

• 2 apples,

• 1 large handful of kale

• 1 large handful of spinach

• 1/2 lemon (wax free)

• 1 stick of celery

• 1/2 cucumber

• 1/2 avocado (peeled)

• 1 handful of ice cubes

First, juice your apples, cucumber and celery. Next, juice your spinach and kale together with your lemon. Then, blend your juice together with your avocado (removed from its skin) until smooth. Finally, add ice cubes to your super green mixture and blend till smooth.

Mango Avocado Boost - Rich in protein, great after a run or a workout. 

(warning recipe contains nuts)

• 1 handful of kale (try to remove harder stalks)

• 1/2 avocado

• 1 tbsp cashew nuts

• 1/2 mango

• 100ml coconut water

• 1 small handful of ice cubes

First, either juice your kale or add to your cashew nuts, mango and avocado and blend. Then, add coconut water and ice cubes and blend mixture till smooth.