Detox time!  I’ve gone through a few and these were some good detox recipes that I followed.  Let me know what you think of them by adding a comment!  What you put in your body is the most important decision you make each day and we all know nutrition is an important element to a healthy body.  Also, I linked up some words in here with the equipment I used – if you click on them and don’t have the necessary equipment, we happen to have it!

Have a favorite recipe you want to share? We’d love to share it, e-mail us at info@877myjuicer.com

Detox Recipes

Choose all natural and certified organic products when possible. Enjoy!

Lemonade Detox

Drink this delicious detoxifying lemonade throughout the summer. It will make one eight oz. glass.

· 2 tbs fresh squeezed lemon juice

· 1 tbs 100% pure organic maple syrup

· 1/5 tsp cayenne pepper

· 8 oz. glass spring water

Strawberry Almond Smoothie

· ½ cup almond milk

· ½ cup frozen organic strawberries

· 1 tbs. organic maple syrup

· Combine all ingredients in your juicer, juice and serve cold.

Spinach, Apple, Walnut Salad

Prepare this simple salad on a warm summer evening. With each bite, you get a splash of juice and the crunch of nuts.

· 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

· 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

· 3/4 teaspoon salt

· 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Whisk together oil, balsamic, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Keep refrigerated.

· 1 1/4 lb spinach lettuce (1 bag)

· Dice 1 large Braeburn Apple (1 1/4 cups),

· 3/4 cup cut organic raw walnuts

· Toast walnut and toss lettuce, apple, and walnuts in large bowl with just enough dressing to coat.

· Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

Ok, so I wasn’t always a grocery shopper.  I mean, I’ve been a bachelor for years and it wasn’t on my top priority list.  That was until I got on my health streak (which I have continued for YEARS now).  So, I thought I’d share some good tips with you when you go to the store.  Check it!

What You Should Buy At The Grocery Store?

Do you know what you need when you leave for the grocery store, or do you just pick up foods and toss them into your shopping cart ad-hoc? Grocery shopping might not always be the most fun task on your “to do” list, but it can be made easier and quicker if you shop with a list. If you know what you need to purchase before you enter the sea of glimmering cereal boxes and walk down the aisles of candy land lane, you can prevent yourself from tempting foods that just aren’t healthy for you, or better yet, you can stop yourself from overspending at the check-out line.

But, that’s not all; if you make a list ahead of time you can fill your basket with healthy snacks, eat healthier meals throughout the week and build a shopping list that will last a lifetime.

Here are some staple items to put on your list:

Vegetables and fruits are best when in season and should make up the largest part of your list. Vegetables and fruits have vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and are low in calories.

Meats should be mostly fish, – think omega 3s – and poultry, but don’t eliminate your hamburgers and steak. Serve lean cuts of beef and pork cooked in olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

Whole grains are important for vitamins, minerals and fiber. Choose quinoa, millet, spelt and steel cut oats. Choose breads and cereals made from whole grains and read labels.

Dairy products such as milk and cheese should be eaten in moderation and kept low in fat. Goat’s cheese such as feta is a great option. If you do not want bovine dairy products, choose almond milk, rice milk or soy milk.

Salad Dressings often hide refined sugar and poor quality oils. Make your own. Buy olive oil and balsamic, mix together with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Remember to Drink water, juice and herbal teas; all are good choices. Better yet, make your own juice to eliminate unhealthy preservatives and hidden sugars found in the juices from frozen concentrates and supermarket shelves.

Choose certified organic foods when possible. Certified Organic means your meats, fruits and vegetables are free of added hormones from animals and free of pesticides.

Find what works best for you, but here are some grocery items I keep on my weekly shopping list:

· Steel cut oatmeal, stevia or organic maple syrup to taste

· Plain non-fat organic yogurt (or make your own yogurt), stevia to taste

· Non-fat milk

· Seasonal fruits

· Season vegetables

· Certified organic chicken

· Certified organic ground turkey

· Raw almonds

· Raw walnuts

· Dried raisins, apricots and mangos

· Ezekiel whole grain tortillas and bread

· Fresh sliced deli meat

· Feta cheese

· Spinach Lettuce

Dark organic chocolate, 60% or more – delivers healthy antioxidants while it feeds your sweet tooth.  Isn’t that awesome?

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

Now that you’ve researched juicers, read up on organic fruits and vegetables and (hopefully) purchased your very first juicer, you might be asking yourself; just exactly what can I do with this new appliance? Do you make a smoothie, throw a juicing party or do you try out one of the expected juice fasts you’ve heard so much about from your friends and legions of committed juicers? If you decide a juice fast, just might be the answer, you may want to start with understanding the basics of juicing for detoxification.

WHY DETOX?

First of all, many doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists and juicers consider detoxification an important corrective and restorative process in our cycle of nutrition. It is a time when we allow our cells and organs the chance to clear out waste and take in new oxygen and nutrients. While we do not necessarily need to fast to experience some cleansing, (minor shifts in the diet such as including more fluids and more raw foods will encourage detoxification), juice fasting is an advanced detox method designed to speed the elimination of toxins from the body. Freshly juiced fruits and vegetables provide calories and nutrients on which to function and build new cells, and also provide vital enzymes.

Juice fasting essentially refers to the avoidance of solid foods and the consumption only of liquids. Water fasting is popular, but juice is often chosen over water as a way of fasting because of its many benefits. Juice requires minimal digestion, improves energy, is easily absorbed and assimilated by the body and it supplies nutrients and calories to maintain energy, while it stimulates our body to clear waste. Fasting also increases the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys and bladder, lungs and sinuses, and skin. While this process may generate discharge such as mucus from the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, sinuses, or in the urine, it is helpful in clearing out the problems that have arisen from overeating and a sedentary lifestyle.

BEFORE YOU DETOX

Since we are all different from age to body type to health conditions, it is recommended that you consult your primary care provider before trying a juice fast for detox. Fasting can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body. If you are taking prescription medication make certain to consult a health professional skilled in detoxification.

Moreover, if you have one of the following conditions do not try juice fasting: diabetes, hypoglycemia, eating disorders, anemia, epilepsy, kidney disease, impaired or weak immune system, cardiac arrhythmias, weak heart, candida, cancer, peptic ulcer, malnutrition, pregnancy, nursing, gout, lactation, asthma, terminal illness, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, any condition that causes depletion and weakness, underweight, chronic infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, epilepsy.

JUICING GUIDELINES

Once you’ve received the go-ahead and are ready to begin your juice detox, it is best to start slowly and to avoid being excessive or impatient. Make sure to get good nights sleep and follow some of these practical tips:

Begin slowly with a three or five day juice fast and graduate to a longer fast from there.

The basic procedure is to use between one and three parts distilled or filtered water to one part fresh juice. Between 32 and 64 oz. of juice is usually recommended per day. The juice is sipped throughout the day. Approximately 6 glasses of filtered water should be consumed (including the water used to dilute the juice) to flush out toxic substances.

· Low-allergen protein supplements can be added after the third day. They provide protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the detoxification process. The powder can be mixed into juices.

· Keep warm. Nurturing and relaxing are important during this time. Breathing exercises, yoga and/or meditation are some optional suggestions.

· Add blue-green algae, spirulina, or chlorella to juices to provide more energy.

· Be sure to drink plenty of warm water in addition to juices..

· Good choices for detox are celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, beet, and greens.

· Apples, grapes, oranges, and carrots are caloric and should be minimized if weight loss is desired while grapefruit, lemon, cucumber, and greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or parsley, are recommended for weight loss.

Fruit Juices

Lemon—liver, gallbladder, allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease (CVD), colds
Citrus—CVD, obesity, hemorrhoids, varicose veins
Apple—liver, intestines
Pear—gallbladder
Grape—colon, anemia
Papaya—stomach, indigestion, hemorrhoids, colitis
Pineapple—allergies, arthritis, inflammation, edema, hemorrhoids
Watermelon—kidneys, edema
Black cherry—colon, menstrual problems, gout

Vegetable Juices

Greens—CVD, skin, eczema, digestive problems, obesity, breath
Spinach—anemia, eczema
Parsley—kidneys, edema, arthritis
Beet greens—gallbladder, liver, osteoporosis
Watercress—anemia, colds
Wheat grass—anemia, liver, intestines, breath (remember you have to use a masticating juicer for this.  No other juicer will work!)
Cabbage—colitis, ulcers
Comfrey—intestines, hypertension, osteoporosis
Carrots—eyes, arthritis, osteoporosis
Beets—blood, liver, menstrual problems, arthritis
Celery—kidneys, diabetes, osteoporosis
Cucumber—edema, diabetes
Jerusalem artichokes—diabetes
Garlic—allergies, colds, hypertension, CVD, high fats, diabetes (use a garlic keeper to keep it fresh)
Radish—liver, high fats, obesity
Potatoes—intestines, ulcer

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

First, let me say that I’m not sure if I believe the hype on this stuff…but I have had many people ask how this really works so I figured…”Hmmm…why not blog it!”.  This technology is implemented in the Green Star Twin Gear Juicer.  I have tried to research it more as far as studies but was not able to really come up with anything.  Anyway, here is my dissertation on it!   It was like writing a really short college essay.  ENJOY!

Bio-magnetic content and special magnets within the gears of the twin-gear design supply positive ionization to the minerals of the fruits and vegetables which prolongs the freshness of your juices, therefore delaying oxidation for up to 48 hours! You can then store your healthy juice drinks for later enjoyment without fear of vital nutrients being depleted.

Biomagnetic technology explained:

· Inside each gear mechanism is a section of magnets in series side by side. The magnets alternate positive and negative charges. With the twin gears’ side by side design they work together to produce a positive charge which keeps your juice fresh and lively for much longer periods than usual.

· The next level inside the magnetic assembly consists of special bio-ceramic particles protected by a stainless steel housing. Intense infrared technology creates bio-ceramic activity which then gives off positive ions.

· The magnetic assembly in the GS-1000 along with the bio-ceramic material work together like a team recharging each other continually.

· When the twin gears of the machine turn together, the magnet fields and bio-ceramic activity steadily produce the positive ions which are retained within your juice.

· The addition of these ions gives juices a longer life by helping to preserve vital minerals and nutrients.

· This constant activity reduces oxidation and retains the freshness!

Check out the Green Star Twin Gear Juicer if you want it!

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

Wheatgrass does the body good!  We drink it in the office…everday.  If you really want to learn about it, this is the article for you.  It is kind of long, so sit back and relax…or maybe just print it off.  Wheatgrass is by far one of the most potent substances available on this earth. Although wheatgrass (some people spell it wheat grass) is starting to catch on with mainstream America, many people are still unaware of all the powers this easy to grow substance carries.

This page will give you some in-depth information on what wheatgrass is, how to grow it, and what the heck is so special about it! If grown properly, cut at the correct time, and consumed immediately wheatgrass should not have a bitter taste. It should taste sweet! Michael Bergonzi of Hippocrates Institute is the wheatgrass grower there and produces some of the finest grass.

An analysis performed by Harvey Lisle which is provided by the Anne Wigmore Foundation showed 3500 mg. of wheatgrass to contain the following properties:

· 800 mg of Protein

· 600 mg of Crude Fiber

· 10 Calories

· 19 mg of Chlorophyll

Sources other than Ann Wigmore list these additional factors in Wheat Grass:

Features and Benefits of Wheatgrass:

· One of the richest natural sources of Vitamin A, B and C

· Contains “live enzymes” to aide in digestion and metabolism

· High protein content

· Contains all 8 essential Amino Acids

· High source of Chlorophyll – which has shown to be effective against radiation poisoning

· Chlorophyll is closely related to the Hemoglobin in blood

· Purifies blood

· Great skin cleanser – pour it in a bath for a refreshing soak

· Used as a mouthwash it invigorates the gums and draws out toxins

· Wheatgrass implants used in conjunction with enemas are great for cleansing the colon

· A study at the University of California (San Diego) showed wheatgrass and barley grass to contain an enzyme P4D1which has the ability to repair faulty DNA

List of benefits to the body:

1. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.
2. Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.
3. Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.
4. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.
5. Chlorophyll is antibacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.
6. Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy.
7. Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)
8. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior be cause it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man.
9. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.
10. Dr. Ann Wigmore has been helping people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.
11. Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them, and makes them over.
12. Wheatgrass juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr. Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of wheat grass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrots, lettuce, celery, and so forth.
13. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
14. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
15. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.
16. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
17. Wheatgrass juice cures acne and even removes scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet must be improved at the same time.
18. In The American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Cruskin, M.D., recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll. It neutralizes strep infections, heals wounds, hastens skin grafting, cures chronic sinusitis, overcomes ear inflammation and infections, reduces varicose veins and heals leg ulcers, eliminates impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heals rectal sores, successfully treats inflammation of the uterine cervix, gets rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduces typhoid fever, and cures advanced pyorrhea in many cases.
19. Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body.
20. A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet prevents tooth decay.
21. Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums.
22. Gargle with wheatgrass juice for a sore throat.
23. Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out pulp.
24. Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as psoriasis.
25. Wheatgrass juice keeps the hair from graying.
26. By taking wheatgrass juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality, and experience a sense of well-being.
27. Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.
28. Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.
29. Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.
30. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 mins. Rinse off with cold water.
31. Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal Organs.
32. Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.
33. Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “Chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.”
34. According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.
35. Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
36. Wheatgrass juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.
37. Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals from the body

Frequently Asked Questions about Wheatgrass:

What is Chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll, which makes up over 70% of the solid content of wheatgrass juice is the basis of all plant life. Chlorophyll is often referred to as “the blood of plant life.” It closely resembles the molecules of human red blood cells.

How is Chlorophyll related to the human blood?

Both Chlorophyll and Hemoglobin share a similar atom structure to create their respective molecules, as shown below. The only actual difference in the two molecules is that of the metallic atom element. In human blood or hemoglobin consists of iron, while in Chlorophyll the metallic atom is magnesium.

What is the importance of Chlorophyll in blood?

Since Chlorophyll and Hemoglobin are so much alike in atom structure it allows it to be absorbed quickly and begin to build the blood stream.

What are enzymes?

Enzymes in laymen terms are like highly skilled workers on an assembly line. Each enzyme performs a specific function within the body while in harmony with other enzymes. They are important and required for everything we do, vision, thought, dreams, reproduction, breathing, digestion are all controlled by enzymes.

Why are enzymes so essential to good health?

With the important role of enzymes involvement in every body function, it is necessary that we intake adequate enzymes on a daily basis. Unfortunately, medical doctors have found that we don’t get all the enzymes we need from our cooked, over salted and over processed foods. This results in overall poor health situations. Wheatgrass juice can provide the additional enzyme intake your body requires for overall good health.

Is it true that enzymes aide in the prevention and curing of cancer?

Enzymes in short deter the cancer cells ability to hide from the immune system and spread throughout the body. It is not “medically proven” that wheatgrass can cure cancer – but Ann Wigmore associated her recover with wheatgrass.

What is the nutritional value of wheatgrass juice?

One ounce of Wheatgrass Juice provides the following:

· Equivalent in vitamins, minerals and amino acids found in 2.5 pounds of green leaf vegetables

· Rich source of Vitamins A, B Complex, B-17, C, E and K

· Excellent source of Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Sulfur, Cobalt, Zinc and 17 forms of amino acids and enzymes.

What are the benefits of wheatgrass juice consumption?

As a body cleanser Wheatgrass juice is a powerful cleanser and may start an immediate reaction with toxins & mucus in the stomach, possibly causing nausea. Chlorophyll brings toxins into the bloodstream that have been stored in cells or in fatty tissue. Start with 1 to 2 ounces and work up to more slowly. Drink it on an empty stomach.

As a body builder Wheatgrass juice is very high in enzymes & chlorophyll. It contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder. The chlorophyll molecule closely resembles that of the hemin molecule, the pigment that combines with protein to form hemoglobin. The major difference is that the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium as its central atom, and the hemin molecule contains iron. The molecular structure of these two substances is almost identical in every other respect.

As an energizer & appetite suppressant, the starch of the wheat berry is stored energy that when converted to simpler sugar is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and is absorbed in 20 minutes. Wheat picks up 92 of the 102 minerals in the soil and contains all vitamins that science has isolated. Because 1 ounce of juice equals 2 pounds of produce nutritionally, it naturally shuts off the appetite in the brain.

As an antibiotic Science has proven that chlorophyll will arrest growth and development of unfriendly bacteria. It acts to produce an unfavorable environment for bacteria growth, rather than by any direct action upon bacteria themselves. Rapp and Gurney at Loyola University established that water-soluble chlorophyll inhibits the action of proteolitic bacteria (which break down protein into simpler substances) and enzymes; hence, taken internally via mouth or rectum, it inhibits purification of protein by some bacteria that are commonly found in the digestive tract of meat eaters.

And carcinogens. Dr. Chiu-nan Lai, Ph.D., (University of Texas System Cancer Center, Department of Biology, Houston, Texas) has determined through using the Ames Bacterial Mutagenicity Test that chlorophyll is the active factor in wheat sprout extract that inhibits the metabolic activity of carcinogens. A twenty-year study of 2000 telephone company workers has found that a natural ingredient in carrots and leafy green vegetables significantly reduced the risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers. They determined that a diet high in beta-carotene negated the bad effects of 30 years of smoking. The National Cancer Institute reports that 19 of 21 studies over the years have indicated diets high in beta-carotene contribute to at least 40% risk reduction in developing some kinds of cancer.

For anemia Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) aids in rebuilding the bloodstream. Studies on various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count has returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals that were known to be extremely anemic or low in red blood cell count.

As a deodorizer Dr. F. Howard Wescott reported that when chlorophyll is taken internally in adequate quantity, it reduces or eliminates offensive body and breath odors. His studies showed it effective in neutralizing obnoxious odors in the body from food, beverages, tobacco, and metabolic changes (halitosis), and from perspiration due to physical exercise, nervousness, menstrual cycle, etc. skin disorders
The bland, soothing effect of chlorophyll (wheatgrass) ointments are very beneficial in treating various skin diseases including weeping & dry eczema, insect bites, infection, and first and second – degree burns.

How to grow wheatgrass:

What do I need?

A sprouter!  Check out our wheatgrass sprouters that we carry

How long does it take to grow?

Approximately 8-12 days (longer in cold weather)

What kind of seed should you use?

Use Hard Winter Wheat Seed (wheatberries)

How often do you water the grass?

Once a day heavily (until the tray drips)

How long do you soak the seeds before planting?

8-12 hours or overnight

Will the grass grow back the second time?

The second growth will grow, but at a loss of 50% of the nutritional value

How much light does it need?

Indirect sunlight – very little!

What about frozen or powdered grass?

These are good alternatives, but no substitute for fresh juice

What kind of soil should I use?

Basic potting/top soils with peat moss in the mix

So…what kind of equipment do you need?

Well, you need a wheatgrass juicer…I recommend the Lexen Electric Healthy Juicer, or the Healthy Juicer Manual. You should also get a sprouter and I recommend the Sproutman Sprouter.  Both available here!

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

The best reason to ask “why buy a juicer” is to look closely at the label of most store bought juices. What comes first? Corn syrup? Sugar? How much fruit or vegetable is actually in the juice? Look at the ingredients and you will quickly find that most of the easy-to-buy, right-off-the-shelf juices available are made of sugar and water with a bit of fruit or vegetable juice. These juices typically also contain a number of preservatives, coloring agents, and other unnecessary and possibly detrimental additives that will neither be advantageous to your diet or your health. Raw foods, on the other hand, contain active live enzymes, beneficial to your health. Many health enthusiasts consider a raw-food diet the most healing and nutritious, and a juicer is one way you can quickly reap the rewards of eating raw.

Juicing Raw Foods

· There is hardly any digestive work needed to process raw, enzymatically active liquid. With a juicer, fruit and vegetable juice gets into the system quickly.

· Squeezed vegetable juice is very nutrient-dense and full of phytonutrients (or plant chemicals), which are proving to be the key behind keeping our bodies free of cancer, digestive problems, and other degenerative illnesses.

· The most overlooked, reason to juice is to cleanse the liver. Any human biology book tells us that there are now over 700 known functions of the liver, but what you may not realize is that functionality is dependent on whether or not your liver is congested.

The benefits of regularly cleansing with freshly squeezed, organic juice is to give your body a fresh start; use up excess storages of body fat, ingest various anti-oxidants (like acidic fruits), deprive the body of what it may be addicted to (caffeine, sugar, smoking, drugs, etc.), which leads to eventual purging of the toxins in your system and impacted wastes — as well as promote gastrointestinal tract lubrication and to hydrate the body. A cleansed liver is a felt sensation. Improving its function seems to affect everything, from mental clarity and focus to emotions to sleep to how stress is handled to increasing your energy..Plus, is just might help you reboot and install a new and healthier diet.

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

I just love imagining the expression of profound “Huh?” on your face. (Or maybe I just overestimate my cleverness) Anyway, what I’m talkin bout Willis is Vitamin K; that amazing “koagulating” substance essential for healing our wounds. Now I’m no dummy—at least that’s what my mother tells me—but “koagulation” is the way our Danish friend Henrik Dam, the researcher who discovered the stuff spelled it, and that’s what put the “K” in Vitamin. Now for years scientists have believed that coagulation (see I can spell it) seemed to be the only boon of this baby but recent discoveries have shown that in fact Vitamin K plays other crucial roles in the body which means possibly the assessment of our recommended optimal daily intake should be reassessed.

So why is it essential? Basically, the body uses Vitamin K to produce a range of different proteins. Some are used to produce factors that allow blood to coagulate while other vitamin K-dependent proteins are used for maintaining healthy bones and keeping arteries unclogged. Sarah L. Booth, Ph.D., a scientist at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and one of a small group of vitamin K nutrition experts in the world says that “Vitamin K allows a protein called osteocalcin to bind to calcium in bone, which helps maintain bone density.” In a separate 10-year long study of 72,000 women, researchers found that those who consumed the most foods containing vitamin K had a 30 percent lower risk of hip fractures than those whose diets contained the least vitamin K. There’s also evidence showing that other vitamin K-dependent proteins may have a role in preventing hardening of the arteries, which constricts blood flow and can trigger heart attacks.

Currently the recommended daily intake of vitamin K based on the levels that are needed to maintain normal coagulation is 90 micrograms for women and 120 for men but considering the new evidence, experts suspect that the most effective level may be higher. The problem? In the words of Dr. Booth, “At the moment, we don’t have the data to say exactly what optimal intake should be.”

Now don’t panic! Vitamin K deficiency is extremely uncommon so just get a hold of yourself. The main dietary sources of vitamin K are dark green vegetables, so just eat as many salads and drink as much fresh juice as you can and you’ll probably be alright. Now vitamin K is also abundant in many vegetable oils, including soybean, canola, and olive oil but always remember that leafy green vegetables of all kinds contain vitamin K. From spinach, kale, and green leaf lettuce to broccoli, asparagus and arugula, there are plenty of sources of vitamin K but a good rule of thumb is the greener the leaf, the more vitamin K it contains. Now remember you’ll need a masticating juicer for the leafy green veggies but almost nothing is lost in the juicing process so go to town.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

When you’re a health nut you tend to buy a lot of produce. This is a great thing until of course you begin to add up the cost of all the items you’ve had to toss because they went bad before you had a chance to eat use them. For me, I’ve developed an adversarial relationship with bananas. I buy a lot of bananas and it seems that they’re almost always over green in the produce section, they sit on my counter for two days ripening, I use maybe 2 and, whamo!, they’re brown. Now, fortunately because I use them primarily in my daily power shakes (that’s a smoothie to most normal folks) I can cut them up and freeze them. But if I want to just enjoy a fresh banana, I’ve got to perform this juggling act of wanting a fresh banana on just the day of freshness. It’s enough to drive you bananas. The same thing happens with lettuce and other leafy greens. I get a couple uses and then have to begin this pruning process. Almost half of it ends up in the disposal. Now possibly I’m a bit daft when it comes to this stuff but I’ll assume I’m not alone in my frustration. So I did a little research and decided to share with you what I found about storing produce to maintain freshness and maximize taste and nutrition. Most of this info comes from the Postharvest Technology Research and Information Center at UC Davis.

It’s important to understand that not all fruits and vegetables can be stored in the same way. Some do best only on the counter, others should be stored only in the refrigerator and others should start out on your countertop and then be moved into the fridge. We tend to think that keeping things in the fridge will extend their life but this is only true for certain items. The cold temperature of a refrigerator can stunt the ripening process of many fruits and veggies which will seriously affect texture and taste. Below I’ll give a full breakdown of what goes where but let’s talk about the optimal setting within each storage area first.

Fruits and vegetables that can go in the fridge should be kept apart, optimally using one produce drawer for each. This is because the ethylene produced by fruits can have a detrimental effect on taste and how quickly produce goes bad. It’s a good idea to purchase a small ethylene inhibiting gadget like the E.G.G. (Ethylene Gas Guardian) which can significantly increase the life of refrigerated produce. Both fruits and veggies should be kept in either perforated plastic bags or in something specially designed for keeping produce fresh like green bags by Evert-Fresh. Even in the most supreme conditions it’s important to try to use your produce within a few days because the longer you store it the more you lose freshness.

Produce that is best stored at room temperature should be kept out of direct sunlight. To prevent excess moisture loss, keep produce in a vented plastic bowl, in perforated plastic bags or in an Evert-Fresh Green Bag (now Debbie Meyer Bags). Don’t put anything in a sealed bag because the low oxygen and accumulation of carbon dioxide will slow ripening and increase off-odors and decay.

Below is a breakdown of what produce should be stored where.

Refrigerator: Apples (after 7 days), apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cut fruits, figs, grapes, nashi, raspberries, strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, green beans, lima beans, beets, Belgian endive, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cut vegetables, green onions, herbs (not basil), leafy vegetables, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, peas, radishes, spinach, sprouts, summer squash, sweet corn.

Ripen on the counter then store in the refrigerator: Avocados, kiwifruit, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, plumcots.

Room Temperature Only: Apples (Fewer than 7 days), bananas, grapefruit, lemons, limes, Mandarins, mangoes, muskmelons, oranges, papayas, persimmons, pineapple, plantain, pomegranates, watermelons, basil (in water), cucumbers*, dry onions**, eggplant*, garlic**, ginger, jicama, peppers*, potatoes**, pumpkins, winter squashes, sweet potatoes**, tomatoes.

*Can be kept in the fridge for 1 to 3 days if they are used soon after removal

**Keep in a well ventilated area in the pantry. Protect potatoes from light and avoid greening.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

Now I know this blog is for health nuts but I got to thinking (which can be dangerous)… What if, somehow, however inconceivably, someone found their way onto this blog whose interest in healthy living was marginal. I know, I know. It’s a kooky thought but this person could be you, reading right now. Maybe you find the writing humorous but aren’t really ready to go all out. Maybe having to keep track of the difference between a centrifugal and a masticating juicer and the benefits and reasoning behind each is a bit arduous. Maybe you don’t care all that much about the difference between juicing and blending or why one should dehydrate their food or grind their own grain. Maybe the how and why of it all is just a bit too much. Maybe you just want to keep it simple. After all isn’t simplicity crucial to a healthy lifestyle? I think so. Stress about diet as I’ve said again and again is just another stress and even those who think green can be neurotic about their lifestyle. So I thought possibly a little something about essentials would be appreciated. So here you have it; 8 essential foods to eat daily and a little bit about why.

1) Let’s start with spinach. Popeye was no dope however strange his musculature. Spinach builds bones, enhances eyesight and sexuality, grows muscle, and keeps your heart in tip top shape. It’s a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which decrease the risk of stroke, heart disease, and osteoporosis plus, folate increases blood flow to the penis. It’s also packed with lutein, a compound that fights age-related macular degeneration. It’s great in salads, cooked or juiced. Some worthy substitutes are Kale, bok choy or romaine lettuce.

2)  Let’s go from Popeye to Bugs and talk about my favorite veggie to juice, carrots. Now that’s what’s up Doc. Carrots are incredible cancer fighters which also enhance eyesight and boost immunity. It’s all about the carotenoids. These fat-soluble compounds are associated with reduction of a broad range of cancers, as well as reducing the risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The best substitutes are sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper or mango. Most red, yellow, and orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids but none are as easy to prepare, or are as low calorie as carrots.

3). Yogurt—mmm mmm good! Now look my vegan buddies just let people do their thing. This 2000 year old food’s health benefits are undisputed. Like spinach, yogurt is a bone builder but it also fights cancer and boosts immunity. Fermentation spawns uncountable probiotic organisms that reinforce the millions of beneficial bacteria in your body. These boost the immune system and provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic so buy ones that read “live and active cultures” or better yet, make your own. Yogurt is also a great add to blended smoothies. For variety try kefir or soy yogurt.

3). “You say tomato, I say tomato”, wait… could those lyrics be written? Anyway, however you say it tomatoes are a beautiful and brilliant fruit (that’s right, scientifically speaking, tomatoes are a fruit people). They fight cancer keep your heart healthy and boost your immune system. Red ones are where it’s at because they’ve got more of the antioxidant lycopene, and it’s ok if they’re processed because it’s easier for the body to absorb the lycopene that way. Studies have shown that a lycopene rich diet can decrease the risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Tomatoes can be eaten raw or juiced but aim for at least a full glass or eight red cherry tomatoes a day. Other lycopene rich foods are red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya and guava.

4). Blueberries; the core of any good smoothie and possibly the most antioxidant food on the planet. Blueberries are a brain stimulant and are even called the “brain berry” because of their ability to help prevent age related memory loss. They’re also an incredible cancer fighter, they keep your heart healthy, prevent diabetes and boosts immunity. Blueberries are also rich in fiber and vitamins A and C and they are as potent frozen or dried as they are fresh. Açai berries are the new fad and are an adequate substitute but you can also try purple grapes, prunes, raisins or strawberries.

5) Beans, beans, good for your heart; the more you eat, the more you’re smart… (well they’re a brain stimulant too. What did you think I was going to say?) They also make you strong because they help promote muscle growth. Black Beans are the best by far because they’re filled with anthocyanins, an antioxidant compound that has been shown to improve brain function. Close seconds are pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans as well as peas and lentils.

6) Sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don’t but you should eat them anyway. Nuts, particularly walnuts promote muscle growth, stimulant your brain, fight cancer boost immunity and keep your heart strong. Walnuts are richer in omega-3s than salmon, they’re packed with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine and they’ve got as much muscle-building protein as chicken. Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia and hazelnuts are a close second but none really compare to the walnut.

7) Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey. A kiddley divey too but you shouldy doats. Lots of em. If this joke’s gone past you, google “Mairzy Doats” and understand that I’m talking about Oats. And I’m saying you should eat them, like the mares and does do… (Explaining jokes just ruins them huh?) Anyway, Oats are the last but certainly not least of the 8 essentials because they’re incredible for your heart, they stimulate your brain and they promote muscle growth. Why? Because they’re crammed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease and they’ve got 10 grams of protein per ½-cup serving so they deliver steady muscle-building energy. Quinoa, flaxseed and wild rice are great as well.

Wow… for a keep it simple article this sure turned into a long one.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

So before getting into it I’ll make the usual challenge of $5 off any purchase to anyone who names the song and artist that title is from. I make that type of offer a lot and I’m continually surprised when no one takes me up on it. (I find chastising is an effective way to begin so as to engage the reader.)

Now let’s get into the meat of this article (calm down veggies). They say “beauty’s but skin deep”. I’m not sure exactly what that means but I’ve heard it and using quotes is another way to engage the reader and to make yourself look intelligent. They also say that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” so according to these two sources it can be found either in the skin or the eye. Of course I’ve misunderstood things before. But there’s one place I know it can’t be found and that’s wolfing down half pound angus burgers from Mickie D’s every day or so. Yes, we’re a beauty obsessed culture. But I believe there’s a big difference between real beauty and the cookie cutter, surgically enhanced ideal put forth by pop culture. There is beauty in all of us and unfortunately, most often it is our own attitude and lifestyle that restrains it. Fortunately there are some very simple ways you can go about choosing the right foods that can give you clear skin, shiny hair, a brighter smile and bring out the most beautiful you possible.

Omega-3 fatty acids help decrease inflammation, aid in treating psoriasis (an inflammatory skin condition) and improve blood circulation which produces a healthy glow. One study in Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that elderly people who had eaten more fish and veggies over their lifetime had fewer wrinkles. The best source of omega-3s is fish; Wild salmon, sardines, Atlantic mackerel and herring.

Fill your diet with color. Dark orange, red or green fruit and vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and spinach all contain a high level of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in your body and switches on DNA that’s in charge of producing new skin cells and shedding old ones. This keeps the surface of your skin smooth, fresh-looking and resistant to irritants and damage. Beta-carotene also destroys free radicals that cause DNA mutations that can lead to wrinkles. Many of these fruits and veggies can be juiced or blended while maintaining their nutritional integrity.

Dairy products, especially yogurt, are a great source of calcium but did you know that all green, leafy vegetables contain calcium. Great sources are kale and collards, beets and turnip tops and of course broccoli (all of which can be juiced). Calcium is important for teeth and a beautiful smile. It creates cavity-resistant tooth enamel when you’re young and maintains it as an adult to keep your teeth strong. Studies show that people who get enough calcium are less likely to have severe gum disease.

Zinc is a critical beauty enhancer, contributing to nearly every enzyme in your skin, including those that help create collagen and produce new cells. It also aids in healing wounds and there’s some evidence that the anti-inflammatory properties in zinc supplements play a role in calming skin conditions such as acne. Both zinc and iron are key to cell production in hair follicles so a deficiency in either nutrient could also cause hair to thin or even fall out. Your nails benefit from zinc and iron as well. Whole grains, fortified cereals, lean beef and oysters are great sources of zinc and iron.

Dark chocolate, sunflower seeds and green tea are packed with antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals. Sunflower seeds have tons of vitamin E which blocks free radicals from attacking the membranes so cells stay alive. Compounds found in green tea can suppress agents that trigger inflammation and both green tea and dark chocolate provide powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. Regular intake of polyphenols found in cocoa may keep skin hydrated and lessen the effects of a sunburn; researchers aren’t sure why but speculate that it has to do with the polyphenols’ ability to increase blood flow to the skin.

Strawberries, citrus, red bell peppers and broccoli are all loaded with vitamin C which triggers fibroblast cells that make collagen, the support system under the skin’s surface. The healthier your infrastructure of collagen, the firmer and smoother your skin will look.

Now… go be gorgeous.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com