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

Really one of the best live shows ever.  I saw them once in Manhattan and was so wiped out I didn’t get out of bed the whole next day.  That’s pretty much what I wanted to do after the fires last week but I couldn’t stop scratching.  I’m not sure if it was all the stress or an allergy to something or a combination of many things but I found myself with hives… (the skin irritation that is, although they sound like fun guys to hang out with)  Some people get this frequently when they’re stressed or exposed to an allergen but for me this was a first time deal (not that I can imagine anyone getting used to it).   And what a miserable deal it was.  Now I’m not going to write an entire article on hives but along with the specific treatments, I really increased the intake of many natural “good for the skin” items that I AM going to write about.  Specifically for the hives I used anti-itch creams, antihistamines (I was itchy darnit) and the miraculous “Hives” homeopathic tablets from Hyland’s.

The cosmetics industry in this country raked in billions last year, with sales of skin care products bringing in the largest share.  What most people don’t know is that the cheapest and most effective method for preserving and healing skin comes from natural foods.  Here are just a few:

Green tea, which is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes, has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light.  Therefore, green tea reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols — compounds that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals and reactivate dying skin cells.  Green tea is also high in vitamins C, D and K, as well as riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Salmon (and many other other fatty fish as well as walnuts and flaxseed) is high in healthy fatty acids that are crucial for healthy skin. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body’s production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like salmon help keep the skin supple and youthful.  Salmon is also rich in protein, potassium, selenium and vitamin B12.

Many experts believe blueberries to be the highest food source of antioxidants which target free radicals that can wreak havoc on skin cells. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in blueberries neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage which makes the skin look younger for longer. Blueberries are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and riboflavin and all that is why load them in my blender every morning for my “power Shake”.

Carrots—my absolute favorite veggie to juice—which also contain high levels of antioxidants, are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for healthy skin. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells, and a deficiency of the vitamin can cause dry skin. Carrots are also a superior source of fiber, biotin, vitamins K, C and B6, potassium and thiamine.

And finally, drink lots of pure, clean water.  Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin young and healthy. Water both hydrates cells and helps them move toxins out and nutrients in. In other words, it sweats more efficiently, which helps keep the skin clean and clear.

One last thing to consider is that many experts consider raw food juicing to be the surest way to healthy skin.  It is recommend to juice fruits, vegetables and nuts (soak them first) in a powerful blender to create superfood smoothies. People who drink raw juices on a daily basis have skin that absolutely glows.

Shine people.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

That’s David Carradine…  right?  Of course I never saw Cain with a cold so maybe he juiced carrots too; although with all that wondering around, you’d wonder where?

Anyway, what we’re talking about here is beta-carotene.  What is it?  Glad you asked.  Beta-Carotene is one of over 600 Carotenoids that are responsible for the beautiful variety of colors found in our produce.  Rich orange and dark green fruits and vegetables like carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potato and pumpkin are particularly rich in beta-carotene.  This vital nutrient is converted within the body to Vitamin A which has been shown to be good for helping your body’s resistance to things like stress, colds and infections.  As well, a lack of Vitamin A has been shown to be linked to a higher incidence of cancer, particularly those having to deal with the lungs. One of the reasons is that deficiencies of this important vitamin can hinder your body tissue’s natural ability to heal itself. Beta carotene is also a potent antioxidant—a natural substances that prevents cell damage from excess oxygen. Antioxidants also help protect the body against cancer and strengthen the immune system.   In addition, healthy vision, bones and skin are all aided by a healthy daily serving of beta-carotene.  The problem is that you’ve got to eat a heck of a lot of carrots to get the benefit.  What do you do you ask?  I think you know the answer.  If I said anything other than juice ‘em I couldn’t keep my alias.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

Whats the recommended product to benefit from this article? None other than the Omega 8005 Juicer