RECENT COMMENTS

  • Healthy Food: I have heard about the wonders of Avocado but never used to take them into consideration. When I...
  • Katrina: Thank you for this thoughtful article about the benefits of probiotics. I love So Delicious Coconut Milk...
  • Eating Raw Foods Info: Once you have juiced for a while, you actually start to like the taste. I can juice carrots by...
  • HCG Diet & Weight Loss: Good overview on the flavors of rice. I think so many people tend to think of this as a...
  • Seattle Bellevue Renton HCG Diet & Weight Loss: Good info. People some how seem to relate MSG to eating cheap...

BLOGROLL

ARCHIVES

A Few More Free Juicing Recipes!

0 Comments. Add your own comment!

Spinach – Cucumber – Celery Juice Recipe

  • 2 Cups Packed Spinach (4 Oz)
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1 Celery Stalk

Because celery isn’t overpowering, it allows the spinach and cucumber juices to stand out.  Spinach is a great source of calcium, iron and potassium

This makes 10 Ounce with the following Nutritional Facts

  • 139 Calories
  • 1 Gram of Fat
  • 35 Grams of Carbs
  • 1 Gram of Protein

Pineapple – Blueberry – Giner Juice Recipe

  • 1/4 Pineapple
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 piece fresh ginger (1/4 – 1/2 inch)

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to fight certain types of cancer. The ginger aids digestion and sets a South Pacific mood when combined with pineapple

This makes 12 Ounces with the following Nutritional Facts

  • 80 Calories
  • 0 Grams of Fat
  • 16 Grams of Carbs
  • 7 Grams of Protein

Enjoy!!

Drum Roll Please….we suggest the following unit to juice the above recipes!  The Omega 8005 Juicer is going to be the best for these.  The Omega 8005 does spinach (a regular old joe blow one will not).  The only draw back is on Pineapple.  Any juicer you would have to cut it up but the Omega 8005 does have a smaller chute opening.  I still feel that its the best choice though!

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com

Bookmark and Share

The Low-Down on Wheatgrass – Analysis, Benefits, Growing It and FAQs!

0 Comments. Add your own comment!

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

Minerals

Amino Acids

Vitamins

Calcium 18mg

Lysine 29mg

Vitamin A 1750 IU

Phosphorus 18mg

Histidine 16mg

Vitamin K 280 mcg

Potassium 112 mg

Arginine 39mg

Vitamin C 11mg

Magnesium 3.6 mg

Aspartic Acid 78 mg

Vitamin E 1.1 mg

Iron 2 mg

Threonine 37mg

Thiamine 10mcg

Manganese .35 mg

Glutamic Acid 85 mg

Choline 1 mg

Selenium 3.5 mcg

Proline 33 mg

Riboflavin 71 mcg

Sodium 1 mcg

Glycine 41 mg

Pyroxidine 45 mcg

Zinc 17.5 mcg

Alanine 48 mg

Vitamin B12 45 mcg

Iodine 7 mcg

Valine 44 mg

Niacin 1 mcg

Copper .02 mg

Isoleucine 31 mg

Pantothenic Acid 263 mcg

Cobalt 1.75 mcg

Leucine 57 mg

Biotin 4 mcg

Sulfer 7 mg

Tyrosine 18 mg

Folic Acid 38 mcg

Phenylalanine 38 mg

75+ other

Methionine 15 mg

Carbates 1.3 gm

trace minerals

Cystine 8 mg

Tryptophan 4 mg

Amide 10 mg

Purines 2 mg

Senne 85 mg

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

Cytochrome Oxidase

Transhydrogenase

Lipase

Superoxide

Protease

P4DI

Amylase

DEAE

Peroxidase

Abscisic Acid

Catalse

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

Bookmark and Share

The Benefits of Coffee “Buzz… Buzz… Buzz…”

1 Comment. Add your own comment!

Let me tell you something. Coffee comes from God. There’s no two ways about it. That’s probably why, when I roll out of bed, I head straight for the coffee maker instead of hitting my knees. And lo my morning prayer/meditation routine doesn’t really get started until I’ve had at least half a cup. You see, it’s that sixth sense guiding me to help pry my third eye open so that I may commune more completely with… Or maybe I’m just an addict. Regardless, if you’re a coffee fiend like me, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. And yes, I’m happy to say, your health can even benefit from the beverage of that divine bean.

So, in addition to its incredible taste, clearing the fog of sleep, and making everything good come your way, what exactly can coffee do to assist in a healthy lifestyle? I’m glad you asked. For starters it can lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and colon cancer. It can lift your mood, treat headaches and even lower your risk of cavities.

Sound too good to be true? Well researchers with very big brains at Harvard don’t think so. After analyzing data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years, they determined that one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits AND having six cups or more each day slashed men’s risk by 54% and women’s by 30%. And that’s just one of hundreds of studies suggesting that coffee may be something of a health food — especially in higher amounts.

Over six studies have shown that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones. There’s also evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and control attacks when medication isn’t available.

Is it a miracle? I think so. But there are scientific reasons for all this good as well. Oddly enough many of coffee’s benefits are a direct result of its high caffeine content. There is very strong evidence that the risk reduction for Parkinson’s disease is directly related to caffeine and in fact, based on this evidence, some Parkinson’s drugs are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine. Caffeine is also what helps in treating asthma and headaches and it can also be a powerful aid in enhancing athletic endurance and performance. It stimulates the brain and nervous system making you more alert and boosting concentration. A study in Brazil even found that children who drink coffee with milk each day are less likely to have depression than other children.

Be cautious however and pay attention to what your own body says. In some, coffee can increase nervousness, hand trembling, and cause rapid heartbeat. Coffee may also raise cholesterol levels and contribute to artery clogging. But most recent large studies show no significant adverse effects on most healthy people. (Pregnant women, heart patients, and those at risk for osteoporosis may still be advised to limit or avoid coffee.)

Another reason for all these incredible health benefits comes from the fact that coffee is loaded with antioxidants, some of which become especially potent during the roasting process. A certain group of antioxidant compounds called quinines, when administered to lab rats increased their insulin sensitivity which partially explains why studies have shown that those drinking decaf coffee but not tea beverages also showed a reduced diabetes risk (though it was about half as much as those drinking caffeinated coffee). Another Italian study showed that another compound called trigonelline, which gives coffee its aroma and bitter taste, has both antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties which is what helps to prevent dental cavities from forming.

Halleluja! I think I’ll have another cup.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

Bookmark and Share

“It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Superfood”

1 Comment. Add your own comment!

Everybody loves a superhero and the fantasy of magic and miracles.  In our modern, scientific world these things seem to exist almost exclusively in movies, comic books, and of course the new age world of health nuttiness.  But as “educated” as we all are its amazing how we still have a tendency to run to extremes—doubt everything or believe anything.  I know a Doctor who believes if you’re maintaining your weight, you’re getting sufficient nutrition and health fanatic who aspires to become a “lightarian”. In my view, wisdom is approaching the promise of something fantastic with skepticism as well as an open mind.  J. Krishnamurti once said that doubt, although crucial, should be kept on a leash and occasionally allowed to run free.  I’m a big fan of moderation and balance, probably because in my short life I’ve taken up residence temporarily at each of the fanatical poles.  And in that vein I want to restate my basic belief that true health cannot be achieved by focusing obsessively on one aspect of life but rather by a holistic approach to all of life.

The above paragraph is really about managing expectations but what does that have to do with superfoods?  And what are superfoods anyway?  To define them, superfoods are basically a group of natural and easily available foods that have been identified as supremely nutritious and containing benefits essential for optimal health and disease prevention.  They are powerful enough to ward off or impact heart disease, cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and more.  They will help alter your mood, maintain your weight and ultimately live longer.  Some experts even claim that 50% to 70% of suffering could be eliminated by a superfood rich diet.  And its statements like that that bring me back to the point about expectations.  My personal belief, based on my own experiences and observations, is that there is no magic food that will cure all your problems, but that could be said about anything.  Happiness comes when we decide to be happy, not when we find the “right” thing out there to make us so…  Whew! I’m on a tangent.  And because of limited space I’m going to make the transition into the real purpose of this article abrupt.  Ladies and gentlemen… SUPERFOOD!

Ok, first here’s a list of the top superfoods: Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Oats, Oranges, Pumpkin, Salmon, Soy, Spinach, Tea (green or black), Tomatoes, Turkey, Walnuts, and of course Yogurt.  Now lets breakdown a few key ones.

Blueberries: My favorite and the staple of my daily (and oft mentioned) Power Shake, these babies are packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids.  They are high in potassium and vitamin C and not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also an anti-inflammatory.

Omega 3s: Essential for the heart, joints, and memory there’s some evidence that shows it may also help reduce depression.  Omega-3s are most prevalent in fatty, cold-water fish like wild salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel but you can also get them from fortified eggs, flax seed, walnuts and of course supplements.

Soy: This ones all about lowering cholesterol.  It has been shown that a diet rich in soy fiber protein can lower cholesterol as much as statins, the most widely prescribed cholesterol medicine. It is cautioned however that if you have a family history of breast cancer it is not recommended that you eat extra soy.

Fiber: A high fiber diet will also help you maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels and because fiber helps you feel full longer, it’s a great tool in weight management. Whole grains, beans, fruit, and vegetables are all good sources.

Tea: Green or black tea are said to have the same overall antioxidant power.  However, a recent study on green tea found that men who drank it regularly had lower cholesterol than those who didn’t.   Green tea is high in the antioxidant ECGC which has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Calcium: Got Milk? (I can’t wait for the emails from my vegan friends…  although they’ll go after me for the fish too I guess).  The bottom line is that calcium does in fact help build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis and if you want it amply and easily, you’ll find it in dairy products.  Some studies show that calcium also helps with weight loss and really…  the cows don’t mind.

Dark Chocolate: I know I said blueberries are my favorite but if I were stranded on an island it would be a tough choice between them and dark chocolate.  They’re both so good and they are also packed with antioxidants.  Studies have also shown that dark chocolate can lower blood pressure. It is recommended that you look for chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content.  In other words, the darker, the better.

So there you have it, the key to… I won’t say happiness…  let’s just say an important part of healthiness.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

Bookmark and Share

“The Hives: Great Band… Terrible Skin Condition”

1 Comment. Add your own comment!

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

Bookmark and Share

Benefits of Whole Grains “Grain on the Brain”

0 Comments. Add your own comment!

Continuing with the basics, in addition to eating organic fruits and vegetables another way to drastically improve your diet is by eating whole grains and products made from whole grain flour.  Whole grains are nutritionally superior to refined grains, richer in dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein (in particular the amino acid lysine), dietary minerals (including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium), and vitamins (including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E).  It’s been proven that a high fiber diet can reduce the incidence of some forms of cancer, digestive system diseases, gum disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and obesity and many studies have shown that whole grains have numerous cardiovascular benefits.

So how does flour work?  Almost all flours are derived from a whole cereal grain that has been milled into a fine meal and is then used for making baked goods of all kinds.  The refining process involves putting the kernels of the whole cereal grain through a high-heat milling process that removes the germ and bran (where 90 percent of the nutritional content resides), leaving only the endosperm which is starch. The starch is then ground into different sizes for different purposes and the result is refined flour.

Many people have gotten into home grinding and milling of grain because of the incredible taste added with that level of freshness and the certainty of the nutritious integrity of the grain.  With a simple electric machine like the KTec Kitchen Mill, the process is essentially no more complicated or expensive, than grinding beans and brewing breakfast coffee and because virtually all commercial flours (even “whole wheat”) have lost fiber, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals during processing and storage, producing your own begins to make a lot of sense.

Boy, I think this was the least funny article so far.  I guess I could have made a joke about fiber…

Be well

Bookmark and Share

Beta-Carotene Has Nothing To Do With Kung-Fu

0 Comments. Add your own comment!

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

Omega 8005 Juicer - Great for Carrots and other stuff!

Bookmark and Share

Preventing Alzehimer’s – Remember your juice and you’ll remember a lot more

0 Comments. Add your own comment!

Here’s just another incredible benefit of juicing as part of a healthy lifestyle. The results of a recent 10-year long study from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine has shown that regular consumption of fruit and vegetable juice (at least 3 times a week) can reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease by 76 percent.

The reason…? Once again we have our little friends the antioxidants to thank. The study shows specifically that polyphenols (a particularly strong antioxidant found in the peel and skin of produce) have the potential to fight off beta-amyloid protein deposits that form in the brain of those with Alzheimer’s. That means if the juice is darker or grainier—if there’s stuff in it—it’s better for you. Juices like blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, (any berry really), pomegranate, red grape, plum, watermelon and many more are all very high in antioxidants. The same goes for dark honey, extra virgin olive oil and most teas (you can use green tea topically to reduce wrinkles you know… but that’s for another article).

As always I urge balance. The tendency we all have to rely on that one “magic” solution should be met with temperance. A consistent, regular consumption of fruit and vegetable juice is most beneficial when matched by an overall diet rich in whole, healthy foods as well as a lifestyle that includes the disciplines of exercise, spirituality as well as loving relationships and laughter. And of course a healthy brain is one that is used, so read and learn and think think think.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

Bookmark and Share