Oh, who am I kidding.  There’s only one answer here.  JUICE!!!

Ghandi said, “Chew your drink and drink your food.”  What does that mean?  Very simple, take the time to liquefy your food before swallowing, and swish your drink around before swallowing.  Liquid is the way to go for assimilation and elimination.

The only question I ask myself in the morning is this… “Should I use my Champion juicer or my Vitamix today?”  Or use my own teeth!  I first started seriously juicing over two years ago.  When I went “raw” and bought my Champion, I juiced anything I could get my hands on.  Fruits, veggies….mixing whatever I wanted.  My teenager loved taking different colored concoctions to school.  Her friends would always ask, “Did you buy that”?

Here’s one of those easy juice drink recipes:

Veggie/Fruit Drink
Four carrots
Two apples

If your produce is organic, you don’t have to peel, but it’s a good idea to peel non-organic produce.  I don’t even core the apple.  Put all ingredients through your juicer and pour into your drink container and take it to work or school.   You can add anything else to this drink for your own taste. How about some ginger or lemon?  Or how about this for the holidays?   Cranberries, apples and grapes.  Throw them by the handful into your juicer.

We used our juicer every morning.  Then my friend gave me “Green For Life”, by Victoria Boutenko.  She says this about green smoothies…  “Blended green smoothies are a simple and delicious way of accessing the healing properties of greens.  Whether you eat a raw food, vegan, vegetarian or mainstream American diet, regularly drinking green smoothies can significantly improve your health.”

Ok, now I’m onto something. I had never heard of these and I was really getting tired of the whole breakfast drama.  Out came the Vitamix and in went the kale and fruit. That was it!  Kale, water and fruit.  Whatever fruit I had on hand.  My daughter didn’t try these right away.   I waited patiently till one day she said, “I’ll try those things now.”  And so she did and is still drinking them today. We were getting more green in our diet than we were eating cooked or in our salads!  Kale, spinach, collards….any green.

Here’s one of my favorite green smoothie recipes:

Two handfuls of any green on hand.  Spinach is a good starter.
1-2 cups of water
Three strawberries
One banana
Teaspoon Flax oil or crushed flax seed

Place all in your blender.  I use the Vitamix.  It whips it up quickly and there’s no pulp.  I also use frozen fruit or ice cubes to keep the drink cool.

I felt good knowing that if  I couldn’t control everything she ate during the course of the day, that at least I was sending her out of the house with something that to me…was better than the conventional breakfast I grew up with.  And how easy and convenient!  I love green smoothies.   I always have frozen fruit in the freezer, and some sort of green in the fridge.  Summer was great for heading out to the garden and juicing all the leaves of the veggies that were growing.  Yum!

There’s one warning here:  Drinking green smoothies every day can lead to more energy, a better night’s sleep, weight loss, less cravings for cooked or unhealthy processed foods, and an overall clearer picture of life.  Not to mention more cravings for green smoothies.

Donna, yep I juiced that, Bergonzi-Boyle

Bored with bananas?  Aggravated with apples?  Grumbling about grapes?  Me too. But if you’re like me you discipline yourself to stay healthy.  Is it any wonder most people have trouble sticking with a healthy diet?  Well I have some hope for you my friends.  Below are some alternatives to the old fruit standards to rejuvenate your palate while maintaining your healthy lifestyle.

What was Beethoven’s favorite fruit? Banananaaaas!  (That joke is better told out loud where the punch line can be sung to the tune of Beethoven’s 5^th.)  But, I think even he would get sick of them after a while… although in truth I’m not sure how plentiful bananas were in 19^th century Germany.  Anyway, bananas are not only a staple in every blended smoothie but essential for the maintenance of good blood pressure.  Nonetheless too many bananas can make anyone go “blah!”.  As an alternative, try fresh figs (no not in your smoothie).    Six fresh figs have 891 mg of blood pressure-lowering potassium, nearly 20% of your daily need — about double what you’d find in one large banana. In a recent 5-year study from the Netherlands, high-potassium diets were linked with lower rates of death from all causes in healthy adults age 55 and older.  Figs are also one of the best fruit sources of calcium, with nearly as much per serving as ½ cup of fat-free milk! You’re bones will love you for it.

Interested in fighting disease and protecting your heart but gagging on grapes?  Try lychee.  A French study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that lychee has the second-highest level of heart-healthy polyphenols of all fruits tested — nearly 15% more than the amount found in grapes. The compounds may also play an important role in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer. “Polyphenols act like a force field, helping to repel foreign invaders from damaging your cells,” says David Grotto, RD, author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life!  As well, a recent test-tube and animal study from Sichuan University in China found that lychee may help to prevent the formation of breast cancer cells, thanks to the fruit’s powerful antioxidant activity.

Everyone wants great skin but who could eat so many oranges.  Not me, so I maintain my glow with guava.  One cup of guava has nearly five times as much skin-healing vitamin C (it’s a key ingredient in collagen production) as a medium orange (377 mg versus 83 mg) — that’s more than five times your daily need. Women who eat a lot of vitamin C-packed foods have fewer wrinkles than women who don’t eat many, according to a recent study that tracked the diets of more than 4,000 American women ages 40 to 74.  Guava can also protect against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria and Staph, according to research by microbiologists in Bangladesh. As well, a cooperative study by the USDA and Thai scientists found that guava has as much antioxidant activity as some well-known superfoods like blueberries and broccoli.

Apples are great at lowering cholesterol but terrible if you want to stay in the Garden of Eden.  So why not avoid the snake and eat asian pears.  One large Asian pear has nearly 10g of cholesterol-lowering fiber, about 40% of your daily need; a large apple has about half that much. People who ate the most fiber had the lowest total and “bad” cholesterol levels, according to a recent study of Baltimore adults.  The same researchers found that people who ate the most fiber also weighed the least and had the lowest body mass index and waist circumference.

Now I don’t want cancer but I also don’t want any more watermelon for crying out loud.  Now papaya’s have a weird seed thing going on too but it’s still one of the top sources of beta-crypoxanthin, which research suggests can protect against lung cancer. Like watermelon, it is also a rich source of lycopene which, research shows, protects against several different types of cancer, including stomach, endometrial, and prostate.  Papayas also promote healing.  When used topically it may help speed burn recovery thanks partly to the enzyme papain, which also aids in digestion. “Papain helps break down amino acids, the building blocks of protein,” says Elisa Zied, RD, an American Dietetic Association spokesperson.

So there you have it, variety in the world of fruit mundanity.  Remember, most of these alternatives can also be juiced or blended so there’s no more excuses.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

The holiest day of the Jewish year is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement; a day spent in prayer, penance and among other things, fasting. How grueling it was to me as a child. Of course I rarely made it through and the few times I did I would break fast (no not “breakfast” spellcheck) with something like a cheeseburger and a milkshake. Nowadays it’s become popular for people feeling a bit guilty about their sinful diet to do a little atoning of their own with a variety of juice fasts. Maybe my ancient ancestors were on to something.

Anyway, this fasting is a risky business and really not necessary for those with a healthy diet already. Nonetheless, the benefits are compelling. In addition to getting rid of toxins built up throughout the system from a poor diet it can decrease congestive symptoms; eliminate food allergies and sensitivities; reduces the burden on the digestive system, allowing it to heal; release pesticides, drugs, and other chemicals from stored fat, which can then be eliminated; enhance mental, physical, and spiritual well-being; increase energy and mental clarity; promote glowing skin; prevent chronic diseases caused by poor diet and lifestyle; and clear mucus discharge.

A juice fast is just what it says; a short-term intake of raw vegetable and fruit juice and water ONLY. This is done because juice is an incredible source of vitamins and antioxidants. Fasts typically last for one to three days but some people go longer. I wouldn’t recommend that without some type of medical supervision and monitoring to ensure that nutrient deficiencies don’t result.

So here’s a basic outline of a fast although many variations are possible. Do your research and find one that’s right for you. It’s suggested to fast during the warmer months with Spring being the best time of the year for juice fasting. For seven or more days before the fast, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, dairy, wheat, animal meat, fish, and eggs should be reduced or eliminated from the diet. During this time eat mainly organic fruits, vegetables, and beans. During the fast between 32 and 64 ounces of juice is recommended and should be sipped throughout the day. Typical fruits and vegetables include celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, beet, and greens. Citrus fruits are often avoided. In addition to the juice roughly 6 glasses of room temperature or warm filtered water is recommended. GO ORGANIC! And if you absolutely, positively cannot, peel the skin off the fruits and vegetables or wash them with a non-toxic produce cleaner like the Cuisine Clean. Fresh juice is a must so the best alternative to juicing at home with a centrifugal juicer and masticating juicer is to buy it from the health food store. Be sure not to skimp on the wheatgrass, green vegetables and sprouts because they contain the chlorophyll, which is especially beneficial during a juice fast. These must be juiced in a masticating juicer. Be sure to combine both fruits and vegetables as they each have their own unique benefits and finally, when you break the fast, return to solid foods gradually.

Certain fruits and vegetables and their parts should not be juiced, like the pits of peaches, apricots, cherries, and other fruits, apple seeds, citrus peels, carrot and rhubarb tops, tough skins (such as kiwi, pineapple, mangoes), and bananas and avocados. Some people can’t handle complete abstinence from solid food so it’s ok if you eat one meal a day in addition to the juice.

Pay attention to your body while you fast. Keep an eye on your weight, symptoms and degree of congestion, tongue coating, degree of hunger, and energy level. If energy level drops for more than one day, if weight becomes too low, or if any symptoms become particularly intense, just break the fast for God’s sake. This isn’t a punishment after all. Please note that a certain amount of tongue coating is normal. It may become thicker or have a more pronounced color (yellow, white, grey) as the body eliminates toxins.

Certain people should not do this. Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn’t try a juice fast. As well, people with diabetes, low blood sugar, eating disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, addictions, underweight, anemia, impaired immune function, infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, cancer, terminal illness, epilepsy, or other chronic conditions shouldn’t try a juice fast or should do so only under strict medical supervision. People shouldn’t try a juice fast before or after surgical procedures. Remember, a juice fast can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body so people taking prescription medications should consult a health professional skilled in detoxification before trying a juice fast, and should never discontinue or reduce their medications on their own.

Be well,

JuicyJosh

www.877myjuicer.com

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

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

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

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

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