Meet the Stars...

One of the fantastic health benefits of juicing is the ability to consume so many pieces of fruit and vegetables in their raw, natural form.  Cooking destroys / reduces much of the available nutrition in food and upping your intake of raw vegetables is not always the most appealing of challenges.  Have a look at a few of the benefits of the fruit and vegetables we put in our juices.  

Apple

Who doesn't love an apple?!  Low in calories and low in fat and cholesterol.  Lots of insoluble fibre to help prevent constipation and protect the colon.  A good source of Vitamin C to boost immunity and promote healing.  Presence of pectin promotes digestion and healthy bowels. Apples are also a good source of Boron which may boost mental alertness.  Boron is also thought to curb calcium losses leading to osteoporosis. Eat with foods rich in iron, to aid absorption.  What's that old saying? An apple a day keeps the doctor away! 

Avocado

High in monounsaturated fat, the type that's been shown to lower cholesterol.  Rich and buttery  in taste and texture, the avocado contains no cholesterol.  Good source of folate which is important for formation of haemoglobin. Gram for gram it has more potassium than a banana!  Also a good source of Vitamins B6 and C, magnesium and iron.  Avocados have been cited in the Guinness World Book of Records as the Worlds most nutritious fruit!

Beetroot

Beetroot supplies a healthy dose of folate, which helps prevent fatigue and depression.  Present is a good level of magnesium and  potassium for better blood pressure, along with Vitamin C for healthy blood and strong immunity.  Vitamin C and iron in the same vegetable ensures good absorption rates of iron.  Just be aware if you eat lots of beetroot you may suffer from beeturia...red urine!  Don't worry...its harmless
!

Carrots

Just about the best source of Vitamin A you can find in a plant and in juice form a good source of calcium.  Carrot juice can be readily assimilated by the body. Carrots have been shown to protect against cancer, boost immunity and improve vision.  Supplies enough fibre to help lower cholesterol, control diabetes, speed weight loss and help fight digestive problems.  The Iron in a carrot is more readily absorbed by the body than most other vegetables and is a useful tool in releasing toxins from the liver. Did you know carrots were originally purple?    

Peppers

Yellow peppers are a fantastic source of immunity boosting Vitamin C, whilst enhancing the absorption of iron and calcium into your system.  Great as an anti-oxidant to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Thought to cleanse the liver and intestines, help in the fight against cancer and premature ageing.  Lycopene present in yellow peppers is thought to promote a healthy heart, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  High content of Vitamin A helps promote healthy vision.  Yellow peppers also contain a healthy dose of B6, folate, calcium and phosphate.

Cucumber

Low in calories with trace amounts of fat, cucumbers have a small amount of fibre to help with colon health.  Good amount Vitamin C, folate and potassium, thus boosting the immune system and helping to control blood pressure.  Cucumbers are probably the best known natural diuretic, helping to regulate water levels in your blood, thereby having a positive effect on blood pressure. Acts as an anti-inflammatory and thought to be beneficial in the removal of excessive uric acid, benefitting those suffering from gout and rheumatic ailments. High silicon and sulphur content promotes healthy skin, as well as hair and nail growth.  Small amount of calcium helps promote healthy bones.  Most of the nutrition lies in the dark green skin so don't cut off before you put in your salad!

Orange

A fantastic source of Vitamin C with each orange having  more than one days RDA, promoting a healthy immune system and mopping up free radicals, which cause damage to the body on a cellular level. Oranges are good for the skin, potentially helping to fight the signs of ageing.  Low in calories, no cholesterol and no more than a trace of fat.  Good amount of fibre to help lower cholesterol and a healthy amount of folate to boost healthy blood and strengthen immunity.  Surprisingly oranges are a good source of calcium.  Eat an orange with fruit / veg containing iron and it boosts absorption up to 400%!

Celery

Celery is practically calorie free and a great source of sodium.  We can get all the sodium we need for plants instead of the more damaging refined table salt we all know and love!  Great for detoxing / cleansing as it stimulates the lymphatic system, helping rid the body of toxins. Celery is also a source of folate for pregnant women and Vitamin C for boosting the immune system. Source of dietary fibre to help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar and promote intestinal health.  Celery contains natural painkilling properties which are helpful for muscular pain and may help those suffering from arthritis, providing an alkalising effect on the body.  Also good for after a workout at the gym!

Lemon

A citrus fruit which is practically calorie free, with a very small amount of fat and sodium.  A good source of Vitamin C to boost immunity and aid healing.  Citrus brings a bit of zest into your life!

Lime

Very similar properties to the lemon, practically calorie free with minimum fat and sodium.  Also a good source of Vitamin C to boost the immune system and aid healing. 

Pear

Pears contain less sugar than most fruit and are generally more tolerated by those with diabetes.  Presence of pectin promotes good digestion and healthy bowels.  High in Vitamin C and K, they provide anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to ward off any damage in the body from free radicals whilst boosting the immune system.  Pears are good for detoxing, aiding kidney function.  A good potassium/sodium ratio which may help prevent strokes and control high blood pressure.  Pear fibres bind with bile acids in the stomach and help to reduce cholesterol levels.

Parsnip

Parsnips are a root veg which add a fabulous creamy consistency to a juice.  Phosphorous-chlorine content provides benefits to the lungs.  A fabulous source of dietary fibre, soluble and insoluble, aiding digestion and promoting healthy bowels.  Packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  Rich in phytonutrients which may help fight against cancer.  Parsnips also have a good level of potassium giving brain cells a boost and contribute to good blood pressure control.

Courgette

Courgettes, often referred to as Zucchini are related to cucumbers and squash.  They provide no cholesterol and are low in sodium.  Courgettes are rich in Vitamin C for the immune system and contain more potassium than a banana, helping to keep the muscles working efficiently.  Courgettes are anti-oxidative and have a moderate supply of Vitamins A, B-complex, K, calcium, iron and folic acid.  They are thought to promote healthy blood, strong bones and aid in cell division and DNA synthesis.  A good source of dietary fibre to reduce constipation, potentially offering protection against cancer of the colon. 

Spinach

Fantastic source of Vitamin A and folate, with a decent amount of Vitamin C and other B vitamins - all of which help boost the immune system.  Good source of calcium for lower blood pressure and strong bones, along with potassium and fiber. Spinach also contains a good amount of magnesium which may prevent headaches. Considered a good source source of iron, however only 2% of it is bioavailable in its original form. 

Red Cabbage

Red Cabbage is from the cruciferous family which are known for their cancer fighting properties.  Vibrant in colour with a distinct peppery taste.  A good source of Vitamin C for boosting the immune system and fighting infection, it is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative helping to reduce cell damage in the body.  A good source of B Complex Vitamins, K, iron and magnesium.  A good digestive tonic with a healthy helping of insoluble fibre.  Red cabbage is thought to promote healthy blood and eyesight.