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Posts Tagged ‘fruit juice’

Why Wheat Grass is Becoming More Popular in the Quest for Health

September 17th, 2009

Wheat grass is one of many varieties of grass which is grown in fields like rye, barley and oats. The type that is used to make juice is not grown outdoors but inside on special trays. The dehydrated form of the grass, which is dehydrated for around sixty days is used to manufacture supplements. The juice manufactured from fresh wheat grass is frequently mixed with sprouted wheat berries to produce a drink rich in chlorophyll.

This juice is known to cleanse the body and also to neutralize many of the toxins in our body along with slowing down the process of ageing and at the same time is believed to help prevent cancer. A lot of people are aware of the benefits of these juices after watching those TV adverts for the Jack Lalanne juicer machine which extol the virtue of fresh juices.

The juice from wheat grass has been shown to benefit a number of medical conditions, as shown by studies performed by medical professionals. Like the plant aloe vera, the herbal form, is often used as a medicine and is known to possess some healing properties. If you have ever noticed, many cats and dogs will often eat grass when they feel unwell or sick. When food sits in our gastrointestinal tract it produces toxins which get absorbed into the bloodstream. Wheat grass is believed to neutralize these toxins which consequently benefits the health. Wheat grass contains lots of enzymes which have the power to detoxify and neutralize many of the toxins and additives found in the diet.

The life blood of plants is chlorophyll which makes the plants a green color. The chlorophyll and enzymes in the wheat grass can be destroyed by cooking. It is, therefore, advisable not to do this but to consume it in its fresh form. An interesting point is that many grass eating animals rarely get cancer, which could be due to them consuming chlorophyll in the fresh form. Chlorophyll does not detoxify the body itself but has certain enzymes present in it that do have the power to detoxify.

A lot of people who have purchased a Jack Lalanne Juicer understand all too well the health benefits of juicing. The addition of wheat grass to the fruit juice can provide a very refreshing and healthy drink. They can be a significant boost to your health as they are packed full of all the essential minerals and vitamins that the body needs.

The cleansing effect that these juices have on the body have been known by many people for lots of years. Due to these cleansing properties many doctors have been known to advise drinking them when not feeling well. Weight for weight, wheat grass contains more protein than eggs, fish and beans and more iron than spinach. This is a relatively little known but surprising fact.

A lot of people are discovering the health benefits and wheat grass could should be considered a superfood. Experience the wonders of this grass and try adding it to your daily diet.

Joe writes many articles on the Jack Lalanne juicer and loves collating Lalanne juicer recipes online.

Joe Farran Supplements and Vitamins , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Healthy Drinks Can Benefit You

August 10th, 2009
by Sandra Ryan

Like any area of dieting, having a good variety of healthy drinks is a good idea. Too many people nowadays rely on unhealthy drinks like energy drinks and various sodas for their fluid intake. These contain many unhealthy additives like caffeine and artificial sweeteners, flavorings and colorings. You cannot expect to be healthy by ingesting these types of drinks.

My particular favorite drink to have instead of a soda is good old orange juice. It tastes great, is natural, and is easily available in the shops. Orange juice can provide a good amount of Vitamin C. An eight ounce glass of juice contains as much potassium as a single banana. It has a large number of different phytonutrients. As well as the huge vitamin and nutrient content, some studies have shown that orange juice can reduce your blood pressure.

Apple juice is another one that has many benefits. It carries significant amounts of the Vitamins C and A and it has also be shown to slow down the processes that can lead to heart disease. The old saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away may be true after all.

Many people have discovered the benefits of adding cranberry juice to their diet. Its medicinal properties have been known for centuries and is still frequently used today for the treatment of urinary tract infections. It has significant antioxidant properties and the acidity provides an unfavorable environment for bacteria to grow in.

These are common juices that are easy to find but it is possible to be a bit more exotic with your choices. There are many other fruits and vegetables that have significant health boosting properties such as wheatgrass, mango, tomato, carrot and pineapple. On the shelves in shops you will find smoothies on offer made from these very varieties. These are becoming more and more popular as people become more health conscious.

I hope that you can now see that there are many options open to you, not just the empty calorie sodas. Once you start to drink juices you will quickly find yourself feeling much more healthier and have more energy. it just takes a little will power at first but then you will soon find your taste buds adapting to the healthier choices.

About the Author:

Sandra Ryan Weight Loss , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Juice Fasting Can Detoxify the Body

August 9th, 2009
by Jay Collins

Detoxifying by juice fasting is gaining in popularity as more and more people are looking to get rid of the toxins in the body. A lot of people want to get rid of these toxins to make them feel generally better. These toxins can accumulate in the body causing you to feel tired and sluggish and they can also affect the immune system. Better health and the sensation of more energy is often reported by people who cleanse by juice fasting. It is also a good way to detox as fruit is readily available and relatively cheap.

For a beginner to fruit juice fasting, it is very wise to initially start out slowly and to try it out for just one day. By juice fasting, you will be limiting your intake to juices only for a whole day. Fruit juice is high in simple sugars, so if you are a diabetic or have to monitor your sugar intake you should be careful before trying a fruit juice fast. Anyone embarking on a fasting plan should always consult with their doctor first. Also, do not fast on juice for prolonged periods of time, like more than 3 days, not unless your physician agrees that it is safe for you.

I have compiled some good recipes below which are great combinations of fruit and vegetables to get you started on your fast:

Recipe 1: This is a great drink with a combination of different vegetables. Three carrots, one celery stalk, two swiss chard leaves, a few sprigs of watercress, a celery stalk and half a beetroot. Wash, dice and juice is all that is needed. Quick and delicious.

Recipe 2: This is my carrot and apple juice favorite that consists of two to three green apples, one carrot and fresh basil leaves. Perform the same steps of washing, dicing and juicing as previously outlined.

Recipe 3: This is a carrot juice with a little extra. Mix together a handful of dandelion leaves. mint, basil, one kale leaf, four carrots and coriander leaves and just juice for a quick drink.

Recipe 4: A peach juice by just using two or three peaches. As always, wash, slice and juice in the machine.

There are many types of juices you can make to fast with. Some fasts recommend just fruit and others just vegetables. It does not really matter at the end of day. you will soon start discovering your own favorite combinations.

About the Author:

Jay Collins Health , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Jack Lalanne Diet for Fitness and Health

August 4th, 2009
by Paul Taylor

One of the modern day gurus of health and fitness is the television personality, Jack Lalanne. Even at the age of 93 he continues to strive on as fit and strong as he ever was. A lot of people find themselves envious at his state of physical and mental fitness and have often tried to copy many of his techniques with little success.

He has been concerned about his fitness for many years and as such works out for two hours every morning. His diet consists of high doses of vitamins and foods that contain high levels of minerals and enzymes. Instead of chicken and red meats he consumes at least 50g of soya protein a day. His is particularly against any white, refined sugar in the diet and believes this is one of the causes of health problems in the western diet.

Much of the protein in his diet comes from egg whites, and sometimes fish. Fish is believed to be the best source of protein as well as important essential fatty acids.

Jack stopped eating sugar and junk food from a very early age after being addicted to them. He soon turned his focus onto health clubs and diet from the age of 15. Jack does not recommend an all-low-carb diet, but he has specifically advised to include natural grains such as brown rice or whole wheat in the diet.

He advises to eat at least ten pieces of fresh, raw vegetables a day. The reason for this is that fresh vegetables contain high concentrations of important vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium.

Sugar and calorie rich deserts should be avoided at all times. Indeed, Jack has not eaten any desert for at least seventy five years. In his diet he recommends replacing all junk foods with more healthy fresh foods and processed foods should be gradually replaced by more fish and raw vegetables. Fruit juices are much more healthier and should be drunk instead of colas or fizzy drinks.

A common cause of obesity are foods that contain high levels of oil and fat. These, therefore should be avoided. In his diet he does not include any dairy products, like cheese and butter as these are high in fats and can lead to a build up of fatty tissue. Water is very beneficial and he recommends drinking around six to seven glasses per day.

From following his regime, Jack has become a virtual super human and has broken many records along the way. If you decide to follow his regime you will be almost certain to benefit.

About the Author:

Paul Taylor Weight Loss , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why a Dedicated Wheatgrass Juicer Makes Sense

July 31st, 2009
by Jane Chalmers

A wheatgrass juicer is different to the common fruit juicers that you normally come across. Wheatgrass has tough cellular fibers within it which makes it particularly difficult to process and extract juice from.

Wheatgrass juicers are slower which helps in the generation of less heat and less oxidation of various nutrients. Wheatgrass juicers come in different types, and fall into two types, the manual or electric.

The most important part of the juicing process is extracting it from the blades of the grass. The blades contain about seventy percent of the chemical compound chlorophyll, which is responsible for giving the green color. The most efficient machines are the electric types as they operate very effectively and require less power to extract any juice.

The are numerous models available such as the Miracle MJ-500, the electric auger juicer and many different stainless steel hand operated models. The price range varies, but usually around 175 to 200 dollars.

The Miracle mj-500 is very easy to operate and does not contain any aluminum parts. It is advisable to turn off the motor after using for around ten minutes to preserve the motor life. It is self feeding, lightweight and comes with a one year warranty. The stainless steel shaft is corrosion proof and long lasting.

A new variety to the market is the electric auger juicer, but it is fast becoming a best seller. They are made of very high quality components which are meant to last a lifetime. It is not only useful for making wheatgrass juice, however, as it can be used for baby food, nut butters and soya milk. These features make it a great bargain to buy and it gives you the choice of mixing the juice with another type of food.

Manually operated appliances are also available as an alternative to the electric powered ones. They are easy to use and clean and are less expensive. They have two stainless steel screens and no aluminum parts. The manual version of these stainless steel juicers are very cheap indeed and surprisingly effective. They often come with a pressure control screw which helps with the extraction of juice whilst applying minimal force.

If you are thinking about something more industrial then there are also juicers around for commercial purposes such as the Miracle Pro Green machine wheatgrass juicer. Wheatgrass juice is very beneficial and has a lot of nutrition values. So get yourself a wheatgrass juicer today and reap its benefits.

About the Author:

Jane Chalmers Health , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Fruit Can Benefit Your Health

July 29th, 2009
by Lee Taylor

One of the most important providers of vitamins and minerals in our diet is fruit. Unfortunately, in the western diet this is often overlooked and we continue to consume vast quantities of protein and, especially, starchy foods. The result being an increase in the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes and obesity. It is important to look at the benefits of fruit more closely.

The following benefits are:

1. It is a very easy food to prepare that simply requires washing and eating. As there is no cooking it can also save on cleaning chores such as washing pots and pans.

2. Many fruits look very appetizing, with their bright colors, which is great for kids and they also usually taste as good as they look. A lot of people would actually consider fruit a treat or a desert.

3. Fruit needs less energy to digest and absorb in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, a lot of people discover they feel more energized and fresh and report needing less sleep.

4. It is often very difficult to put on fat whilst on a fruit diet. As such, the body fat content will fall and many people have the sensation of being healthy and lean.

5. Due to the high fiber content of fruit it can help with the smooth movement of food through the bowel and help in preventing conditions like constipation. With constipation the toxic waste sits in the bowel and allows some of these toxins to be absorbed into the system. These toxins can lead to lethargy and feeling generally unwell. Therefore, eating fruit rich in fiber can help prevent this.

6. The digestion and absorption of fruit leaves very few waste products in the body. This can lower the wear and tear on the various organs in the body and therefore reduce the rate of aging.

7. Your body will regularly cleanse and detoxify itself on a diet of mainly fruit. The waste products from the digestion of protein, starches and dairy products can accumulate over many years. A lot of these can be removed after eating fruit for only a couple of days. This can result in feeling a lot healthier and will also reduce the damage on the body.

If you are looking to get fit and healthy or are suffering from ill health then increasing the amount of fruit you consume is a good step to reaching your goal.

About the Author:

Lee Taylor Weight Loss , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Healthy Benefits of Juicing For The Family

July 9th, 2009
by Mike Clarke

Establishments and franchises selling drinks like fruit smoothies along with health snacks have become very popular of late. However, the consumer has no control of the prices these places charge and they can easily raise prices. Many of these fruit smoothies can contain artificial sweeteners and run to many hundreds of calories. Investing in a juice extractor, can help reduce cost and help you control any other additives. This can make them more healthy, especially as you will know what is going in to them, and can be lighter on your pocket.

Juicing has many benefits, but one of the biggest is promoting a well-balanced and healthy diet to children. More and more children are refusing to eat their vegetables and fruit. This is not surprising as many are brought up on fast food, like hamburgers, and sweet fizzy drinks.

Children are lacking essential vitamins and nutrients due to this diet and lifestyle. As a consequence they are putting themselves at risk from many diseases including: cancer of the colon, diabetes, obesity and heart disease later in life. Juicing can go a long way to help alleviate some of these risks.

Many children find vegetables very tangy or bitter as the foods react to their taste buds. Due to this, many kids seek refuge in sugary sweets and biscuits which is very unhealthy. Juicing, however, gets rid of a lot of this bitterness and so can encourage children to consume more vegetables than they would otherwise.

Putting vegetables and fruit through a juicer produces drinks that are full of taste, which children love, without adding artificial sweeteners. They provide all the nutrients and vitamins as well as antioxidants which help protect the cells in the body. Children can get their daily quotas of fruit and vegetables drinking juices this way.

Not only are children benefiting from juice extraction, but adults can create fruit or vegetable drinks to improve their hair, eyesight, hearing, memory, fingernails, and body. Furthermore, adults who are juicing will look younger and feel happier. Also, adults will be able to eliminate wrinkles and increase their strength by juicing. As a result, adults will be able to live longer and have healthier and happier lives.

Many people have discovered the benefits of juicing without resort to cravings for junk foods and sugary sweets. As a result a lot of families are finding they are saving money and at the same time increasing the health of themselves and their children

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Paul Marks Health , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Healthy Option of Citrus Juicing

July 2nd, 2009
by Leanne Tyler

Many people are aware of the benefits of juicing but do not know the significant benefits that citrus juice has to offer. Human beings are one of the few species that does not make its own supply of Vitamin C. This vitamin has a number of benefits to health.

It has often been suggested that we suffer many of our illnesses such as viruses and cancer due to our lack of Vitamin C. It is responsible for fighting the free radicals that causes damage to the cells in our body. Thousands of years ago, the picture was slightly different as we ate much more fruit than we do today. We have hands that are designed to pick and grasp fruit and so this was an easy food source for us to obtain.

Due to this high level of Vitamin C intake in the past it is believed our body started to produce less and less until today when we produce none. In the modern diet the amount of fruit we eat has decreased substantially. Therefore, our intake of this important chemical has also reduced to a significant and inadequate degree.

Juicing has become a way for us to reverse this and start increasing our intake of vitamins again. It is also an enjoyable, fast and refreshing way to boost our health. It does not require any regular expense of Vitamins or supplements and is all natural.

One of the greatest scientists of the twentieth century and Nobel laureate, Linus Pauling, was one of Vitamin C’s greatest supporters. He believed that many of the illnesses that we experience today were due to a lack of this important chemical. The amounts he used to advise though were very big indeed. It is generally thought that these levels were excessive and that we do not need to ingest quite such huge amounts.

Large amounts of Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, can be found in oranges and lemons. Oranges contain about 50mg of ascorbic acid per 100g of fruit and about 70mg per fruit slice. Compare this to the recommended daily allowance of 70mg. This, however is the amount recommended to prevent scurvy. It is scurvy that classically causes bleeding gums.

Investing in a citrus juicer or fruit juicer is an investment in your health. As you can see from this article, many of the essential nutrients we require can be obtained in this healthy, natural way.

About the Author:

Leanne Tyler Supplements and Vitamins , , , , , , , , , , , , ,