Mirjam Juicing has become increasingly popular as more people seek natural ways to improve their health and vitality. Fresh juices offer a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are easily absorbed by the body. Unlike store-bought juices, which are often loaded with added sugars and preservatives, homemade juices provide pure nutrition straight from nature. Let’s explore the benefits of juicing, how to get started, and some of the best ingredients to include in your juices.
Why juicing?
Juicing involves extracting the liquid from fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables, leaving behind the pulp. This process allows you to consume a large quantity of produce in a single glass, delivering a concentrated dose of nutrients. Now, there is this myth going around that juicing removes all the fiber. This is not the case! Fresh pressed juice is fueled with soluble fiber and allows for 100% absorption of vitamins and minerals, making juicing an efficient way to nourish your body.
Health benefits of juicing
- Rapid nutrient absorption: Without insoluble fiber, the nutrients in juice are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing an instant energy boost and enhancing cellular function.
- Detoxification: Juices, especially those made from leafy greens like kale, cilantro, and parsley, are rich in chlorophyll, which helps detoxify the liver and cleanse the blood.
- Enhanced hydration: Fresh juices, particularly water-rich cucumber and celery, contribute to your daily hydration needs while providing electrolytes.
- Boosted immune system: Juices are packed with immune-boosting vitamins like vitamin C, which is abundant in citrus fruits and bell peppers, helping to protect against illness. Vitamin C is truly amazing: a catalyst of many important processes in the body and an incredible immune builder.
- Improved digestion: Besides the soluble fiber in juices, they benefit digestion by providing enzymes that aid in breaking down food more efficiently.
Best Ingredients for Juicing
- Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, cilantro, parsley, purslane, Swiss chard, and wheatgrass are all excellent choices for a nutrient-packed green juice. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. They add a zesty flavor to your juice while supporting immune health.
- Root vegetables: Carrots and beets are great for juicing as they are sweet and earthy. They are also high in beta-carotene and other antioxidants that promote skin health and detoxification.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like ginger, turmeric, and mint can be added to juices for their potent anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. They also add a refreshing flavor.
- Apples and pears: These fruits add natural sweetness to your juice while providing plenty of insoluble fiber. They are also rich in antioxidants.
- Cucumbers and celery: These veggies are highly hydrating and serve as a great base for any juice. They are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.
How to get started with juicing
- Choose a quality juicer: There are two main types of juicers: centrifugal and masticating. Centrifugal juicers are faster and more affordable but may produce less juice and preserve fewer nutrients. Masticating juicers, also known as slow juicers, extract juice more efficiently and preserve more nutrients. Plus nowadays, they are pretty affordable too! Best part? You can grab any Hurom or Nama juicer with code RAWFOODFEAST and get the juiciest discount you could wish for!
- Start with simple recipes: If you’re new to juicing, start with simple recipes using a few ingredients. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with different combinations.
- Drink immediately: Fresh juice is best consumed immediately after juicing to get the most nutrients. If you need to store juice, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 24 hours. Having said that, if you own a Hurom or Nama juicer, you can store it even for 36 hours.
Juicing is a powerful way to enhance your health by providing a concentrated dose of nutrients in a delicious, easy-to-drink form. Whether you’re looking to detox, boost your immune system, or simply enjoy the benefits of fresh fruits and leafy greens, juicing is an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle. Start with simple recipes, use high-quality ingredients, and enjoy the vibrant energy that fresh juices can bring to your life.
