Ingredients
3 White Peaches
1 Medium-sized Tomato
1-2 Gala Apples
Directions
Wash all the fruits. Cut open the peaches to remove the pits, and for those of us IBS sufferers who can't digest the apple skin, make sure that you peel the apple. If the tomato is large enough, cut it into quarters. Then juice all of the fruits. Makes approximately 22-26 oz. of sweet, frothy pale juice. Lots of froth, in fact. An added bonus: this juice recipe is only about 180 calories - 210 calories if you add a second apple. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Apples are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, folic acid, biotin and a host of minerals that promote healthy skin, hair and nails. Apples also support immunity, fight lung and prostate cancer, and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to research conducted at Cornell University, apples contain antioxidants that fight inflammation, allergies, cancer and viruses. Specifically, apples provide a wide range of phytonutrients such as catechin, quercetin, phloridin and chlorogenic acid, which act as antioxidants to fight disease and help lower blood pressure. The Vitamin A in apples is a fat-soluble vitamin that is also extremely important in immune defense. Vitamin A has been shown to enhance white blood cell functioning, which helps the body resist and fight off infection.
The B Vitamins are nature’s own mood elevators and additionally perform many other important functions. The Vitamin B1 in apples, also known as Thiamine, reduces feelings of irritability and mental confusion. A deficiency of B1 can lead to fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia and memory impairment. The Vitamin B6 in apples helps the immune system function properly by aiding in the production of antibodies, and also helps diminish anxiety, which is useful for all of us IBS sufferers who are stressed out about controlling our condition! The folic acid (also a B vitamin) in apples is instrumental in keeping your blood healthy. A deficiency in folic acid causes a decrease in healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout your body. The result is lethargy and headaches, which may cause irritability and anxiety. Folic acid can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer, and speed up a sluggish metabolism. In addition, studies show that pregnant women who consume too little folic acid are at a higher risk of having children with neurological disorders.
The Vitamin B2 in apples, also known as Riboflavin, is important for growth, nerve function, red blood cell production, healthy skin and the release of energy from foods. Consuming enough Riboflavin is important for helping to maintain your energy levels and boosting your stamina.
The Vitamin C in apples helps reduce infections, and is useful for regulating cortisol secretion in the body. Cortisol is necessary for the fight or flight response to stressful situations, but too much of it can be unhealthy. Vitamin C supplies your body with energy and increases your body’s absorption of iron, which also contributes to higher energy levels and gives you increased stamina. Vitamin C also boosts your immune system and helps reduce infections that can cause anything from colds to pneumonia, improves circulation, and helps to ease certain types of cramping by helping your body assimilate calcium instead of accumulating in your joints. As an added bonus, Vitamin C is important for fat metabolism, meaning that it can actually help you slim down.
Finally, apples contain pectin, a fiber that absorbs toxins, stimulates digestion and helps reduce cholesterol. Pectin is a soluble fiber, which is one of the most helpful things for preventing IBS symptoms. In soluble fiber, the chemical bonds that join the individual sugar units cannot be digested by enzymes in the human GI tract, and so soluble fiber passes through the body intact. Soluble fiber dissolves in water but is not digested, which allows it to absorb excess liquid in the colon, preventing diarrhea by forming a thick gel and adding a great deal of bulk as it passes intact through the digestive system. Unlike other types of fiber, soluble fiber soothes and regulates the digestive tract, stabilizes intestinal contractions and normalizing bowel functions from either extreme – meaning that bananas and other sources of soluble fiber prevents and relieves both diarrhea and constipation. Specifically, the pectin in apples binds to cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and slows glucose absorption by trapping carbohydrates.
For nutritional information on tomatoes, see my previous recipe and posting for Carrot Fruit Juice.
Sources for Nutritional Information: Wikipedia; The First Year: IBS – An Essential Guide forthe Newly Diagnosed by Heather Van Vorous; The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
Friday, July 26, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Carrot Fruit Juice
Ingredients
2 Gala (or other sweet, red/pink) Apples, Peeled
12 oz. of Carrots (one bag of Baby Carrots or equivalent amount)
2/3 of a pint of Fresh Strawberries
1 Tomato (Large)
8 oz. of Organic Cherry Juice (Optional)
Directions
Wash the apples, and for those of us IBS sufferers who can't digest the apple skin, make sure that you peel the apple. Wash the strawberries and remove the leaves. Wash the tomato.
Juice the apples, carrots, strawberries and tomato. Combine and shake. Makes approximately 28-32 oz. of frothy red-orange juice.
Optional: combine with cherry juice for a sweeter flavor. (I use bottled cherry juice because it is more cost-effective to buy the cherry juice, as opposed to juicing the cherries yourself. But you could also juice fresh cherries if you would like.) With the cherry juice added, the recipe makes approximately 36 to 40 oz. of frothy darker red juice.
Nutritional Information
I've posted nutritional info on carrots and tomatoes several times, but carrots are so good for you that it's worth repeating!
2 Gala (or other sweet, red/pink) Apples, Peeled
12 oz. of Carrots (one bag of Baby Carrots or equivalent amount)
2/3 of a pint of Fresh Strawberries
1 Tomato (Large)
8 oz. of Organic Cherry Juice (Optional)
Directions
Wash the apples, and for those of us IBS sufferers who can't digest the apple skin, make sure that you peel the apple. Wash the strawberries and remove the leaves. Wash the tomato.
Juice the apples, carrots, strawberries and tomato. Combine and shake. Makes approximately 28-32 oz. of frothy red-orange juice.
Optional: combine with cherry juice for a sweeter flavor. (I use bottled cherry juice because it is more cost-effective to buy the cherry juice, as opposed to juicing the cherries yourself. But you could also juice fresh cherries if you would like.) With the cherry juice added, the recipe makes approximately 36 to 40 oz. of frothy darker red juice.
Nutritional Information
I've posted nutritional info on carrots and tomatoes several times, but carrots are so good for you that it's worth repeating!
Fresh carrot juice contains enzymes that aid your digestion and the juice helps to stimulate digestion overall. Carrots are often helpful for those with IBS-C because they help “lubricate” your intestines, but not to the degree that the juice causes diarrhea, at least not in my experience. IBS-D sufferers can therefore also take advantages of the many beneficial nutrients in carrot juice.
Carrots are packed with vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, as well as calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and many other trace minerals that your body needs, but may not be getting if you're on a limited diet to cope with your IBS. Carrots are also high in antioxidants and carotenoids, which help ease inflammation (a condition that may or may not be the root cause of IBS) and strengthen the immune system. Carotenoids can also help prevent heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and some vision problems, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Carrots contain Biotin (Vitamin B7), which is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. The Vitamin C in carrots helps reduce infections, and is useful for regulating cortisol secretion in the body. Cortisol is necessary for the fight or flight response to stressful situations, but too much of it can be unhealthy. Vitamin C also supplies your body with energy, increases your body’s absorption of iron, and helps to ease certain types of cramping by helping your body assimilate calcium instead of accumulating in your joints. The Vitamin D in carrots can help prevent numerous chronic diseases, including hypertension (high blood pressure), and can also help facilitate weight loss. The Vitamin E in carrots and carrot juice is essential for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles; Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that can help prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation, which results in free radicals that contribute to aging, cancer and many other diseases. Vegetables such as carrots that are high in Vitamins C and E can help to regulate fat metabolism.
Finally, carrots and carrot juice are also packed with beta-carotene, which boots the effectiveness of Vitamin C and helps to cleanse the intestine; Zinc, which boosts the immune system, helps decrease inflammation and stimulate protein synthesis in bone; and Iron, which is necessary for preventing anemia.
Tomatoes are a good source of both Vitamin C and Potassium, which help to cleanse your liver. Potassium is also important for the proper functioning of your cells, nerves and muscle cells. A potassium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, Vitamin C also boosts your immune system, helps to regulate cortisol secretion in the body, and helps regulate your fat metabolism, along with the Vitamin E found in tomatoes. Vitamin E has many benefits, in fact; it helps to build a healthy immune system by triggering the production of cells that kill germs and promotes the production of B cells, which create the antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E also helps to maintain the chemical balance of nutrients in your brain, correct nutrient deficiencies, support the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, and repair the damage caused by environmental toxins. This is because Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation that results in free radicals that contribute to aging, cancer and many other diseases.
Nutritional Information Source: The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
Carrots contain Biotin (Vitamin B7), which is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. The Vitamin C in carrots helps reduce infections, and is useful for regulating cortisol secretion in the body. Cortisol is necessary for the fight or flight response to stressful situations, but too much of it can be unhealthy. Vitamin C also supplies your body with energy, increases your body’s absorption of iron, and helps to ease certain types of cramping by helping your body assimilate calcium instead of accumulating in your joints. The Vitamin D in carrots can help prevent numerous chronic diseases, including hypertension (high blood pressure), and can also help facilitate weight loss. The Vitamin E in carrots and carrot juice is essential for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles; Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that can help prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation, which results in free radicals that contribute to aging, cancer and many other diseases. Vegetables such as carrots that are high in Vitamins C and E can help to regulate fat metabolism.
Finally, carrots and carrot juice are also packed with beta-carotene, which boots the effectiveness of Vitamin C and helps to cleanse the intestine; Zinc, which boosts the immune system, helps decrease inflammation and stimulate protein synthesis in bone; and Iron, which is necessary for preventing anemia.
Tomatoes are a good source of both Vitamin C and Potassium, which help to cleanse your liver. Potassium is also important for the proper functioning of your cells, nerves and muscle cells. A potassium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, Vitamin C also boosts your immune system, helps to regulate cortisol secretion in the body, and helps regulate your fat metabolism, along with the Vitamin E found in tomatoes. Vitamin E has many benefits, in fact; it helps to build a healthy immune system by triggering the production of cells that kill germs and promotes the production of B cells, which create the antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E also helps to maintain the chemical balance of nutrients in your brain, correct nutrient deficiencies, support the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, and repair the damage caused by environmental toxins. This is because Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation that results in free radicals that contribute to aging, cancer and many other diseases.
Fresh tomato juice helps to stimulate circulation, and is a good source of boron, a mineral that helps reduce calcium secretion and promotes strong bones. An excellent source of iron as well, tomatoes help form red blood cells, keeping blood vessels and nerves healthy, and helping to prevent anemia. Iron also promotes the healthy functioning of certain enzymes that play a role in bone strength.
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, which has been proven to have anti-cancer properties, and reduce inflammation. Because inflammation is at the root of many different medical problems, by reducing inflammation, the lycopene in tomatoes helps to prevent degenerative diseases, lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and can help calm IBS in some cases if the colon is spasming due in part to inflammation.
Tomatoes also contain Bioflavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help to ease the length and severity of colds. Finally, tomatoes contain Vitamins A and B, which help improve your mood and aid your body in maintaining healthy skin.
Nutritional Information Source: The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Tropical Cucumber Juice
Ingredients
2 Cucumbers
2 Mangoes
1 Red Grapefruit
1 Pear
2 tsp. Concentrated Aloe Juice
1 Lemon (optional)
Directions
Rinse and scrub vegetables, peel and pit mango. Juice ingredients in juicer, add aloe juice. Chill and enjoy!
If your mangoes are not super ripe, you might want to sweeten the juice by adding a second pear. Be careful, though -- unripe mangoes are more fibrous and can be difficult to digest. They can even cause diarrhea. On the other hand, if your mangoes are quite ripe, you can juice and add a lemon to give the drink a bit more zing.
Makes approximately 36-40 oz. of juice.
Nutritional Information
Aloe Vera is known for it's healing properties, which work not only to soothe and heal your skin when you get a sunburn, but also help to cleanse the intestine, heal the digestive system and promote the healthy function of the colon. Aloe can be a hassle to juice yourself, though. You only need a small amount for each glass of juice, and the leftover aloe juice will go rancid pretty quickly. That's why I use aloe concentrate. You can find aloe vera drops and in other concentrated forms at health food stores, Whole Foods, and online. (I am currently using Aloe Life Aloe Gold Concentrate Dietary Supplement, which you can buy on Amazon or at Whole Foods.)
Cucumber is a good source of chlorophyll, which helps your body's organs (especially your liver) eliminate toxins by improving cellular and organ detoxification. Chlorophyll helps the body maintain a proper acid-alkaline balance, and also protects against the formation of calcium stones in the kidneys, helping to break them down and eliminate them. Although cucumber does not have quite as much chlorophyll as dark, leafy green vegetables, it is a good way to add chlorophyll to your diet if you are sensitive to the more bitter and difficult to digest kale, cabbage, etc.
2 Cucumbers
2 Mangoes
1 Red Grapefruit
1 Pear
2 tsp. Concentrated Aloe Juice
1 Lemon (optional)
Directions
Rinse and scrub vegetables, peel and pit mango. Juice ingredients in juicer, add aloe juice. Chill and enjoy!
If your mangoes are not super ripe, you might want to sweeten the juice by adding a second pear. Be careful, though -- unripe mangoes are more fibrous and can be difficult to digest. They can even cause diarrhea. On the other hand, if your mangoes are quite ripe, you can juice and add a lemon to give the drink a bit more zing.
Makes approximately 36-40 oz. of juice.
Nutritional Information
Aloe Vera is known for it's healing properties, which work not only to soothe and heal your skin when you get a sunburn, but also help to cleanse the intestine, heal the digestive system and promote the healthy function of the colon. Aloe can be a hassle to juice yourself, though. You only need a small amount for each glass of juice, and the leftover aloe juice will go rancid pretty quickly. That's why I use aloe concentrate. You can find aloe vera drops and in other concentrated forms at health food stores, Whole Foods, and online. (I am currently using Aloe Life Aloe Gold Concentrate Dietary Supplement, which you can buy on Amazon or at Whole Foods.)
Cucumber is a good source of chlorophyll, which helps your body's organs (especially your liver) eliminate toxins by improving cellular and organ detoxification. Chlorophyll helps the body maintain a proper acid-alkaline balance, and also protects against the formation of calcium stones in the kidneys, helping to break them down and eliminate them. Although cucumber does not have quite as much chlorophyll as dark, leafy green vegetables, it is a good way to add chlorophyll to your diet if you are sensitive to the more bitter and difficult to digest kale, cabbage, etc.
Cucumbers, with their high water content and as a source of chlorophyll, are also a natural diuretic and detox agent. They will help you eliminate bloating and puffiness and shed water weight. Cucumbers are also great for treating edema, the accumulation of fluid beneath the skin. They are one of the most important vegetables that you can consume to detox your kidneys, which are the body's most important sites for eliminating toxins, help to cleanse your gallbladder of toxins and fight candida infections, a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that arises when there is an overgrowth of the yeast candida.
Cucumbers are rich in zinc, which helps reduce inflammation and facilitates healing and tissue regeneration. Zinc contains neutrophils, compounds that boost your immune system, helps fight infections and colds, and is also necessary for the conversion of omega-3 acids into anti-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins. Zinc can significantly reduce the time it takes to recover from a cold, and there are many additional benefits to consuming this mineral. Zinc is important for maintaining healthy levels of anxiety and generally happy moods; a zinc deficiency may cause depression, anxiety and lethargy. Zinc is also associated with lower body fat levels and may help you lose weight, has been shown by numerous studies to improve memory, and is thought to help reduce the symptoms and severity of allergies and respiratory conditions. Zinc is also important for maintaining healthy skin because it is necessary for absorbing linoleic acid, a fatty acid that promotes healthy skin. Zinc controls the production of oil in the skin and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne. The correct levels of zinc in your body clears skin by taming oil production and controlling the formation of acne lesions. Cucumbers are also known to generally help the skin from becoming overly dry.
Cucumbers are also high in vitamin A and silica, which strengthen connective tissue of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone, and promotes strong, shiny hair, strong nails and healthy-looking skin. Too little silica can result in reduced skin elasticity and slower healing of wounds, and vitamin A is essential for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue as well.
Finally, cucumbers contain an enzyme called erepsin that is helpful in digesting protein and are instrumental in maintaining a healthy acid-alkaline balance in the body. By increasing the alkalinity of your diet, you improve your bone health by reducing the excretion of calcium.
Nutritional Information Source: The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
Note: I will be posting nutritional information on pears, mangoes, grapefruit and lemons in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!
Note: I will be posting nutritional information on pears, mangoes, grapefruit and lemons in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Green Apple Grape Juice
I am excited about this recipe because I haven't been able to digest raw apple since I developed IBS over 6 years ago! Apples are very good for you, and so even though I've been able to eat cooked apple all along, I'm glad that juicing has enabled me to start get more of the nutrients from raw apples.
Ingredients
1.5 lb. bag of Green Grapes
2 Granny Smith Apples
1 Cucumber
1 Green Bell Pepper
2 tbsp. Concentrated Aloe Vera
Directions
Wash all of the produce, scrubbing the skins well to remove all traces of pesticides. Important for those of us IBS sufferers who can't digest apple skins, make sure that you peel the apple using a potato peeler. Juice all the produce, and add the Concentrated Aloe Vera. Refrigerate for optimum flavor and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Apples are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, folic acid, biotin and a host of minerals that promote healthy skin, hair and nails (29). Apples also support immunity, fight lung and prostate cancer, and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (117). According to research conducted at Cornell University, apples contain antioxidants that fight inflammation, allergies, cancer and viruses (130). Specifically, apples provide a wide range of phytonutrients such as catechin, quercetin, phloridin and chlorogenic acid, which act as antioxidants to fight disease and help lower blood pressure (117, 128). The Vitamin A in apples is a fat-soluble vitamin that is also extremely important in immune defense. Vitamin A has been shown to enhance white blood cell functioning, which helps the body resist and fight off infection (215).
Ingredients
1.5 lb. bag of Green Grapes
2 Granny Smith Apples
1 Cucumber
1 Green Bell Pepper
2 tbsp. Concentrated Aloe Vera
Directions
Wash all of the produce, scrubbing the skins well to remove all traces of pesticides. Important for those of us IBS sufferers who can't digest apple skins, make sure that you peel the apple using a potato peeler. Juice all the produce, and add the Concentrated Aloe Vera. Refrigerate for optimum flavor and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Apples are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, folic acid, biotin and a host of minerals that promote healthy skin, hair and nails (29). Apples also support immunity, fight lung and prostate cancer, and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (117). According to research conducted at Cornell University, apples contain antioxidants that fight inflammation, allergies, cancer and viruses (130). Specifically, apples provide a wide range of phytonutrients such as catechin, quercetin, phloridin and chlorogenic acid, which act as antioxidants to fight disease and help lower blood pressure (117, 128). The Vitamin A in apples is a fat-soluble vitamin that is also extremely important in immune defense. Vitamin A has been shown to enhance white blood cell functioning, which helps the body resist and fight off infection (215).
The B Vitamins are nature’s own mood elevators (92) and additionally
perform many other important functions. The
Vitamin B1 in apples, also known as Thiamine, reduces feelings of irritability
and mental confusion. A deficiency of B1
can lead to fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, loss of appetite,
insomnia and memory impairment (93). The
Vitamin B6 in apples helps the immune system function properly by aiding in the
production of antibodies (215), and also helps diminish anxiety, which is
useful for all of us IBS sufferers who are stressed out about controlling our
condition! The folic acid (also a B
vitamin) in apples is instrumental in keeping your blood healthy. A deficiency in folic acid causes a decrease
in healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout your body. The result is lethargy and headaches, which
may cause irritability and anxiety (93).
Folic acid can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and colon
cancer, and speed up a sluggish metabolism (43). In addition, studies show that pregnant women
who consume too little folic acid are at a higher risk of having children with
neurological disorders (43).
The Vitamin B2 in apples, also known as Riboflavin, is
important for growth, nerve function, red blood cell production, healthy skin
and the release of energy from foods (180).
Consuming enough Riboflavin is important for helping to maintain your
energy levels and boosting your stamina (180).
The Vitamin C in apples helps reduce infections, and is
useful for regulating cortisol secretion in the body. Cortisol is necessary for the fight or flight
response to stressful situations, but too much of it can be unhealthy (94). Vitamin C supplies your body with energy
(181) and increases your body’s absorption of iron (43), which also contributes
to higher energy levels and gives you increased stamina (137). Vitamin C also boosts your immune system and helps
reduce infections that can cause anything from colds to pneumonia (43), improves
circulation (137), and helps to ease certain types of cramping by helping your
body assimilate calcium instead of accumulating in your joints (131). As an added bonus, Vitamin C is important for
fat metabolism, meaning that it can actually help you slim down (47).
Finally, apples contain pectin, a fiber that absorbs toxins,
stimulates digestion and helps reduce cholesterol (29). Pectin is a soluble fiber, which is one of
the most helpful things for preventing IBS symptoms. In soluble fiber, the chemical bonds that
join the individual sugar units cannot be digested by enzymes in the human GI
tract, and so soluble fiber passes through the body intact. Soluble fiber dissolves in water but is not
digested, which allows it to absorb excess liquid in the colon, preventing
diarrhea by forming a thick gel and adding a great deal of bulk as it passes
intact through the digestive system.
Unlike other types of fiber, soluble fiber soothes and regulates the
digestive tract, stabilizes intestinal contractions and normalizing bowel
functions from either extreme – meaning that bananas and other sources of
soluble fiber prevents and relieves both diarrhea and constipation (van Vorous
23-25). Specifically, the pectin in
apples binds to cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and slows glucose
absorption by trapping carbohydrates (29).
Sources for Nutritional Information: Wikipedia; The First Year: IBS – An Essential Guide forthe Newly Diagnosed by Heather Van Vorous; The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
Sources for Nutritional Information: Wikipedia; The First Year: IBS – An Essential Guide forthe Newly Diagnosed by Heather Van Vorous; The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
For nutritional information on Cucumbers and Aloe Vera, please see my post and recipe for Grasshopper Juice. I will be posting nutritional information on grapes and bell peppers in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Blackberry Super Juice
Ingredients
12 oz. carton of Blackberries
6-8 oz. Organic Blueberry Juice*
1 Granny Smith Apple
1 Green Pear
1 Cucumber
3 stalks of Celery
3 tbsp. of Concentrated Aloe Vera (optional)
3 tbsp. of Concentrated Aloe Vera (optional)
*Note on the Ingredients: despite the expense of organic juices, it is more cost-effective to buy blueberry juice as opposed to juicing the blueberries yourself. You can always opt to buy fresh blueberries and juice them, though.
Directions
Wash all produce. For those of us IBS sufferers who can't digest the apple skin, make sure that you peel the apple. Juice all of the produce, and mix with the Organic Blueberry Juice. Refrigerate for optimum taste. Enjoy!
Makes approximately 40 oz. of juice.
Nutritional Information
Blackberries are packed with sapronins, which improve heart
health, as well as disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamin C, minerals and
phytochemicals. They help build
bone density, suppress appetite and enhance fat burning. Blackberries are also rich in bioflavonoids, which studies show to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial,
anti-cancer and anti-diarrheal activities. Bioflavonoids also help to ease the severity
of a cold, working with Vitamin C to help reduce infections.
Berries, in general, are also blood purifiers. They contain antioxidants, which are
nutrients that can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our bodies. When our body cells use oxygen, they
naturally produce free radicals that can cause damage. Antioxidants work as scavengers, gobbling up
the free radicals and preventing and repairing the damage that they cause. Antioxidants protect your body
from heart disease and cancer, and help prevent bladder infections, high blood
pressure, fatigue, colds and even help prevent bad breath!
Blackberries are a great source for several important
minerals. They are high in iron,
which transports life-sustaining nutrients through the body, along with oxygen,
while removing carbon dioxide. Iron also
ensures a healthy immune system and creates energy. An iron deficiency can cause a variety of
health problems, including fatigue, irritability and headaches. Blackberries are also rich in magnesium, which
helps relax blood vessels, maintain normal nerve function and help you
breathe more easily. Magnesium is
also an important mineral for mental stability.
Too little magnesium causes confusion, agitation and anxiety. Blackberries contain folic acid (Vitamin B9), which helps reduce the impact of allergies and is instrumental in
keeping your blood healthy. A
deficiency in folic acid causes a decrease in healthy red blood cells, which carry
oxygen throughout your body. The result
is lethargy and headaches, which may cause irritability and anxiety.
The Vitamin C in blackberries increases your body’s
absorption of iron, which gives you more energy and stamina. Vitamin C also helps improve circulation, reduce infections that can cause anything from colds to pneumonia,
and is important for fat metabolism, meaning that Vitamin C can actually help
you slim down.
Blueberries are considered a “super food.” They are extremely low in calories, yet
packed with sapronins, which improve heart health, as well as disease-fighting
antioxidants, vitamin C, minerals and phytochemicals. Like in blackberries, the Vitamin C in blueberries increases your
body’s absorption of iron, helps improve circulation, reduce infections and has many other health benefits. Most importantly for
those of us with IBS, blueberries are a good source of tannins that kill
bacteria and viruses, and help with digestion!
Blueberries, like blackberries, contain antioxidants. Specifically, the distinctive blue color of blueberries
comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that have been demonstrated to
protect against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes,
bacterial infections, and fibrocystic disease. Blueberries help to lower cholesterol,
and a growing body of evidence suggests that in addition to neuroprotective and
anti-inflammatory functions, anthocyanins may possess analgesic properties, which
means that blueberries provide some relief from pain! There are at least five different types of
anthocyanins in blueberries, and they also contain more antioxidants than any
other “super food.”
Partially due to their high antioxidant content, the North
Carolina Research Campus, which encompasses eight universities working together
to research health and longevity, considers blueberries to be one of the best
fruits to consume to boost energy and ward off the signs of aging. Blueberries restore antioxidant levels and
reverse age-related brain decline, protecting against short-term memory
loss and enhancing memory.
Blueberries are also rich in compounds that strengthen collagen structure.
Blueberries contain Vitamin E, which helps fight infections, and are also high in potassium.
Potassium is necessary for the proper functioning of your body’s cells,
nerves and muscle cells, as well as helping to improve your mood and energy
levels. Deficiencies in potassium can
cause weakness, fatigue, depression and anxiety.
Sources: The Wikipedia entries for anthocynanins, analgesics and bioflavonoids;
The Everything Juicing Book by CaroleJacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
For nutritional information on Cucumbers and Aloe Vera, see my recipe and post for Grasshopper Juice.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Ruby Red Cocktail
I'm very excited about this recipe, because I've had a hard time eating a lot of tomato products for years, and I have never been able to eat citrus fruits. But red grapefruit is delicious!!
Ingredients
2-3 Roma Plum Tomatoes
2 Red Bell Peppers
1 Red Grapefruit
Directions
Wash and juice the tomatoes whole. Wash the red peppers and remove the seeds from the inside before juicing. Remove the skin from the grapefruit before juicing the fruit -- do not juice the skin of the grapefruit.
Mix all the juices and enjoy! Makes approximately 14 oz. of juice, which is either one large serving, or two small glasses of juice.
Nutritional Information
Tomatoes are a good source of both Vitamin C and Potassium, which help to cleanse your liver. Potassium is also important for the proper functioning of your cells, nerves and muscle cells. A potassium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, Vitamin C also boosts your immune system, helps to regulate cortisol secretion in the body, and helps regulate your fat metabolism, along with the Vitamin E found in tomatoes. Vitamin E has many benefits, in fact; it helps to build a healthy immune system by triggering the production of cells that kill germs and promotes the production of B cells, which create the antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E also helps to maintain the chemical balance of nutrients in your brain, correct nutrient deficiencies, support the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, and repair the damage caused by environmental toxins. This is because Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation that results in free radicals that contribute to aging, cancer and many other diseases.
Ingredients
2-3 Roma Plum Tomatoes
2 Red Bell Peppers
1 Red Grapefruit
Directions
Wash and juice the tomatoes whole. Wash the red peppers and remove the seeds from the inside before juicing. Remove the skin from the grapefruit before juicing the fruit -- do not juice the skin of the grapefruit.
Mix all the juices and enjoy! Makes approximately 14 oz. of juice, which is either one large serving, or two small glasses of juice.
Nutritional Information
Tomatoes are a good source of both Vitamin C and Potassium, which help to cleanse your liver. Potassium is also important for the proper functioning of your cells, nerves and muscle cells. A potassium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, Vitamin C also boosts your immune system, helps to regulate cortisol secretion in the body, and helps regulate your fat metabolism, along with the Vitamin E found in tomatoes. Vitamin E has many benefits, in fact; it helps to build a healthy immune system by triggering the production of cells that kill germs and promotes the production of B cells, which create the antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E also helps to maintain the chemical balance of nutrients in your brain, correct nutrient deficiencies, support the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, and repair the damage caused by environmental toxins. This is because Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation that results in free radicals that contribute to aging, cancer and many other diseases.
Fresh tomato juice helps to stimulate circulation, and is a good source of boron, a mineral that helps reduce calcium secretion and promotes strong bones. An excellent source of iron as well, tomatoes help form red blood cells, keeping blood vessels and nerves healthy, and helping to prevent anemia. Iron also promotes the healthy functioning of certain enzymes that play a role in bone strength.
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, which has been proven to have anti-cancer properties, and reduce inflammation. Because inflammation is at the root of many different medical problems, by reducing inflammation, the lycopene in tomatoes helps to prevent degenerative diseases, lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and can help calm IBS in some cases if the colon is spasming due in part to inflammation.
Tomatoes also contain Bioflavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help to ease the length and severity of colds. Finally, tomatoes contain Vitamins A and B, which help improve your mood and aid your body in maintaining healthy skin.
Primary Nutritional Information Source: The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Berry Banana Smoothie
This is one of my favorite recipes. It's a little bit tart, but the bananas sweeten the recipe, so it's really delicious. This smoothie makes a great breakfast in the morning, or a fabulous afternoon snack. And I cannot say enough about the nutritional value of strawberries and bananas! IBS sufferers probably aren't getting enough of these nutrients, so take advantage of this recipe.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries
Organic Bottled Cherry Juice
2 Bananas
Directions
Wash and juice approximately half of a 1 lb. (16 oz.) carton of fresh strawberries. (Alternatively, you can use 2 cups of frozen strawberries.) After juicing, mix with approximately 2-3 oz. of organic bottled cherry juice. (Alternatively, you can juice your own fresh cherries, but it is more cost effective to purchase bottled cherry juice if you can get it for $6/bottle.)
The next step requires the use of the blender, not the juicer. Combine strawberry/cherry juice with two ripe, peeled bananas in the blender and blend until smooth. Consider refrigerating your smoothie for approximately a half an hour before drinking, in order to enjoy optimum taste.
Makes one serving/smoothie.
Nutritional Information
IBS sufferers often have trouble eating strawberries and other berries because of the seeds, which are hard on the digestive system. But juicing is a great way to integrate berries into your diet and get the valuable nutrients that they have to offer. Berries, in general, are blood purifiers. They contain antioxidants, which protect your body from heart disease and cancer, and help prevent bladder infections, high blood pressure, fatigue, colds and bad breath. Strawberries, in particular, are also packed with iron, Vitamin C, B vitamins, folate, calcium, potassium and magnesium. They also help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, since they contain fisetin, a compound that stimulates pathways that improve long-term memory; they lower bad cholesterol, and inhibit the growth of colon, prostate and oral cancers.
For nutritional information about bananas, see my recipe and posting for Green Banana Smoothies.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries
Organic Bottled Cherry Juice
2 Bananas
Directions
Wash and juice approximately half of a 1 lb. (16 oz.) carton of fresh strawberries. (Alternatively, you can use 2 cups of frozen strawberries.) After juicing, mix with approximately 2-3 oz. of organic bottled cherry juice. (Alternatively, you can juice your own fresh cherries, but it is more cost effective to purchase bottled cherry juice if you can get it for $6/bottle.)
The next step requires the use of the blender, not the juicer. Combine strawberry/cherry juice with two ripe, peeled bananas in the blender and blend until smooth. Consider refrigerating your smoothie for approximately a half an hour before drinking, in order to enjoy optimum taste.
Makes one serving/smoothie.
Nutritional Information
IBS sufferers often have trouble eating strawberries and other berries because of the seeds, which are hard on the digestive system. But juicing is a great way to integrate berries into your diet and get the valuable nutrients that they have to offer. Berries, in general, are blood purifiers. They contain antioxidants, which protect your body from heart disease and cancer, and help prevent bladder infections, high blood pressure, fatigue, colds and bad breath. Strawberries, in particular, are also packed with iron, Vitamin C, B vitamins, folate, calcium, potassium and magnesium. They also help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, since they contain fisetin, a compound that stimulates pathways that improve long-term memory; they lower bad cholesterol, and inhibit the growth of colon, prostate and oral cancers.
The iron in strawberries is incredibly important to your
overall health. Iron transports
life-sustaining nutrients throughout the body, along with oxygen, while
removing carbon dioxide. Iron ensures a
healthy immune system and helps keep you energized. If you feel tired, sluggish and have little
or no motivation to diet or exercise, you may be suffering from iron-deficiency
anemia, and strawberries are one nutritional source that can help restore
iron to your body.
The Vitamin C in strawberries increases your body’s
absorption of iron, which gives you more energy and stamina. It also helps reduce infections that can cause
anything from colds to pneumonia, and strawberries also have anti-viral
properties that help ease allergies and infections. The Vitamin C in strawberries is also
important for fat metabolism and can help you slim down. Strawberries, packet with Vitamin C, are
considered a super weight-loss food.
The B vitamins in strawberries contain many nutrients you
need to maintain well-being and fight depression. B complex vitamins are basically nature’s mood
elevators, helping to metabolize neurotoxins that may be linked to anxiety
problems and helping even helping with severe forms of depression. Folate, the naturally occurring form of folic
acid, is a B vitamin that is instrumental in keeping your blood healthy. A deficiency in folate/folic acid causes a
decrease in healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your
body. The result is lethargy and
headaches, which may cause irritability and anxiety as well. Folate/Folic acid is essential for energy and
stamina, so getting your B vitamins is very important – and strawberries
can do a lot to help!
The calcium in strawberries strengthens bones, teeth and
nails, and helps prevent osteoporosis. It
also regulates blood pressure and can help you shed unwanted pounds. The potassium in strawberries helps to cleanse your liver and is also important for the proper functioning of your cells, nerves and
muscle cells. A potassium deficiency can
cause weakness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Finally, the magnesium in strawberries is a mineral that can
help to relieve anxiety; too little magnesium causes confusion and agitation, as well as result in nervousness that causes insomnia. Make sure you are getting enough magnesium by
adding strawberries to your juice!
Primary source of nutritional information: The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs, Patrice Johnson and Nicole Cormier.
For nutritional information about bananas, see my recipe and posting for Green Banana Smoothies.
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