Over the past year I have become a regular Green juicer, which has now become part of my weekly routine and I actually find myself looking forward to my juice. Most people presume they are going to hate it as it is green and therefore must be far too healthy and not taste nice, you would be surprised as to how pleasant it is and actually something you begin to really enjoy. The health benefits of regular green juicing are not limited to one aspect of health but a whole health benefit, from improved energy levels, the great radiant skin.
So why green juice? The vegetables used in juicing are raw so all of their vital nutrients are kept, cooking and processing vegies can destroys some micro nutrients by altering their shape and chemical composition, it a great way of making sure you and your family are definitely getting your recommended 5 a day and much more. Juicing helps you absorb all the nutrients from the vegetables, many of us have impaired digestion so the juicing will help to pre-digest them for you making the most of the vital nutrients found in the vegetables.
Many people presume juicing involves a lot of fruit which obviously taste great but with this amount of fruit sugars is not the best way to go as this can have a detrimental effect on your blood sugar levels. The exception would be lemons and limes which have virtually no fructose that causes most of the metabolic complications.
Green juice is not a meal replacement, there is very little protein and virtually no fat so it is not a complete food. It should be used in addition not in place of it. Ideally drink your juice straight away as the nutrients will deteriorate, they can be kept in the fridge in a glass or aluminium airtight container but best to drink at it’s freshest.
Green juice is also alkaline which is fantastic for the skin and body.
A basic green juice of cucumber with the skin removed, celery, lemon or lime, ginger and parsley is perfect. You can add to this whatever greens you like, such as spinach, kale, fennel, lettuce, dandelion leaves, carrot tops, and for a slight sweeter option that I find works with my children add an apple or pear.Don’t forget to wash your vegetables thoroughly and organic is definitely best.
There are many juicers on the market but investing in a good one is well worth the extra spend and don’t forget to clean it well and easiest straight after using to prevent any vegetable pulp sticking and making the clean-up job a whole lot more difficult,
So don’t leave the green juice just to a one off detox but rather make it part of your daily or weekly routine. Your skin and general radiance will be testament to embracing the green juice way of thinking.