The juicing craze: How to 'squeeze out' all the benefits

You may have heard how juicing can be healthy for you, and even tasty.  If you are looking to get on the juicing bandwagon– what do you need to know? Read on below or watch my latest 69 News WFMZ segment, where I share some juicy tips.

WHY JUICE?

We can always use more veggies!  Fresh juice contains the same nutrients as the original fruit and vegetables, the juicing process removes fibers making the juice more concentrated.  Plus, it is easier to digest and easier to absorb nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. 

WHAT KIND DO WE USE?

I looked for a masticating juicer which also known as a slow juicer. They use a slow gear to crush fruits and veggies. A bit more pricey, but the juice will extract more nutrients than some of the other juicers, plus it does not oxidize quickly. 

A centrifugal juicer also known as a fast juicer, is also a common home juicer and a bit cheaper, but the juice has less nutrients and is more oxidized, so it does not last as long. 

HOW IS THE CLEAN UP?

I heard juicers were always a lot of clean up. Not really – rinse everything just after you use it. 

WHAT DO I JUICE?

I use a variety of veggies and some fruits, but most commonly, cucumber, carrots, sprouts, celery, ginger, spinach, kale, dandelion leaves. There are lots of options, or follow a recipe….

Green Ginger Ale

  • Granny Smith Apple

  • Cucumber

  • Celery

  • Lime

  • Ginger Root

V-8 Recipe

  • Celery

  • Cucumber

  • Carrot

  • Parsley

  • Green Bell Pepper 

  • Spinach

Orange Green Juice

  • Spinach

  • Orange

  • Celery

  • Lemon

Don’t forget to buy organic! Our bodies are quickly absorbing these nutrients; we don’t want to absorb the pesticides with it.

A critical point – do not over fruit your juice.  The best fruits are lemon and lime for flavor, or perhaps a granny smith apple, or half an orange. Avoid the high-glycemic fruits such as grapes and pineapples, watermelons.  Drinking lots of fruit juice can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. 

It's sometimes fun to have a sweet snack but if juicing to get healthy, it may be too much fruit sugar for you.

CAN I BUY JUICE INSTEAD?

If you like the idea of juice, but would rather purchase some at a store, there are good options in the refrigerated section, but read the label. What are the ingredients and look at the sugar content. Keep under 10 grams of sugar for the best benefit.

CONCLUSION

This is also fun for kids.  Get them excited about juicing an apple, and then when you add celery and cucumber it will still be tasty.  A great way to get your fresh greens in! Plus, perfect summer option for a snack.

Luisa Szakacs