Q&A: Benefits of Juicing

I love juicing and find that it is very important to one’s health. Fresh juices should be added into our diets on a daily basis, and if that’s not an option at least a couple times a week. I used them during my pregnancy.

I was asked to answer a few questions from Williams-Sonoma on juicing and how I use it in my diet. Hopefully this Q & A can help offer some information to you as well. Williams-Sonoma also has a Juicer resource page as well. You can browse the different juicers they offer. They offer brands like Hurom (my dream juicer), Breville and Vitamix. I use a Breville for all my juicing, as well as the Vitamix, and love them both.

In addition, Williams-Sonoma, sells nutritious juices as well. Don’t have time for juicing? You can simply buy some great juices. However, fresh juices made at home are always going to be more nutritious compared to bottled juices.

Disclosure: Even though I was asked to do this post for Williams-Sonoma, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this post. 

You mentioned that you believe juicing is very important for ones health. What do you believe are the top 5 benefits of juicing? The top 5 Benefits of juicing include the following:

• Juices are easier to absorb – This makes it easier to absorb all the phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals that juices are rich in. Consuming more easily absorable foods allows the digestive tract to repair and rest. You are getting more nutritional value, with less work from your digestive tract.
• Juicing strengthens the immune system 
• Juicing provides our bodies with antioxidants, vital vitamins and minerals, and phytonutrients – all very important for cancer and other disease prevention
• Juicing provides enzymes – Enzymes are needed to help digest food, and since most enzymes are lost in the cooking process raw juices are helpful in restoring enzymes
• Juicing is great for healing our bodies – Often times those that have cancer or auto-immune diseases are encouraged by Naturopaths to start fresh juices in their diets. It helps repair the body, by adding nutritional support that is easier on the stomach and digestive system.

Do you incorporate fresh juice into your diet? – Lately I haven’t been consuming as much fresh juices compared to in the past. I do think that incorporating fresh juices into one’s diet will help with nutritional support and helps to add more fruits and vegetables to our diet. Juicing is a very important component to my diet.

In the past it helped me with my health. I was always getting sick and had horrible migraines, but after changing my diet and adding juices, I noticed a difference. I felt more energized, my migraines began to subside, and I was sick less and less often.

What is your favorite juice recipe, and why? My favorite juice recipe is a Carrot Celery Apple or Carrot Celery Orange and a Beet Apple Kale Juice. Carrots are full of beta carotene, which is great for our immune system. They are sweeter, so much easier for new comers to juicing to handle.

Beets are especially healthful and are easier for some to consume when mixed into a juice. Beets contain betaine, which protects cells from damage and helps to fight inflammation, thus they are an endurance athletes best friend. Beets provide detoxification support and supply antioxidants as well, and contain a high amount of folate. Athletes consume beets to boost stamina, decrease inflammation, and for their mineral content, as they are rich in potassium and manganese.

I also love adding coconut water into my juices. Especially great paired with cucumber and kale.

For someone who just had a baby, would you suggest fresh juice as a way they can get the vitamins and nutrients they need? Yes definitely!! Juicing allows for more fruits and vegetables to be consumed on a daily basis, which provides a greater number of not only vitamins and minerals, but antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as enzymes, strengthening your immune system as well as the infants. Your baby gains a taste for fruits and vegetables while in utero, which is why it’s important to have a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. While breastfeeding, infants are even more sensitive to your diet, so juicing would help with preparing them for liking vegetables.

What fruits or veggies are great sources of vitamins? Carrots, beets, spinach, kale, celery, cabbage and herbs (parsley, mint, cilantro) are definitely great picks for fresh juices, as they are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.  As for fruits choose berries, apples, pineapples, lemons, and oranges. Lemons are great for alkalizing the body as well, helping to balance our pH. I would also include wheatgrass for its vitamin C, E and K content.

I think you’ll be surprised with how fun and enjoyable juicing is. You’ll notice a difference in your skins appearance, your energy levels and your overall health. There are so many great combinations to try. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies, because when paired with the right fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber and celery, you can’t even tell there’s kale or spinach. Perfect for those picky kids and husbands 😉

I wrote a post a while back that offers tips on making juicing easier. Ff you are interested, click this link to read more.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!! The last weekend before Christmas. I dare you to start your Christmas day off with a great, nutrient packed juice!! 😉

Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit

What’s your favorite juice recipe? Is juicing apart of your diet?