Benefits of Specific Ingredients in Raw Juices

Root Veggies in a Stock Pot

By Cat, March 2017 followed by frequent updates (photo, right, from Wikipedia, but I lost the link)

Many different fruits and veggies provide incredible benefits for raw juices; and not just fruits & veggies, but also herbs, spices and mushrooms are valuable and tasty ingredients. I’ve made a preliminary list of what is to be included; as I learn more, I will update this posting.

Leafy greens are an important ingredient, but it is difficult to extract their juices without a special juicer (low RPM; see About Juicers for more), so many rely on powdered greens, but it’s important the greens are juiced before dehydrating to powder for maximum nutritional benefit.

See also: 1. Beverages Menu for specific recipes; 2. About Juicers; 3. Foods (About) Menu under Fruits & Vegetables, Fungi & Mushrooms, Greens, Herbs & Spices, Legumes, Nuts & Seeds

Beetroot and Beet Greens

See: Beets, Chard (About) and What to do with Beets, a Nutrition Powerhouse

Apple

See: Apple Info (About)

Arugula 

See: Lettuce & Salad Greens (About)

Broccoli and Broccoli Sprouts

Not yet

Cabbage & Kale

Not yet

Chard

See: Beets, Chard (About)

Carrots

See Carrots (About)

Celery

In addition to adding it to raw juices and green smoothies, include it in salads, soups and stews and casseroles, and also stuffings. Braise celery stalks and leaves, then add chopped raw onion and bell pepper, finely chopped or ground walnuts and a dollop of soft cheese for a great side dish. (1)

This crunchy veggie is naturally rich in vitamins and minerals (such as A, C, K, folate, molybdenum, and potassium), as well as fiber and other healthy components that provide the following benefits (1)

  • Replaces lost electrolytes making it very useful as a post-workout drink, or for people who are dehydrated. It has a mild, salty taste because it is a rich source of potassium and sodium. A 1-cup serving of celery juice contains only 65 calories, making it nutrient-dense.
  • Balances your pH levels because it is a natural alkalizing food. If your pH level is too acidic, it can stimulate growth of cancer cells.
  • Lowers blood pressure because it is a good source of fiber. Some tout that it also lowers cholesterol levels by sweeping cholesterol from the bloodstream, but I don’t see this as a benefit since cholesterol is not your enemy but rather an important part of your immune system and delivers fat fuels to the body’s cells.
  • Stimulates secretion of bile juices through the action of pthalides in celery. Pthalides also relax arterial walls and dilate blood vessels, allowing blood to flow without interruption.
  • Prevents constipation, another benefit of celery’s fiber. Including a cup of celery in your meal or snack can yield around 2 grams of fiber plus 97 grams of water content.
  • Improves kidney function throughputs diuretic and cleansing properties. Regular and frequent urination helps eliminate toxins within the body and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
  • Treats nervous disorders. Dating back to Hippocrates, celery has been used to treat nervous disorders such as insomnia and anxiety. One  cup of celery juice provides a soothing and calming effect on your nerves.
  • Is an amazing cancer fighter. It contains important antioxidant flavonoids: apigenin and luteolin. Apigenin fights cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), which causes the cancer cells to self-destruct. It is also useful in treating gout and some arthritic conditions because of its powerful anti-inflammatory ability. Luteolin has the capacity to short circuit the replication cycle of cancer cells by blocking IGF and PI3K signal pathways  necessary for growth of cancer cells, specifically colorectal cancers. It also is an excellent anti-inflammatory component, impeding excessive production of TNF-alpha – known to be a major source of inflammation.

Chlorella

Not yet

Cilantro

Not yet

Cucumber

Not yet

Dandelion (root and greens)

Not yet

Escarole 

See: Lettuce & Salad Greens (About)

Garlic

see Garlic & Scapes (About)

Ginger root (rhizome)

Not yet

Grapefruit

See: Orange, Lemon & other Citrus (About)

Lemon
See: Orange, Lemon & other Citrus (About)

Lime
See: Orange, Lemon & other Citrus (About)

Mushrooms

See: Mushrooms (About) and Reconstituting dried mushrooms

Nuts

See: Nuts (About) and Soaking, Sprouting Nuts & Seeds (a how-to for nuts and seeds)

Orange

See:  Orange, Lemon & other Citrus (About)

Parsley

Not yet

Peppers (hot, bell, etc.)

Not yet

Radish

Not yet

Spinach

Not yet

Sunflower seeds

Not yet

Turmeric root (rhizome)

Watercress

Not yet

Wheatgrass

Not yet

References

  1. TTAC: Fight Cancer and Live a Healthier Life with Celery (thetruthaboutcancer.com/fight-cancer-live-healthier-life-celery)

About Cat

See my 'About' page
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