The health benefits of pure fruit juices, how it combats disease and preparation for juicing. |
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Apple Juice |
Vitamins: A, B and C
Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Historically, apples were prescribed to remedy virtually every illness going and today we still have the popular saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".
Juicing apples may help with arthritic and rheumatic conditions, as well as calming, soothing and cleansing the digestive system.
It is particularly effective at treating constipation and diarrhoea and is known to tone up the liver.
Apples contain pectin, a substance that is said to soak up bad cholesterol, thus reducing levels in the blood.
Preparation for juicing: Wash apples thoroughly. If they are covered in a wax-like substance, make sure that this is removed by washing in warm water. It is best to juice the apple with the peel intact, as much of the vitamin C is contained in the skin. Do not, on the other hand, juice the pips, as they are said to contain cyanide. Cut into small pieces and place into the juicer.
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Apricot Juice |
Vitamins: A, B, C and K
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Due to the high levels of vitamin A found in this fruit, apricots are said to slow down ageing and age-related illnesses. They are also good for strengthening bones and giving vitality to hair and skin.
The B vitamin content is useful in calming the nervous system and may be useful in treating depression, PMT and menopausal problems.
Apricots are a rich source of iron and can help treat anaemia.
Preparation for juicing: Wash the apricots under cold running water, cut in half and remove the stone. The skin may be left on the fruit. Cut into small pieces and add to the juicer.
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Blackberry Juice |
Vitamins: A, B, C and E
Minerals: Calcium and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Due to the vitamin C and E content, which are powerful antioxidants, blackberries are effective in fighting free radicals, which are molecules that destroy cells and tissues in the body and are linked to cancer and heart disease.
Blackberries are also thought to have anti-ageing properties and are said to be helpful in controlling diabetes.
They cleanse the blood and are often used to treat sore throats and diarrhoea.
Preparation for juicing: Blackberries should be as fresh as possible, as they tend to perish rapidly after picking. Ideally, use blackberries that you have been able to pick yourself and juice as quickly as possible afterwards.
They should be ripe, soft and juicy. Make sure that you wash them thoroughly before juicing.
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Grape Juice |
Vitamins: A, B and C
Minerals: Calcium, copper, iodine, iron, phosphorous and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: The benefits of grape juice are many; nevertheless, it is best well known for its ability and effectiveness in treating tiredness, lack of energy and fatigue. It is an excellent pick-me-up and energy booster.
Grape juice is also a rich source of antioxidants and is said to delay the effects of ageing.
It has also been said to help other ailments such as constipation, heart disease, fluid retention, gout, arthritis, tuberculosis, liver problems, haemorrhoids and various allergies.
Preparation for juicing: The skin and seeds of grapes may be added to the juicer, as they contain powerful antioxidants and anti-ageing properties. However, the grapes must be washed really well, as grapes always contain a lot of pesticides and herbicides on their skin. The alternative is to buy organic grapes.
It is also important to note that grape juice contains a lot of natural sugars and therefore diabetics and people suffering from candida, should limit the amount of grape juice that they consume.
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Grapefruit Juice |
Vitamins: A, B, C, E and P
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Grapefruit juice is an excellent antiseptic, blood cleanser and detoxifier. This is why it is often included in so many detox programmes and diets. It also strengthens the lungs, stimulates the appetite and boosts the immune system.
Preparation for juicing: The rind of the grapefruit should be removed before juicing, however, leave the white pith intact as the bioflavanoids contained within in, help the body to absorb larger quantities of vitamin C.
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Kiwi Fruit Juice |
Vitamins: C
Minerals: Calcium, iron, phosphorous and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Kiwi fruits contain more vitamin C than both oranges and lemons, as much potassium as bananas and loads and loads of fibre.
For these reasons they are effective in treating sufferers of anorexia and anaemia. Kiwi fruits contain an enzyme that dissolves protein well and is therefore good for digestion. It is also said to help flush cholesterol from the blood.
Preparation for juicing: Kiwi fruit should be fairly soft to the touch upon juicing and not too hard. If the fruit is hard, leave it at room temperature until it softens.
The skin may be kept intact or removed according to taste, as sometimes the skin may add a slightly bitter taste to the juice.
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Lemon Juice |
Vitamins: B, C and P
Minerals: Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Lemons are the greatest natural antiseptic. They cleanse the blood and the whole of the body internally, including the kidneys, liver and digestive system.
Lemon juice eliminates toxins and is good for the skin. It is also a well-known cold preventative. It may be useful in rheumatic and arthritic conditions.
Preparation for juicing: Choose lemons that are heavy, smooth and soft. Avoid wrinkled or green skins. Unripe lemons will contain less juice.
The rind may be left on when juicing, as it contains essential bioflavanoids that help the body to absorb more vitamin C. The same can be said for the white pith, which should be left intact.
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Orange Juice |
Vitamins: B, C and P
Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Orange juice is a great immune system booster and is therefore effective in preventing colds and other infections. It is also a good cleanser of the internal system and calms the nervous system, making it effective in treating nervousness, anxiety and insomnia.
Orange juice benefits the stomach in many ways and helps with indigestion, constipation and all digestive problems.
It is also said to help with lung and skin disorders.
Preparation for juicing: Choose oranges that are ripe and heavy for their size. Remove the rind but keep the pith intact.
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Peach Juice |
Vitamins: A, B and C
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur and zinc
Therapeutic benefits: Peach juice is a good diuretic and is a valuable digestive. It helps with constipation, indigestion and digestive problems caused by anxiety and stress. Peach juice is prescribed to help with PMT and menopausal problems.
Preparation for juicing: When juicing peaches, look for fruit with a good colour, which is soft to the touch. If the fruit is unripe, it may be left at room temperature until it softens.
The skin may be left intact, although the stone must be discarded.
Some people consider peach juice as too thick, therefore you may want to mix it with other fruit juices or dilute it with water.
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Pear Juice |
Vitamins: A, B and C
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur and zinc
Therapeutic benefits: Pear juice is an excellent treatment for arthritis, rheumatism and gout, due to its ability to dissolve uric acid crystals.
It clams the nervous system, lowers high blood pressure, treats bladder problems such as cystitis and may help with prostate problems and asthma.
Preparation for juicing: Wash pears before juicing. Keep the skin intact but remove the seeds and the core. Choose pears that are soft yet not too soft, as the soft pulp tends to block the juicer.
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Pineapple Juice |
Vitamins: B and C
Minerals: Calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese and potassium
Therapeutic benefits: Pineapple juice is a very effective digestive and also may help with blood disorders, sore throats and cold symptoms.
It is probably most well known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to the high levels of the enzyme bromelain found within the rind of the fruit. For this reason, it can help with gout, arthritis and rheumatism, as well as other types of inflammation.
Preparation for juicing: As much of the goodness is contained within the rind, try to include the rind when juicing. It is probably best to only juice organic pineapples though.
Look for pineapples that feel heavy and exude a sweet aroma.
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