Green Juice
Anytime I walk into work, school, or even my own home, the first reaction I get is “Um..what is that?”. Yes, I can agree it doesn’t look appetizing, but incorporating pressed juices into your daily/weekly routine has many benefits for both your mind and your body. A “pressed juice” is exactly what it sounds like, juice is extracted from fruits and vegetables using a hydraulic press. Although you’re not eating the fruit or vegetable, you are still getting all the healthy nutrients from the juice extracted. There is a wide range of different types of pressed juices, but today I will talk about the ‘Green Supreme’.
What’s in it?
My favorite recipe for the ‘Green Supreme’ consists of:
Kale: is one of the most nutrient-densed foods. It contains fibers, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin C and K, and iron.
Celery: is very high in vitamin C and K, potassium, folate, and dietary fiber. Celery is low in calories and sugar. It also contains apigenin and luteolin, two very beneficial antioxidants that help with allegies and asthma.
Cucumber: very low in calories and has a high water content which aids in dehydration. It contains vitamin K and high levels of nutrients known as cucurbitacin.
Spinach: contains vitamins A, K, and C as well as folate, iron, vitamin B2, and magnesium. It is most beneficial in aiding in bone health. It also contains high levels of chlorophyll and health promoting carotenoids, which help prevent disease and boosts the immune system.
Green Apple: contains a high amount of vitamin A which helps with improved eyesight, better skin, and increased bone health. It also helps to add flavor to the drink.
Lime: high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Lime juice has many benefits including improved digestion, better skin, and promotes weight loss.
1 slice of Ginger: I love to add ginger to any juice or smoothie I have. It helps reduce bloating and improves digestion. It also boosts your immune system and can ease the symptoms of a cold or flu.
Benefits
The antioxidants found in the ‘Green Supreme” help to remove unhealthy toxins from the body. If there is too much toxin build-up, it can cause the body to “shut down” and cause health problems such as inflammation and diseases. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), fiber can help manage cholesterol and prevent related cardiovascular problems. The many nutrients found in these fruits and vegetables will help boost cardiovascular health.
According to Medical News Today, green vegetables that contain chlorophyll can help prevent the body from absorbing heterocyclic amines, which are linked to cancer. Cucurbitacin found in cucumbers, can help cancer cells from reproducing. Intaking green vegetables consistently can help lower the risk of cancer.
Digestion: green fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which helps to promote a healthy digestive tract. It also helps to strengthen your immune system with its healing and detoxifying properties.
Skin/hair: Beta-carotene and vitamin A are responsible for the growth and maintenance of body tissues, including the skin and the hair. The body also uses vitamin C to build collagen, which is a vital protein for healthy skin, hair, and bones.
Improved bone health: vitamin K helps with blood clotting and improves calcium absorption.
The ‘Green Supreme’ or a similar variation to it, can be found in almost any smoothie bar. It is also super easy to make at home!