While juicing may look like the newest trend, this is an age-old way of getting your daily fruits and vegetables. Juicing has several noteworthy benefits and can be a way to keep your family healthy, especially as the temperatures drops and our immune systems take a hit from the chill.
Juicing is a great way to remain healthy and have fun creating your own concoctions. Using fresh fruits and vegetables to create your own juice can ensure that you are getting the vitamins and nutrients you want or need without all the sugar or preservatives. This is also a way to save a lot of money on juice!
There are different types of juicers to choose from. Masticating juicers are the best choice. These types of juicers utilize a gentler juicing method, which helps the juice retain more nutrients. When juice is produced in this manner, it has greater stability and can be stored more successfully.
If you are planning on juicing citrus fruits only, or primarily citrus fruits, consider purchasing a juicer that is designed just for citrus. Many juicers have trouble with the amount of pith in a citrus fruit. In addition, juicers with metal surfaces will become corroded over time after repeated exposure to citrus fruits.
Apple juice tastes best when very ripe and sweet apples are used. Bruised apples are okay, but only if you cut out the bruises. Rome, Gala and Red Delicious apples are some sweet apples that are great for juicing.
When starting to juice it’s better to start slow. Use flavors you already know you like and don’t try new things until you know you’re ready. Start by mixing new flavors, like wheat grass, with fruit you’ve already been drinking. Soon enough you’ll be able to move on to pro recipes!
Before you invest in a juicer, you should do your research. Check out buying guides online, as well as customer reviews, to choose which juicer will fit your needs, while being well respected by those who have already purchased one. A juicer is a big investment, so don’t jump into it without knowing what you’re doing!
When juicing for your health you should drink the juice as soon as it’s made. Refrigerating the juice or leaving it on the counter will allow it to lose nutrients as they break down within the juice. Drinking it immediately will be just like eating all those fresh ingredients whole!
Remember that vegetable and fruit remnants left on a juicer after juicing have the potential to grow mold quickly. Cleaning it quickly helps stop the growth of mold. Dismantle the juicer clean the parts and rinse with water until clean. If you must use a detergent use one that is very mild.
The task of picking the best juicer for your needs can be daunting. You need to consider how much juicing you plan to do. A standard machine will be great if you juice every now and then. An advanced machine will be best if you plan to juice every day.
When it comes to juicing, one thing that you want to keep in mind is the fact that no matter how much money and work you invest in it, you are doing something that is extremely beneficial to your health. There are few other ways that you can naturally intake the same amount of healthy nutrients.
Not only will you save money by juicing and not having to buy expensive juices at the store, but you’ll also be able to reduce your vitamin and supplement intake. Being healthy will also mean you’ll take less prescription drugs, saving you even more money just by keeping in good shape!
If you want to get into the hobby or lifestyle of juicing, it is important that you have the quality juicer that will work for you. If you plan on being an avid juicer, but get low quality juicing materials, they will either not last very long or not work for you at all.
If you’d like to add an exotic flavor to your juice recipes, try some fresh coconut! It adds a nutty smoothness to any mixture, giving you something new and different to enjoy. Try mixing it with other exotic juices, like mango or papaya. Some like to chew on a piece of coconut while preparing their juice!
If you want to juice while pregnant, ask your doctor about the fruit, vegetables, and other spices and additives you use to ensure they’re all healthy for your baby, too. For example, there are some herbs that are often found in teas which can lead to spontaneous abortion! Double check to make sure that what you ingest is okay.
Certain juices are very potent, so contact your pediatrician before giving any juice to a small child. Some fruits can cause diarrhea in large doses, for example, so while they just keep you regular they could instead keep your child regularly in the bathroom! If you can’t get to the doctor any time soon, stick to juice that is typically sold with kids in mind, like apple and orange.
Some people claim that mixing fruit and vegetables in your juice leads to indigestion as the enzymes required to break down fruit are very different than those to break down vegetables. I, personally, have never had a problem, but if you find you have any tummy upset after drinking a mixed juice then you should probably stick to one or the other.
One great way to get kids involved in juicing is by having them pick the fruits and vegetables you use! You can take them to a farm to choose their own apples, or to a farmer’s market. Give them each $5 and let them pick whatever they’d like to try. Have them choose one or two ingredients and then you can supply the base, like leafy green vegetables. Don’t ever say they chose the wrong thing, just use less of it so no one will notice if it’s not tasty.
Whether for drinking or as part of a recipe, juicing your fruits and vegetables can liven up your diet and be an easy way to help your family stay healthy. Whether you’re sneaking your kids some vegetables or wanting something refreshing after a hard day, you have only healthful rewards to gain.
