Juicing for nutrition
Juicing is absolutely one of the best ways to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your family’s diet without a fight. They are delicious to drink and packed with nutrients and enzymes. There may be some health benefits from drinking bottled fruit and vegetable drinks from the store, but even those that are 100% fruit have been pasteurized. Pasteurization is a great method of preservation. There is a place for everything and it may be a good idea to keep some pasteurized beverages on hand as part of your family's food storage. The problem with pasteurization is that it kills the living enzymes. The living enzymes in the food are as important as the vitamins and minerals, and guess what, most of those are killed too. After anything is heated past about 120 degrees it is considered a dead food. There is no life in it. Raw fruits and vegetables are packed with living enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and countless other things that scientists have not discovered yet. By extracting the liquid from the vegetables and fruits without heat you are preserving all of this nutrition. There are only a few down sides to consider. Because you are extracting only the liquid there is little to no fiber in the drink, so be sure to give your family fiber if you choose to make this your main source of vegetables. The other thing is the sugars are extremely concentrated without the fiber. So be aware of that. You may want to dilute young children’s drinks with up to 50% distilled water (less as they get older). Understanding those concerns you can still see why this is such a great way to get your family their fruits and vegetables. My oldest son dreads eating baby carrots, but drinks 2 full size carrots with an apple; and a smile. It is an easy way to get extra vegetables and fruits into your family's diet.
Choosing a home juice machineThere are two basic types of machines. But there is a lot to consider. Do you want a machine that simply extracts the juice, or do you want a homogenizing machine for nut butters and raw ice creams. Do you plan on juicing wheatgrass? These are important decisions to consider when selecting a juicing machineA great way to increase your fruits and veggies!Anyway you do it you and your family will love it. If it is too much to handle buy the machine and use it on Saturday’s or Sunday’s when you don’t have to rush out the door by 8am. Make a routine out of using it, even if it is only once per week. Your family will love to drink it, enjoy the time together making it, and the nutrients that your bodies are getting will be unsurpassed. Be sure to read through selecting produce before you get started. Then be sure you get some of our delicious recipes your family will love to drink! And try this trusty recipe, it was our first one.And again, don't tell your little one's (and maybe even your big one's) that it is healthy...they will really view it as a special treat to drink naturally sweet raw juice! If you are not ready for all this, try our fruit smoothies!
|
