Just about any fruit or vegetable can be juiced. Since the skin and the area beneath the skin usually contain the most nutrients, don’t peel your produce with the exception of melons and most tropical fruits (papayas, mangos, pineapples, bananas). Citrus fruits contain important bioflavonoids in the pith, so peel off their skin but leave some of the pith on.
Certain fruits are fatty, (like avocadoes) or have a low water content (such as cherries and apricots), so blending them is a better option than juicing.
Ginger
This spicy root is a powerhouse of nutrients! Gingerol is the active ingredient in ginger, and it is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Ginger is useful for treating nausea, inflammation, eliminating gassiness, and help control blood sugar in people suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
In addition, ginger has been used extensively in detoxing the body. It promotes sweating, which cleans out the pores and releases toxins.
Vitamin: Vitamin C
Minerals: Potassium, Manganese, and copper.
Phytonutrients/Antioxidants: Gingerol
You can get all these healthy benefits by adding ginger to your juice blends.
Beets
Both the tops (greens) and the beetroot are full of nutritious value. They contain significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Vitamins: A, C, E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, B12, folate and pantothenic acid.
Minerals: Minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.
Phytonutrients/Antioxidants: Carotenoids, flavonoids, and betaine.
Due to their sugar content, beets are a good addition to primarily green juices, since they add sweetness.
Carrots
Did your parents ever tell you to eat your carrots because they improved your eyesight, or helped you see in the dark? While carrots won’t quite do all that, they do help keep your eyes healthy.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. These vitamins and phytonutrients are thought to help reduce the risk of cancer, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, carrot juice can increase the body’s metabolism. According to a study in 2006, carrot juice increases bile secretions which increased the metabolism and increased weight loss in lab rats. It may also do the same in humans although further study is needed.
Vitamins: A, C, E, K, folate
Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Phytonutrients: Beta-carotene
Carrot juice isn’t as sweet as beetroot juice, but it can also be used to sweeten other juices.
It’s important to drink carrot juice in moderation since consuming excessive amounts of beta-carotene can turn your skin orange!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals and dense in phytonutrients making them a powerful weapon against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. They should become a staple in your diet because of these benefits and more like:
- Tomatoes contains phytonutrients which have been found to prevent the clumping of platelets which helps lower the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
- The beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin contained in tomatoes help protect vision.
- Studies have shown that drinking two cups of tomato juice a day will improve the overall appearance of skin.
Vitamins: A, C, K and folate
Minerals: Potassium, calcium, and manganese.
Phytonutrients/Antioxidants: Lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and chlorogenic acid
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is sprouted from wheat berries. It has a mildly sweet, grassy flavor and is best when added to other juices. It’s best to start with a small about of wheatgrass juice from ½ to 1 ounce per day.
Vitamins: A, C, E.
Minerals: Iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Phytonutrients/Antioxidants: Chlorophyll
Amino Acids: Wheatgrass is also high in amino acids which are not produced by the body.
Wheatgrass is very fibrous so it can get stuck and clog traditional juicers. There are juicers designed for wheatgrass juicing and will ensure that you extract the maximum yield from the grass.
