June, 2004 — Juicing is no longer just a fad. Supported by scads of studies, juicing is fast becoming a way of life for the health-conscious at heart. That’s because diets high in fruits and vegetables can help prevent or cure a wide range of ailments. Fresh-squeezed juice liquefies the vitamins, minerals and enzymes found in fruits and vegetables for a quick, convenient way to keep the doctor away.
“If you obey nature’s laws, then you can be born again,” says Jack La Lanne, the godfather of fitness. “What are nature’s laws? Exercise and nutrition. Juicing is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle.”
Still not convinced? There are many obvious reasons—and some you may never have thought of—to juice your way to better nutrition.
Get Vita-Specific
Sure, you can take vitamins in pill form, but you can also increase your intake of specific vitamins and minerals in an instant with fresh juice. Carrot juice offers beta-carotene; blackberry juice contains potassium; and, of course, orange juice is jam-packed with vitamin C.
Improve Digestion
Juices contain digestive enzymes that work to break down old food debris in your digestive tract while other juice nutrients regenerate the glands and organs responsible for digestion. Juices revitalize digestive excretions, strengthen muscle action and give your body the ability to absorb nutrients more efficiently. Improving digestion improves your overall health and gives you more energy.
Fight Deadly Diseases
Fresh juices contain phytochemicals, substances in plants that are linked to good health and prevention of certain deadly diseases. Phytochemicals are found in fruits and vegetables, and juicing is a quick way to get a healthful dose.
Lose Weight Without Cravings
If you’re trying to lose weight and you stay hungry all the time, it could be because you’re lacking essential vitamins and minerals that can be lost by cooking food. Drink ing juice replenishes those elements so you can eat less, save calories and lose weight. Drinking fresh juice can also satisfy a sweet tooth and eliminate food cravings.
Rev Up Your Metabolism
Too tired to exercise? Get an energy boost with some fresh juice, and get moving. Increasing your activity will rev up your metabolism so you can burn more calories.
Cut the Caffeine
Caffeine strips your body of much-needed minerals. Replace the morning cuppa joe with fresh juice, and get a natural eye-opener that really gets your body going.
Enjoy Healthful Sugars
Believe it or not, there are such things as healthful sugars, and juices contain them. Unlike refined sugars found in candy and desserts, these simple sugars bring energy in a nutritious way.
Proactive Protein
Who says you need fatty proteins to build muscle? If you combine brewer’s yeast, wheat germ or whole grains with your freshly squeezed juice, then you can enjoy a high-protein snack that your body absorbs quickly.
What About Water?
Juicing can help you get those eight daily glasses of water that you’ve been meaning to drink. Fruits and vegetables contain a large percentage of water that we need to flush out toxins and stay healthy.
Transform Eating Habits
Once you begin to enjoy the nutritional benefits of juicing, you’ll be inspired to transform your eating habits for a lifetime. It just gets better from here.
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