The Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health published in 1998 stated that more than two-thirds of all deaths in the United States are directly related to the standard American diet. The modern American diet consists of convenient fast foods, packaged and processed foods. These products are lacking the vital nutrient often found in fresh, whole foods. Adopting a fresh juice diet will reduce your risk of chronic diseases by providing you with the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health.
Significance of Juicing
Organic, fresh fruits do not contain any unhealthy or hidden ingredients. Produce is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients. According to nutritional dietitian Steven Bailey, cooking destroys these nutrients, while juicing keeps them intact for the body to absorb. During the juicing process, fiber is separated out leaving only the nutrients your body needs. Juicing makes it easy to obtain the recommended five daily servings of juice in your diet.
Detoxification Benefits
You are exposed to a wider range of toxins from the environment and the food that you eat. The buildup of toxins damages your cells, tissues and organs. The liver plays the most important role in your body's natural detoxification system. A regular intake of fruit juices improves your liver's ability to detoxify. According to Steven Bailey, one glass of fresh juice a day reverses the toxic burden on your body. The most common juices used in cleansing the liver are lemon, orange and apple.
Importance of Vitamins
Vitamins play an important role in your body's processes, such as metabolism. Many vitamins cannot be manufactured by the body, so you can supply vitamins through fresh fruit juices. Fat-soluble vitamins called carotenoids naturally occur in fruits. The best fruit sources include oranges, grapefruits, cherries and watermelons. Vitamin C helps to boost your immune system during a juice cleanse. Try citrus fruits, cantaloupe, cherries, papaya and strawberries.
Importance of Minerals
Minerals are essential for good heath. Minerals play an important role in blood formation, energy production, enzyme function, metabolism and regulation of body fluids during cleansing. According to the National Institutes of Health, a mineral deficiency affects over 75 percent of Americans. Fresh-squeezed juices provide a significant amount of minerals such as potassium, calcium, chloride, selenium, sodium and sulfur. Enjoy fresh watermelon, banana, blueberry, cantaloupe and grape juice.
Considerations
Juicing is not intended to replace healthy eating habits. Following a nutritious diet will enhance the benefits you will receive from drinking fresh fruit juices. Eat wide variety of wholesome, fresh foods that are unprocessed. Eat whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, millet, couscous, amaranth and quinoa. Consume healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and canola oil. Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Purchase organic animal products such as grass-fed beef, poultry, eggs and dairy.
References
- "The 3-Day Cleanse: Drink Fresh Juice, Eat Real Food, and Get Back Into Your Skinny Jeans;" Zoe Sakoutis, Erica Huss; 2010
- "Juice Alive: Second Edition;" Steven Bailey, ND and Larry Trivieri, Jr.; 2010
- "Juicing for Life;" Cherie Calbom, MS; 1992
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