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It's probably in your shopping trolley every week and on the table every morning at breakfast, but have you ever really stopped to look at what actually goes into store-bought juice? Even if you choose to buy juice without the added sugar, colourings and additives the preservatives and over processing of most brands virtually negates any nutritional value the original fruit may have once contained.

Reprinted by permission Clean Food Organic

The very process that manufactures large quantities of juice for the commercial market compromises the nutritional value of the fruit. Cooking and processing of the fruits and vegetables in commercial juice destroys many of the micronutrients and enzymes in fresh produce, by altering their shape and chemical composition. This may leave you with a convenient and pleasant tasting glass of orange juice, but it will be at the expense of many of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to be healthy.

More and more these days, people are becoming aware of the health benefits of making their own juices with fresh and organically grown fruits and vegetables. As the range and availability of fresh organic produce expands, more people are investing in good quality juicers and are taking control of the quality of food that goes into their bodies.

The Benefits of Do It Yourself Juicing
One of the great things about making your own juices is that it can help increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables with little fuss or effort, ensuring that you always get your daily dose of good health and nutrition. Plus juicing is like pre-digesting food, your intake of nutrients is enhanced because your body doesn’t have to work hard at breaking food down, and nutrients are absorbed more quickly and easily into your blood stream.

Top Ten Juicing Tips
* Introduce fresh juice to your diet gradually

* Fresh juice does not store well as oxidisation compromises its nutritional value. It’s best to drink whatever you juice straight away

* Only ever juice raw produce

* Start juicing fruit and vegetables whose flavours already appeal to you. Don’t jump straight into juicing more unusual or bitter tasting vegetables

* Simplicity is the key. Don’t combine too many different ingredients otherwise the combined flavours will result in a juice that doesn’t have a distinctive character or flavour of its own.

* Don’t overdose on juice. Sure they are yummy, but stick to no more than three 230ml glasses a day to avoid stomach upsets and overdosing with vitamin A

* Always use organic ingredients wherever possible. It’s best to keep synthetic chemicals out of your juice.

* Don’t juice the skins of oranges or grapefruit as they are toxic

* Experiment with garnishes such as pepper, parsley, cinnamon and coriander

* Clean your juicer straight after using it! The longer you leave it the harder it will be, and the more likely that mould will develop.


What Do Raw Fresh Juices Contain?
Living Enzymes - to improve digestion and break down mucus. Enzymes are catalysts for the metabolic process needed for digestion of food and the production of cellular energy.

* Living antibiotic substances -to fight infections

* Natural Anti-inflammatory substances – to reduce Pain and the destruction of cells

* Antioxidants – such as vitamin C, Vitamin E, flavonoids, beta carotene and other carotenoids which fight cancer and inflammation

* Organic Sulphur Compounds – to detoxify poisonous chemicals and drugs, and cleanse the liver and blood stream

* Minerals – such as Magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc, boron and selenium

* Vitamin K – this is found in Dark Green leafy vegetables and is beneficial for bone strength and immune system. Vitamin K can also reduce heavy menstrual bleeding

* Simple Signs – although some raw juices contain significant amounts of simple sugars, such as fructose, because they are accompanied by a large variety of minerals and vitamins the harmful effects of quickly absorbing refined sugars are not seen

* Fluid – this prevents dehydration and aids kidney function.