Juicing for Energy and Stress Relief

Happy Sunday Everyone,

If you have been following my previous blogs about redecorating your home, you should have some pretty good starter tips. And, you are probably feeling a little more confident in your abilities to take on more. If this is the case, I'm happy for you. However, we want to keep our energy level as we continue moving forward with the challenge. One of the best ways to do this is through juicing.

Juicing is a spectacular and natural source for restoring spent energy, getting your daily recommended nutrients and simply feeling better. There are many juice combinations to experiment with, which is exactly what you'll have to do.

When starting a juicing program, it's important to have the proper juicer so that you are receiving the vitamins and nutrients. The best type of juicer for that is one that extracts the juice from the vegetable of the fruit. Juicers range in price, model and functionality. And, I'm sure everyone thinks the higher the price, the better the juicer, which is not always true. Perhaps, the higher the price, the more functionality you may receive from it, but you really only need a juicer that extracts.

You can find some great juicers at http://www.stylistemporium.com/kitchensfinest.html that vary in price, size, style and functionality.

One of the best things I can recommend before juicing is to invest in a juice recipe book. You will obtain lots of useful information and get an idea what you may want to try according to your tastes. Another suggestion is to use the freshest vegetables possible. Organic vegetables are the best. When I began juicing, my biggest challenge was finding the best quality fruit and vegetables without paying a high cost. I finally ended up having my fruits and vegetables delivered to me by an awesome company called Diamond Organics at www.diamondorganics.com . They have superb quality organic fruit and vegetables at unbeatable prices. the best thing was that they delivered globally and the produce arrived fresh and well packed. In addition, they lasted a good long while. Diamond organics also have sampler packs according to season in vegetable and fruit combinations.

The best way after getting your juicer, book and produce to sample is to figure out what you are trying to achieve as your health goal. For me, it was my blood because I'm severely anemic, eliminating my fatigue and building my immune system. So, as I began reading Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity http://www.stylistemporium.com/homesweethome1.html , it was pointed out that various vegetables and fruits contain nutrients which provide certain healing elements. For example, my book explained that beets are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. The greens of the beet have a higher content of iron compared to spinach. They are also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sodium and iron. So,m I knew that with my anemia being a problem that beets would certainly be one vegetable I'd like to try. In addition, I learned through my book that beet leaves have a bitter taste like chard, but is rich in chlorophyll. Although bitter, the greens have a higher nutritional value than its roots. I knew that chlorophyll is what's found in grass and that animals (specifically dogs) when sick eat grass to heal.


And, while the sweet beet root has some of the minerals in its greens to a lesser degree, it is also a remarkable source of chlorine, folic acid, iodine, manganese, organic sodium, potassium, fiber and carbohydrates in the form of natural digestible sugars.

I maintained a busy lifestyle so felt that if I could get a vegetable that was as powerful as a beet to solve more than just one problem, that was certainly one of the vegetables I'd try. However, I wasn't sure, even after finding out what a great blood builder beets are that I could bring myself to drink beet and leaf juice. So, I needed to mix it with something and as you probably guessed, back to my book I went.

This time, I was looking for something that would just make the beet juice taste a little better without compromising the nutritional benefits, and that is when I read about fresh ginger root. Ginger is classified as a herb which have been widely used as traditional medicine or spice in many cultures throughout the world. Ginger is often referred to as a root, but it is actually an underground stem.

I don't think I was prepared for he powers of ginger at that time, but being the fearless person I am, of course I dove in and ordered some to go with my beets. The nutritional benefits of ginger are also amazing. Ginger is known to have more than twelve types of anti-oxidants, making it useful for treatment of many disorders. Like other spices, it has aphrodisiac properties and is used widely for medicinal purposes.

This herb contains essential oils, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C, choline, folic acid, inositol, manganese, panthotenic acid, silicon, and a small amount of vitamin B3. And, as I'm reading all the nutritional facts and amazingly here's another source of iron the fight the anemia. In addition, it helps fight fatigue, impotency, colds, coughs and inflammations only mentioning a few of the healing remedies. However, that was enough for me, I was sold on the ginger root.

However, there was a warning in my book about the potency in the flavor of ginger roots, so I figured I better add a little lemon to my concoction to assist with the taste and as an added benefit, the lemon has vitamin C which would assist my immune system.

So, I was ready to juice. I had my new juicer, my organic veggies and fruit, my book as my guide and my determination.

My very first morning of juicing began before I went to work that morning. I figured that this would be my guide as to whether this juicing thing was just hype or if it was indeed true. You see for me, the mornings were just dreadful. Although I had to get up, I really was not up and it was a struggle getting out of the bed each and every morning. And, my fatigue was so chronic that by the time mid day came around, I found myself taking lunch time naps if I was able to even take a lunch at my demanding job.

So, bright and early Monday morning, I washed my 1 beet, 1 ginger root and 1 lemon. I put it all in my juice extractor and was so amazed by this juicing gadget. It took all of the vegetables and delivered an 8 ounce cup of juice. From reading my book, I learned that it's best to drink the juice immediately so you are getting all the nutrients at it's most effective.

All I can say from that first gulp is wow. I was in now way prepared for the power of the ginger root. I was the strongest thing my taste buds ever encountered, but it was strangely delicious. I looked at my book again and saw that I basically used too much ginger. However, not wanting to waste it, I finished gulping the juice down and at the same time holding my breath as it was simply over powering my senses.

I rinsed my juicer out and left for work. As my day went by, I went through my tasks with little effort. By the time I thought about taking my lunch that day it was 4:00 pm. I simply felt so energized that it didn't dawn on me that I simply worked through my normal mid day fatigue. From that point on, I was hooked on the power of juicing.

From that day forward, I'd start my day with beets, ginger and lemon or beets, ginger and carrot juice. When I got off work, I'd drink another juice and have the energy to walk the treadmill. Something I'd never done before. Of course I learned how to master my measurements of ginger root and learned what fruits worked well together through experimenting.

In addition, I lost 28 pounds in 2 months. The juicing replaced various meals for me and left me with a satisfied feeling instead of wanting to eat all the time. So, if you are serious about transforming your home, try transforming your diet at the same time. You will be simply amazed at the energy you gain. In addition, you may begin to notice a glow to your skin, a shin to your hair and a lift to your personality.

I hope everyone enjoyed this blog as it was just a little extra something to try before we move on to the subject of redecorating our bathrooms. Be sure to click on the links provided an use them as a reference to the information given. Below is a partial list of fruits and vegetable recipes and their healing benefits. This is in no way intended as medical advice but only useful as a reference. It is suggested that you educate yourself further and speak to your physician before changing your diet.

Ginger

Fatigue: Slice a piece of ginger into disks and boil it with a big glass of water. Add a piece of cinnamon bark, bring to boil and then cover it for about half an hour till it turns to golden color. Drink it to relieve fatigue when recovering from fever. It also relieves muscle pain and soreness.

Cough: Drink ginger juice with honey three to four times a day for a bad throat. It is soothing and helps clear up phlegm.

Cold: Cut up a small piece of ginger and boil it with a small cup of pure drinking water. Add some green tea leaves if you wish. Strain and drink when hot. Effective if you also have fever resulting from the cold. You may also drink this concoction if you feel a cold coming.

Beets

Anemia: The high content of iron in beets regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body. The copper content in beets help make the iron more available to the body. A great blood builder.

Blood pressure: All its healing and medicinal values effectively normalizes blood pressure, lowering high blood pressure or elevating low blood pressure.

Detoxification: The chlorine from this wonderful juice detoxifies not only the liver, but also the entire system of excessive alcohol abuse, provided consumption is ceased.

Varicose veins: In similar ways that it helps to keep the elasticity of arteries, regular consumption of beets juice also helps prevent varicose veins.

Carrots

Eyes: Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are some of the finest nourishment that help keep the optic system in tip-top condition, with special protection against astigmatism, macular degeneration and cataracts.

Fertility: One of the reasons for infertility is lack of nutrients and enzymes in your dietary. Carrot juice taken regularly, is able to nourish your body back to fertility.

Immune systems: It does wonders for boosting the immune system by increasing the production and performance of white blood cells; building resistant to various kinds of infections.

Skin problems: The high quality vitamin C and other rich nutrients in carrot juice efficiently nourish the skin, preventing dry skin, psoriasis and other skin blemishes.

Celery

Athletes: Celery juice acts as the perfect post-workout tonic as it replaces lost electrolytes and re hydrates the body with its rich minerals

Cancer: Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. And coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.

Constipation: The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Cholesterol: This humble pale juice has been shown to effectively and significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Kidney function: Celery promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body. While eliminating toxins, it also prevents formation of kidney stones.

Cabbage

Digestive system: The amino acid glutamine in cabbage juice is totally gentle and cleansing on the digestive system, detoxifying, repairing ulcers, healing and regenerating. The juice is to be taken in small amounts of about 100 ml, three times a day on an empty stomach.

Immune systems: A compound called histidine in cabbage is found to be useful in treating allergies and regulating the T-cells in our immune systems.

Skin wounds: Flatten layers of cabbage leaves with a rolling pin, and wrap it around affected areas of wound ¾blisters, sores, skin eruptions (as in psoriasis), burns and ulcers. Keep in place with a bandage, until the leaves turn yellow then change the leaves and repeat till wounds heal. In between changes, clean and dry wounds.

Pomegranate

Anemia: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a little honey to a cup of pomegranate juice. Especially beneficial for women after monthly loss of blood due to menstruation.

Anal Itch: Itching in the anal region is often caused by parasites in the intestines that go to the anal area to lay their eggs. Roast some pomegranate skin until it is brown and brittle. Then crush it to a fine powder form and mix with a little olive oil. Apply this concoction to the anus to kill the worms.

Asthma: The high content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in this fruit is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can greatly reduce wheezing in young children with asthma.

Apricot

Eyes/Vision: The high amount of vitamin A (especially when dried) is essential to maintain or improve eyesight. Insufficiency of this vitamin can cause night blindness and impair sight.

Fever: Blend some honey and apricots with some mineral water and drink to cool down fevers. It quenches the thirst and effectively eliminates the waste products from the body.

Skin Problem: Juice fresh apricot leaves and apply on scabies, eczema, sun-burn or skin itchiness, for that cool, soothing feeling.

Blueberries/STRONG>

Alzheimer's Disease prevention: Blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress, improve learning capacity and motor skills. Consumption makes the person alert in a healthy way, unlike stimulants.

Bladder infection: Blueberry juice has a unique compound that is able to cleanse E.coli bacteria from clinging to the cells lining the urinary tract, making it an effective potion to stop recurring bladder infections.

Cancer: The ellagic acid in blueberries is an anti-cancer property that can help retard the growth of tumor and cancerous cells.

Cholesterol: The soluble fiber pectin not only helps lower cholesterol but its anti-oxidant virtue is also important in combating oxidation of cholesterol.

Constipation: The fiber in blueberries promote ease in bowel movement. Drink half a cup of blueberry juice twice a day on empty stomach half hour before food to encourage movements.

Remember, this is just a partial list and of course you should consult with your physician before changing your diet and be certain to get a good book to use as your guide to ensure proper juicing and mixing fruits and vegetables together.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and look forward to supplying you all with my next blog on redecorating your bathrooms for a serene environment.