January 29, 2010

Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetable Juice

Posted in Category : Foods that Heal

Juices are beneficial to the body as the body digests juices better then whole fruits or vegetables. Juices are prepared by squeezing the fruit or vegetable, without the use of heat or additives. This preserves all the nutritional benefits of the fruit or vegetable, making it a healthy source of nutrients. Juices should be consumed as soon as they are made to prevent the loss of the nutritional value on contact with air. The pulp that is left behind can also be added to the juice, ensuring that no fiber is lost. Making your own juices is recommended to ensure that no preservatives or sugar is added. Most packaged juices have artificial sweeteners like corn syrup which can cause harm. However, moderation is the key word and a high intake of juices can lead to unwanted weight gain and numerous related ailments due to the high concentration of natural sugar. To bring out the benefits of juices, the advantages of a few fruit and vegetable juices have been listed below.

Fruit Juice Benefits

Juices of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, guavas and lemons are rich in vitamin C and help in building the immune system, thus increasing the body’s ability to fight off infections and illness. Apple juice is an instant energy producer and cleanser. It prevents cholesterol buildup and the fiber content ensures the smooth functioning of the digestive tract. Cranberry juice is recommended for treating bladder infections and kidney disorders as a component of cranberry juice prevents bacteria from lodging onto the walls of the bladder, urinary tract and kidneys. Besides, the antioxidant properties also help to fight heart diseases and cancer. Prune juice aids the digestion process. Studies show that red grape juice reduces blood clotting thus minimizing the risk of heart diseases.

Vegetable Juice Benefits

Carrot juice, rich in folic acid, pro-vitamin A and a number of minerals, is known to treat arthritis, anemia, eye disorders, eczema, etc. A mixture of beet and cucumber juice in a 1:3 proportion cleanses the liver, improves the quality of blood and increases the production of red blood cells. A combination of cucumber, tomato and cabbage juice can help cure obesity. Warm cabbage juice, sweetened with a little honey, is recommended for treating sore throats, stomach ulcers and gastritis. For those looking for natural remedies to keep their skin looking young and supple, the high content of antioxidants present in dark colored juices delays the aging process. Besides, an adequate intake of liquids prevents dehydration thus reducing the occurrence of blemishes and wrinkles.