You've probably heard of the term green juice but might not really know what it is. In this article I will explain to you what a green juice is and the benefits of drinking a green juice everyday.
What is a Green Juice?
A green juice is usually a non sweet juice (it usually does not contain much fruit, if any) that is usually composed of:
Cucumber Celery
and your choice of leafy greens such as:
Spinach Chard Kale Collards Parsley Cilantro Broccoli Cauliflower
Sprouts... (etc.)
Some extras to add to the juice if desired:
Lemon Lime Fennel Jicama Zucchini
and pretty much any non starchy vegetable. For extra sweetness it is permissible to add small quantities of:
apples carrots beets
or pretty much any starchy vegetable. Here is a great juice recipe that includes some apples for sweetness but you can take them out if you want.
Apple Lime Spinach Juice
5 ribs celery 1 large English cucumber 1/2 lime 1 bunch spinach (wash thoroughly) 2 apples (optional)
Put all the ingredients through a single auger juicer or a juicer that is good at choosing greens. If you don't have a juicer you could chop the cucumber, apple, and celery and place it in a blender (cucumber first) with the spinach, peeled lime, and a cup of water. Blend on high for about thirty seconds and then pour and squeeze the mixture through a sprout bag, strainer, or cheese cloth over a big bowl.
It is best to drink the juice first thing in the morning, an hour or so, before you eat your regular breakfast. Think of it like a living vitamin supplement instead of a meal replacement. By juicing your greens you are removing the pulp which makes all the nutrients in the leafy greens easy to digest and absorb.
Why is it important to drink a green juice?
It is important because it is one of the easiest ways to absorb the vitamins and minerals from leafy greens.
Leafy greens have an abundance of nutrients including:
* Trace minerals: iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins
* Good Source of Vegetable Protein
* Alkalizing abilities
* Enzymes, Chlorophyll, and a host of Antioxidants including Beta-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage.
* Dark leafy greens even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.
Green juices also taste surprisingly good and refreshing. Making one every morning can be an event for the whole family. For extra nutrition an ounce of aloe vera juice can be added to the juice. Aloe vera juice is good for your joints and a healthy digestive system.
Also, 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice can be added to the juice recipe. Wheatgrass is the grass of the wheat berry and can be juiced to make a chlorophyll rich juice that contains as many nutrients as two pounds of vegetables.
I hope that this article clarified what is a green juice and I hope it encouraged you try try and make one at home. For more in depth information about green juices, green soups, and green smoothies I encourage you to check out the resources below.
