Trying to maintain a healthy, balanced diet in winter should be considered an extreme sport…
So, let’s get back to basics. One of the key elements to holding down a healthy diet is eating tonnes of fruit and veg, getting as much colour as you can onto your plate. In the edible rainbow we try to include in our roasting pans, the green veggies often don’t make the cut, and they should! Greens are packed with all the good things your body needs.
One fantastic way to ensure you’re cashing in on all the benefits greens can bring, is through juicing. Juicing has gained immense popularity as a convenient (and delicious) method to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
Let’s get into how you can boost your diet with juicing!
Why green juicing?
Packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, vibrant greens can provide a significant boost to your health and vitality. Here are some of the benefits of packing greens into your diet:
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Green juice is abundant in nutrients
Green fruits and vegetables are a treasure trove of essential nutrients that are vital for our bodies to function optimally. They are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and maintains a healthy weight.
Green produce is an excellent source of vitamins such as A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron. These nutrients promote healthy skin, boost the immune system, support bone health, and contribute to various other bodily functions.
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Green juice is packed with antioxidants
It’s all in the vibrant colour. Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green colour, is a powerful antioxidant found abundantly in green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Including these foods in your diet will aid in protection against inflammation.
Green juice promotes digestion
Due to the fiber content, greens promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. They also contain a high volume of water to keep your body hydrated.
Leafy greens, such as lettuce and Swiss chard, are especially beneficial as they’re easy to digest and aid in nutrient absorption.
Green juice boasts heart-healthy benefits
A diet rich in green fruits and vegetables can be a powerful defense mechanism for keeping your heart healthy. Many green vegetables such as spinach, collard greens, and asparagus, are packed with heart-healthy nutrients like folate, magnesium, and potassium.
Just juice it!
Now you know, greens are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, many people struggle to consume sufficient amounts of greens needed, and sometimes that comes down to taste. Not everyone loves an earthy salad.
Juicing offers the perfect solution by extracting nutrient-rich juices from greens and blending them with other flavourful ingredients, making it easier to consume and enjoy these essential foods.
Tip: Always keep your fruit or vegetable pulp for smoothies. The goodness lies in the pulp!
How to make your own veggie-boosted green juice
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Ingredients
- 2 cups of spinach.
- 1 green apple.
- 1 – 2 chunks of ginger.
- A few mint leaves.
- Juice of 1 lemon.
- 2 cups of water.
Additionally, you can add kale, cucumber, celery, kiwi, and broccoli. The combinations are endless.
Method
Juice each fruit and veg in your blender or smoothie maker, add it to your favourite glass and enjoy!
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Tips for green juicing
- Choose fresh produce.
- Mix it up.
- Start slowly.
- Store properly – use airtight glass containers and refrigerate for no more than 24 hours.
Juicing is an excellent way to incorporate nutrient-rich greens into your diet and reap their numerous health benefits. By adding a daily glass of green juice to your routine, you can enjoy increased energy, improved digestion, and enhanced overall well-being. Embrace the vibrant world of juicing and nourish your body with the goodness of greens!
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