To juice or not to juice is the question
It can be very confusing to read about juices because some people say you should and some people say you shouldn’t.
- When it’s vegetables. Especially green veggies and ones that are higher in water content.
- First thing in the morning. Green juice is basically a concentrated nutrient power house that can be easily absorbed since it’s sans fibre. Therefore, it’s ideal to consume your veggie juice on an empty stomach for the best benefits.
- Fresh is always better than bottled. Fresh juice offers better nutritional value. Packaged juices often use preservatives and sometimes added sugar.
- When it’s fruit. Fruit without the fibre is basically sugar. This isn’t good for your blood sugar or insulin levels.
- At night. Your body isn’t going absorb or utilise it well.
They definitely preserve nutrients better. If you take juicing really seriously and have the resources, you could buy yourself a cold-press. However if you’re buying it off the shelf, it’s like to have preservatives.
- It’s packed with chlorophyll; an antioxidant.
- It alkalizes the body, therefore helps decrease inflammation = better health, hence you feel better.
- It’s the lowest in sugar.
While the freshest squeeze is always ideal, I prep my juice for 3 days to make life easier. One doesn’t need to be THAT obsessive when you are already doing your gut a favour by juicing at home.
Note:
- I use the juicing attachment of my food processor to make this juice. If you don’t have a food processor, you can just blitz the veggies in your blender/ smoothie jar in the same order. I highly recommend buying a food processor though. It’s the best tool for a home cook.
- I’ve added 1 kiwi for this recipe which serves 2. It adds a mild sweetness for hardly any sugar or calories.
- I highly encourage you to add in herbs like coriander, mint, parsley or basil. Play and have fun!
Green Goddess Juice (Serves 2)
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 large cucumbers peeled (approx. 400gms)
- 1 bunch celery (approx 10 stalks)
- 1 Kiwi
- 1 small lime
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp moringa powder
- Pinch of pepper
METHOD:
- Thoroughly wash all your veggies. Peel and slice the cucumber in 2 length wise. Remove the leaves from your celery stalks. Cut the kiwi in half. You can leave the skin on because it will separate anyway. Cut the lime in half.
- Juice the cucumber, celery and the kiwi with the juicing attachment of your food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can just blitz the veggies in your blender/ smoothie jar in the same order. You may need to add in some water to help it along.
- If you’re using a food processor the pulp will automatically separate. Just pour the juice into an air-tight jar or bottle. If you’re using a blender, pour the contents of your blender/ smoothie jar into a sieve or nut-milk bag and squeeze to separate the juice from the pulp. Pour into an air-tight jar or bottle.
- Squeeze in the juice of the lime, and add the turmeric, moringa and pepper. Shake the jar or bottle to combine. PS: Definitely add the pepper. It helps to better absorb the curcumin in the turmeric.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake well before consuming.