Benefits of Juicing - Part 1

I keep looking up the benefits of all the vegetables I've been juicing and then promptly forgetting them and having to look them up again. So I decided to make myself a cheat sheet and share it with everyone. Please note that these are just the points I felt were important to me and is not all inclusive. I've also noted to the side which ones I think are important to buy organic based on pesticide load and conventional farming processes.

Parsley

1. Vitamins: B12, K & C, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, folic acid and iron.
2. Natural diuretic and laxative effect.
3. Breath Freshener.
4. Commonly used for anemia because of it's high iron concentration.
5. Kidney cleanser and liver detoxifier.
6. High antioxidant content and cancer fighter.
7. Anti-inflammatory.

  *Parsley juice is very potent and you should not drink it on its own or more than 2-3 ounces at a time. It should not be juiced by pregnant women or those taking blood thinners. It should also be used with caution if you have kidney disease.

Cucumber - Organic

1. Vitamins: C & A, foliate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfer and lesser amounts of B complex, sodium*, calcium and phosphorus.
2. Regulates blood pressure.
3. Regulates body temperature.
4. Promotes hair growth.
5. Skin clarifier.
6. Supplies electrolytes necessary for hydrating cells in the body.
7. Strengthens connective tissues, dissolves kidney stones and alleviates arthritis.

*It should be noted that the natural sodium contained in fruits and vegetables is not the same as table salt and the two should not be confused. The organic sodium found in fruits and vegetables is necessary for our bodies to function properly. Organic sodium is essential for calcium uptake, digestion, fluid balance, bile production and the proper functioning of all major organs. Most Americans are actually deficient in this good type of sodium. And unlike table salt, if there is an excess of organic sodium in your body, it is easily excreted.

Celery - Organic

1. Vitamins: B1, B2, B6 and C, potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids.
2. Regulates and calms the nervous system, it is known to help alleviate insomnia.
3. Fights cancer and prevents free radicals. Specifically stomach and colon cancers.
4. Natural laxative aiding in healthy bowel movements.
5. Natural Diuretic.
6. Reduces cholesterol.
7. Helps regulate blood pressure.
8. Eliminates and prevents kidney and gall stones.
9. Detoxifies.
10. Reduces cravings for sweets and aids in weight loss.

Kale - Organic

1. Vitamins: K, A, E & C, calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, iron, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, B1, B2, B3, protein, foliate and phosphorus.
2. Rich source of lutein, an antioxidant important for eye health. I prevents and heals sun damage from UV rays. It is also thought to improve your skin.
3. Excellent detoxifier due to its high content of flavonoids and carotenoids.
4. Lowers the risk of bladder, breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancer. And possibly aids in the treatment of cancer as well.
5. Anti-inflammatory.

*Use kale with care if you take blood thinners or have kidney or gallbladder problems.

Spinach - Organic

1. Vitamins: K, A, C & E, manganese, foliate, calcium, potassium, iron, riboflavin, copper, magnesium, copper, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, selenium and niacin.
2. High in chlorophyll which increases the oxygen intake in blood and neutralizes free radicals.
3. Natural laxative.

*Spinach contains oxalic acid which requires exercise to be metabolized. Too much oxalic acid in your body can cause you to actually loose nutrients. However, it takes 1lb of spinach to make 4 ounces of juice so a couple of handfuls in your juice each morning shouldn't be a problem for most people.

To be continued...

**Please note that I am not a medical professional nor do I claim any medical expertise. You should always consult your healthcare professional before beginning any diet.