Harvest time is here again in the UK and I have an abundance of organic apples, beets and celery so what better way of feeding myself a lunchtime juice.
I always give thanks for the food I eat and when someone else has lovingly grown and shared their harvest with me, I enjoy it even more for you can taste the love!
Not only is beetroot the most beautiful colour, they are a concentrated source of vegetable nitrates, which can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Studies have also shown that drinking beet juice can help you exercise for longer. Some animal studies have also shown that beetroot can help fight against cancer cells, thanks to the beetroots betain pigments. With beetroot being rich in nitrates, its health benefits extend to some chronic diseases such as diabetes & dementia.
Eating beetroot maintains healthy potassium levels and when one doesn’t have adequate potassium levels, you can feel fatigued, weak and have digestive issues. Beetroot can also help strengthen the bones as the little purple vegetable contains 6% of our daily magnesium, along with both folate and copper which help our bones grow stronger. Many people throw away the beet leaves - these, along with the root are a great source of fibre and help improve gut health which I am a huge fan of. I use the beet leaves the same as I do Chard.
An organic apple a day will help keep Big Pharma away so be sure to get in a nice juicy organic apple. Apples that are not covered with wax or pesticides are great for helping lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Fruit waxing is the process of covering fruits and, in some cases, vegetables with artificial waxing material. Natural wax is removed first, usually by washing, followed by a coating of a biological or petroleum derived wax, which makes the fruit shine and apparently consumers prefer that!
Apples can support a healthy immune system and organic apples have an abundance of “good” bacteria, such as a number of probiotics that help the human gut and alleviate allergies. Organic apples contain many essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They are free of fat, sodium & cholesterol. Antioxidants, potassium, dietary fibre, vitamin C, and a vitamin B6 are responsible for the health benefits attributed to this amazing fruit. Apples are energy-dense and water-rich fruits which helps you feel full. They are known as Nutritional Powerhouses.
Celery is an acquired taste - you either love it or you hate it! There are many benefits to celery juice as celery provides beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It can help keep you hydrated, combat inflammation that causes a plethora of health problems and can also be beneficial in weight loss.
Recipe for this juice is…
2 medium sized organic beetroots - washed and chopped
2 medium sized organic apples - washed and chopped
1 stick of organic celery
I used a cold press masticating juicer for nutrient rich juice extraction. Juice your vegetables. I keep the beet and celery fibre as I make crackers from the fibre! Watch this space for cracker recipes.
Enjoy this juice knowing you have just given your body a big glass of nutritionally dense love!
Disclaimer: Beets can turn your pee and pooh red - if you are concerned, seek medical support.
With love and gratitude, always
