Blueberry Mint Juice |
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 head of cabbage
- 3-4 cups of blueberries
- 2 cups of mint leaves
- 1 cup of water (for blender use only)
- 2-3 tbsp raw organic honey /or/ raw blue agave
Makes about 54-60 oz.
Put it in your juicer ... and juice it!
No juicer? No problem! Blend in your Vitamix.
Then strain through a nut milk bag or a paint strainer bag...and pour
in your storage container. For detailed instructions on making juice in
the blender click here.
This juice tastes delightful...try it and let me know what you think.
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Some Health Benefits
Cabbage: is storehouse to many
phyto-chemicals like thiocyanates,
indole-3-carbinol, lutein, zeaxanthin, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates.
These compounds are powerful anti-oxidants and known to help protect
against breast, colon, and prostate cancers and help reduce LDL or "bad
cholesterol" levels in the blood. Fresh cabbage is an
excellent source of natural antioxidant, vitamin C. Provides
about 61% of RDA, more than that of in the oranges. Regular
consumption
of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against
infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals. It is also rich
in
many
essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine
(vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential
in the sense that our body requires them from external sources to
replenish. It also contains good
amount
of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium
is
an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling
heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a
co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Iron is required for the red blood cell formation. Cabbage is very good
source of vitamin K, provides
about 63% of RDA levels. Vitamin-K has potential role in bone
metabolism by promoting osteotrophic activity in them. So enough
vitamin K in the diet gives you healthy bones. In addition, vitamin-K
also has established role in curing Alzheimer's disease patients by
limiting neuronal damage in their brain.
Blueberry: Blueberry contain health
benefiting soluble dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and pigment
anti-oxidants
that contribute immensely for optimum health and wellness. Blueberries are among the highest
anti-oxidant value fruits. Their
antioxidant value
largely derived from poly-phenolic
anthocyanidin compounds such as chlorogenic acid, tannins,
myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol. In addition, these berries have other
flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotene, lutien and zeaxanthin. Altogether, the phyto-chemical compounds in
the blueberry help rid off harmful oxygen-derived free radicals from
the body, and thereby, protect the body from cancers, aging,
degenerative diseases, and infections. In addition, research studies suggest that chlorogenic
acid in these berries help lower blood sugar levels and
control
blood glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus condition. Fresh berries contain small amount of vitamin
C, vitamin A and
vitamin E. Altogether these vitamins make potent lipid soluble
anti-oxidants, help limit free radical mediated injury to body. The berries also contain small amount of
B-complex
group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic
acid. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6,
niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are
acting as co-factors help body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and
fats. In addition, these berries contain good
amount
of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc. Potassium
is an important component of cell and body fluids
that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used
by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide
dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red
blood cells.
Iron is required for red blood cell formation.
Mint: Mint is an excellent
source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Vitamin
A, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. Vitamin C is a
potent antioxidant that reduces free radical damage in the cells of the
body. Vitamin C is also helpful in decreasing the risk of colon cancer
and tumors. The carotenoids found in peppermint, including
beta-carotene, provide Vitamin A. Like Vitamin C, Vitamin A protects
against colorectal cancer as well as DNA damage from exposure to
carcinogenic substances. Mint is also rich in iron, magnesium, calcium
and other nutrients. According to the University of Michigan Health System,
mint is rich in flavonoids that are particularly useful in relieving
gas and spasms in the intestines. Flavonoids
are nutritional plant compounds that produce many of the bright colors
associated with vegetation. Reds, oranges and yellows are produced by
flavonoids while greens are associated with chlorophyll. When ingested,
flavonoids act as antioxidants in the body and help protect cells from
damage and aging. Mint encourages saliva and bile
production, which might contribute to its soothing effects and cough
suppression. Talk to a physician before using mint for health reasons.
Raw Organic Honey: While
honey is sweet, the vitamins
present in honey are B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and
certain amino acids. The minerals found in honey include calcium, copper, iron,
magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. On top of all of
this “raw organic” honey is an alkaline-forming food, this type of honey
contains ingredients similar to those found in fruits, which become alkaline in
the digestive system. Because it
contains antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, it doesn't ferment in the
stomach and it can be used to counteract acid indigestion. Raw honey is also
anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Last but not least, it contains a
mineral called selenium, which is necessary for the
proper support of immune system health. It is a vital mineral antioxidant
found in the tissues of your body and assists in supporting an optimal balance
of cardio-protective benefits as well.
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