Unlock Your Health Potential: The Power of Juicing for Vitality and Well-being

Chapter 3: 10 Foods That Are Most Nutritious When Eaten Raw

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Trying to maintain a healthy diet doesn’t have to be hard work.

Did you know that there are many raw foods that you can eat which actually provide you with more nutrition than they do when cooked?

Next time you’re looking for a quick snack or trying to think of something that you can take with you for a lunch away from home, try out some of these raw foods.

They need minimum preparation and have plenty of great benefits for your body if you eat them regularly.

Fermented Vegetables

Fermented vegetables are easy for the body to absorb and digest because the fermentation process pre-digests the starches in these

foods. They also have many enzymes and probiotics to boost your immune system and improve nutrient absorption.

You can ferment many vegetables, including kale, carrots, cucumbers, celery, and cabbage. Ginger and garlic make great spices when fermenting vegetables.

Tempeh is a fermented food, as is the Korean favorite Kim Chee along with raw kefir or yogurt. Note that commercial kefirs and yogurts are not advised, as they are often loaded with sugars that destroy the beneficial bacteria.

You can use them in salads, soups, main dishes or as compliments to main dishes and they add great flavor. Some people even enjoy eating them on their own.

Honey

Raw honey provides two key beneficial components, bee pollen, and propolis. It is a unique blend of enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

Raw honey contains antioxidants called phenolic compounds, and some types contain as many of these essential free radical fighting agents as vegetables and fruit.

Free radicals are known contributors to aging, and increasing risk factors of cancer, heart disease and other chronic medical conditions. Numerous studies have shown the polyphenols found in honey to play a key role in preventing heart disease.

Phytonutrients are compounds in plants that protect them from external harm, and they do the same for the human body, as they have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytonutrients are only found in raw honey as they are destroyed in any type of heavy processing of food.

Honey can be used as a healthy substitute to sugar and is a popular choice for many people when dieting. If you include a teaspoon in your daily diet, you will be able to enjoy many benefits, as it is high in sugar and calories, so moderation is key.

If you’re wondering how you could eat more honey in your diet, you could try using it to sweeten tea or coffee, spreading it on toast or adding a few drops to your morning berries.

Coconut

Raw coconut provides a wide variety of nutritional benefits as compared to the dried or processed form. Coconut water is a natural form of sports drink because of its natural ability to hydrate and replace electrolytes, and it is also rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium. The above is not true of dried, processed, or sweetened coconut.

Moderation is key however, as coconut is high in calories, but it does have less sugar carbs in the same portion as apples.

Blueberries

Blueberries are really tasty and full of antioxidants that fight free radicals to prevent chronic disease. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6 and very low in calories and sugar.

If you need something sweet for a quick pick-me-up, instead of reaching for the chocolates, try a handful of blueberries.

For extra convenience, you can purchase frozen blueberries, which will keep for longer. Stock up when they’re more affordable and enjoy the benefits.

Sprouts

Some people love sprouts, while others absolutely hate them. They’re actually very healthy and if you want to improve your overall health, you should try to get used to eating them raw.

Sprouts are vegetables that are still in the growth stage, and because of this, they have high levels of nutrients, key enzymes and numerous vitamins, all ready to be digested by the human body.

For example, alfalfa sprouts have vitamins A, B, C, and E, Calcium, Carotene, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, and Chlorophyll.

If you’re a vegetarian and you need more protein in your diet, sprouts are a great source of protein too.

If you don’t like the taste of them raw, why not make a green smoothie and flavor it with other healthy ingredients.

Raw Broccoli

Eating raw broccoli helps fight cancer, as chewing of this raw super plant food allows you to access a cancer-fighting compound known as myrosinase, which is easily killed off in the cooking process. Eating broccoli sprouts doubles your intake of anticancer properties.

Garlic

Freshly raw chopped garlic contains the enzyme alliinase that converts alliin into allicin, which is what creates the specific aroma of fresh garlic and also helps to improve your health. According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, allicin has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Moreover, fresh raw garlic releases a short-lived gas known as hydrogen sulfide that acts as an intracellular signaling compound that protects the heart. Cooking, processing, and drying destroy this valuable compound.

Nuts

While many love to eat oil-roasted nuts, the cooking process reduces valuable nutrients, such as iron and magnesium and also adds extra calories and fat.

Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers contain about 150% of the daily-recommended value of vitamin C, but the National Institutes of Health warns that this vital nutrient breaks down when the peppers are cooked at or above 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Eating raw red peppers also helps prevent atherosclerosis that leads to heart disease.

Onions

A Cornell University study found that raw onions contain Sulphur compounds, and cancer-fighting antioxidants that are only present in their juice. These nutrients help protect against lung and prostate cancer .

How Adding Turmeric To Your Juices Benefits Your Health

You might not be familiar with turmeric by name, but chances are you’ve eaten it at least once before. As a primary ingredient in many Indian dishes, as well as a coloring agent in foods such as mustard and various cheeses, its benefits in the culinary world are well documented.

However, did you know it also carries numerous health benefits? Read on to find out how adding turmeric to your juices brings a wide range of positive improvements to your diet and overall wellbeing.

Reducing Osteoarthritis Pain

Though much of the research into the various effects of turmeric are still in the early phases, one study reports significant findings on its ability to treat pain from osteoarthritis, according to WebMD.com.

These researchers studied test groups with arthritis and found that a regular dosage of turmeric reduced the amount of pain that resulted from the joint impairment.

The research focused on patients consuming whole turmeric, rather than a modified supplement made from turmeric, meaning you can easily sprinkle the spice it into your juice for the full effect.

Anti-Inflammatory Aid

Another major benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it helps to relax blood vessels that become engorged as a response to pain or other irritations.

Adding turmeric into your juices can thus help to alleviate discomfort from a variety of pains and aches, similar to that of taking an over- the-counter pain reliever.

Research from the University of Arizona also found that these properties helped to reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis, furthering the evidence that it can help improve joint movement. The research also suggests that taking the turmeric preemptively can help prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Fighting Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among both men and women, often resulting from long-term issues relating to diet and other health factors. Turmeric can help to fight off heart disease by aiding the body in the removal of plaque from the arteries, which decreases blood flow through the body.

This obstruction causes the heart to work harder than necessary to pump blood, which results in excessive damage to the muscle that can lead to heart attacks. By removing the plaque, the heart is able to function at a normal level and thus stay stronger for longer.

Promoting Better Digestion

Many people turn to juicing to help with digestive issues, often focusing on detoxifying the body and flushing the system of harmful build up. Try adding turmeric to your juices to enhance your digestive system by reducing bloating and eliminating excess gas.

The spice is also found to help alleviate discomfort from heartburn, which can lead to other health issues and major discomfort if left untreated.

Drinking a juice blend with turmeric can sometimes result in immediate relief of these issues, though response time may very between individuals.

Boosting Antioxidant Levels

One of the most significant health benefits of turmeric is its high levels of antioxidants, which have a variety of benefits to your overall health.

A diet rich in antioxidants can help repair the damage to the heart muscles, reduce the signs of aging, increase your energy levels, and improve the function of your other organs.

Some research also suggests that antioxidants can help combat free radicals that can lead to cancer. Similarly, research from UCLA found that turmeric contains a compound know as curcumin that seems to dramatically increase the antioxidant capacity of the body.

As with all juicing ingredients and health tactics, remember that moderation and consistency. While tossing a cup of turmeric into your next juice might have a short-term benefit, it can lead to an upset stomach and other discomfort.

Stick to a few teaspoons per juice a few times a week to keep yourself on track and guarantee your ability to reap its benefits in the long haul.

Turmeric In Juicing

You can juice fresh turmeric or stir in the dried spice to a finished juice.