Need a pick-me-up? Try this power-packed wowzer of a juice full of greens and citrus. Wheatgrass offers a much needed dose of energy at just the right times. Click here for more posts all about wheatgrass, and then try this afternoon energy booster:

• 1 handful of freshly picked wheatgrass
• 1 handful of organic spinach
• 1 spear of pineapple

Juice it up and feel the jolt! Click here for our nutritional profile on pineapple.

The spinach in this recipe offers some of the essential nutrients our bodies need to keep running, and if you’ve been reading this blog with any regularity, you know that at 877MyJuicer our credo is the greener the better!

Nutritional benefits of spinach

Spinach, no bones about it, is one of the most nutrient dense foods around. Filled with vitamins and minerals from K to A, from manganese to magnesium and from iron to calcium—spinach is a vital addition to any diet.

Antioxidant Power: Spinach ‘brings it’ when it comes to antioxidants. The power nutrients of the antioxidant world are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and manganese. Spinach is an excellent source for all of these nutrients, from 29% daily value of Vitamin C to 84% the daily value of manganese.

Spinach also offers zinc and selenium at 9% daily value and 4% daily value, respectively. These two minerals are known power houses of antioxidant goodness.

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory: A recent study on the relationship between prostate cancer and vegetable consumption concluded that “only spinach showed evidence of significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer” (aggressive being considered stage 3 or stage 4).

The study looked at spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard greens, turnips greens, kale, collards, and brussels sprouts. Spinach is a must-have addition in the male diet. Other cancers such as stomach and breast cancer have also been shown to be positively affected by the consumption of spinach.

Strong Bones: A cup of raw spinach provides about 200% of the daily value of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for bone density and overall health. Spinach also contains calcium and magnesium which are also bona fide supports for our skeletal system.

Dieter’s Delight: Spinach has only 41 calories per raw cup. Those watching their weight can eat spinach all day and not worry about blowing their calorie count. But more importantly, the nutrient richness of spinach will ensure that as you diet, you are properly nourishing your body.

Fun spinach lore

Spinach is part of the chenopod family, which also include beets, chard, and the grain quinoa.

Persian (today’s Iran) in origin, spinach traveled to China and onto Europe via Spanish explorers. It was referred to as “the Spanish vegetable” by Britons.

The famous Catherine de Medici of 16^th century Florence, Italy, was known to adore spinach. So much so, she not only included it in every meal, but imported her own cooks to have it prepared to her preference. To this day, dishes prepared on a bed of spinach are called “a la Florentine” in honor of this regal woman.

Some would say spinach was popularized in the United States by Popeye. Though it was unfortunate that he ate it out of a can in our eyes, since canning the vegetables reduces its nutritional ‘oomph.’ Eating spinach raw or lightly cooked helps this green goddess of a veggie retain its super powers.

Selection and Storage

Spinach should look alive and vibrant with deep green leaves and stems. The leaves should look tender. Fresh looking spinach leaves have higher concentrations of vitamin C.

Avoid any spinach that is yellowed, bruised, or wilted. If the spinach looks a bit slimy, compost it as it has begun to decay.

Store unwashed spinach in a plastic bag that has as much air squeezed out of it as possible. Fresh spinach usually keeps for up to 5 days.  Don’t bother keeping cooked spinach; it doesn’t store well.

Wash spinach before juicing or cooking. Trim any roots and separate. Wash by placing into a bowl of lukewarm water and swish the veggie around. Repeat until the leaves are clean. You can pat dry the spinach with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.

The holidays are here; people are stringing up Christmas lights and the sounds of the season can be heard everywhere. Pumpkins are in great abundance at this time of year, and they are adorning everything from doorsteps to thanksgiving tables.

It would be a shame to exclude the wonderful pumpkin from our smoothie efforts.

Pumpkin spice also seems to be everywhere, from the Starbucks holiday collection to my continental breakfast – and this seasonal addition is more than just spicy in flavor, it’s healthy too!

These antioxidant rich and brightly colored vegetables are high in beta carotene, provided for by its rich orange color – a dead give-away of present nutrients. Research has shown that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers than those who fail to include beta-carotene rich foods in their diet.

What else are pumpkins good for?

Pumkins are also loaded with Potassium. Recent studies show that people who have a potassium rich diet have a lower the risk for hypertension. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate and many others. Zinc, which is heavily present in pumpkin, is not only a major boost for your immune system, it also aids in bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.

With November in full swing, you’ll be happy to know that there have been many stories linking the pumpkin seed to a healthy prostate. What’s so special about these little green seeds?

The protective compounds present within the seed of the pumpkin, called phytosterols, could very well be responsible for shrinking the prostate. They also contain chemicals that may prevent some transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT are associated with an enlarged prostate.

Unlike many of the widely used anti-inflammatory drug, pumpkin seeds do not increase damaged fat levels in the lingus joints, a common side effect associated with pharmaceutical solutions, which can contribute to the progression of arthritis.

So you see, the pumpkin is so much more than a Jack-O-Lantern or Thanksgiving table ornament – it’s another tool in your healthy living arsenal!

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

1/2 cup pumpkin (canned or freshly cooked)
1/2 frozen banana
3/4 cup almond milk
1/2 scoop (or approx. 2 T) vanilla Greek yogurt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
pinch of ground ginger

In a blender combine all ingredients and blend until smooth

The Winter Melon is also known as the ash gourd, white gourd, white pumpkin, wax gourd, petha, safed kaddu, boodida gummadikaya, and pooshnikaij. Whew. The various names seem to indicate that the Winter Melon is a vegetable (and it is often thought to be one, because it is usually prepared as one), but it is actually a fruit.

It’s been revered and cultivated since ancient times throughout China, India, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. It is also used as a versatile Ayurvedic cure.

This gourd is sacred in India where it is offered to the gods in various religious rites. The winter melon also carries with it the heavy burden of being able to ward off evil spirits and the evil eye. It is often hung outside of newly constructed homes and buildings.

Nutritional Benefits of the Winter Melon

Weight Loss: The winter melon is approximately 96% water. This fruit is a dieter’s dream food; it’s high in taste, and low on daily caloric intake. The winter melon improves metabolism while clearing the body of toxins by reducing water retention and promoting urination.

This fruit juice offers essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, copper, Vitamins C and B6, riboflavin, and thiamine.

Ayurvedic Treatments: Ayurveda is a wholistic system of medicine derived from India. The winter melon is used as a general restorative tonic. More specifically, it’s used to treat nervousness and mental illness.

Stomach Soother: The winter melon is an alkaline food. It’s cooling on the stomach and digestive tract. It serves as a neutralizer for dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, and hyperacidity. This fruits seeds are used to expel intestinal worms.

Urinary Tract Health: Due to its water and potassium content and its alkaline nature, the winter melon is great at keeping the urinary tract flowing smoothly.

Hair Health: Winter melon juice can reduce dandruff and also reduce hair loss. Apply it directly to your scalp. Winter melon juice moisturizes and adds a healthy shine to your hair.

Respiratory Health: With a Vitamin C content of 40% your daily value and a solid presence of zinc, the winter melon is a great cure for the common cold. It also assists in the ease of asthma, influenza, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

Selection and Storage of the Winter Mellon

The winter melon is available in the United States, but more predominant in Indian and Asian specialty markets.

This fruit naturally has a long shelf-life due to the chalky wax that covers its skin. The wax prevents micro-organism attack and can effectively preserve the melon for almost a year, as long as the melon remains uncut.

Choose a mature fruit (full size is 1-2 meters or 3-5 feet!), with a solid feel and a blemish free rind. In some markets, the melon is precut.  Choose those with firm flesh. Store pre-cut and cut pieces in the refrigerator. A cut melon will keep fresh for about 3-4 days.

Winter Melon and Apple Juice

• 1 to 1.5 cups winter melon, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium to large apple (any variety) - Click here for the health benefits of apples.
• 1-2 teaspoons raw honey, stevia, or agave nectar

Juice the fruits together and then add sweetener to taste.

Sources:

• http://www.eherbalremedies.com/ash-gourd-or-winter-melon-health-benefits/
• http://www.vegrecipes4u.com/health-benefits-of-ash-gourd-winter-melon.html
• http://stay-healthy-and-energetic.blogspot.com/2011/01/winter-melon.htm
• http://www.slurrpy.com/knowyourfood/ingredients-facts-and-benefits/benefits-of-ash-gourd-winter-melon/

Well its official – it’s winter- at least where I am. In my neck of the woods, if we make it to Halloween without any snow, we consider ourselves to be rather lucky. And although the snow hasn’t poured in yet, the forecast calls for it to happen sometime this weekend.

With the rise of winter temperatures I always find myself far more motivated to exercise, due in no small part to the fact that there is always less to do. But also because winter is when a sedentary lifestyle really begins to show.

Holing up inside with thick soups and stews can wreak havoc on the waistline. One winter I gained 10 lbs without even realizing it, and it wasn’t until spring when I noticed that several of my warm weather clothes wouldn’t fasten.

Pump it up!

So needless to say I am working out a lot at the moment by taking brisk walks, doing hot yoga and hitting the gym for strength training. It feels good to prioritize exercise because, let’s be honest, in the summer there are far better things to do than go to the gym.

Nutrition becomes even more important when exercising the amount that I am since food is the fuel that keeps everything running smoothly. I find after a particularly hard work out that I need rejuvenation and I need it fast. I also noticed that I’m extremely tired the following day. So I did some research and discovered bee pollen.

Nutritional benefits of bee pollen

Bee pollen offers an array of possible health benefits, and studies have shown that when taken regularly Bee Pollens can help increase your energy levels, stamina and immunity. It comes in several forms – as granules, extract, and in capsules.

Due to its easy absorption, the benefits of bee pollen become apparent very quickly. Bee pollen also contains Lecithin which has been shown to remove fat storage from the body and stimulate metabolism. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients in the digestive process.

I started putting bee pollen granules in my post workout smoothies and I immediately noticed improved energy levels. I didn’t have the post workout slump I was getting used to, and I was no longer waking up groggy. And the light floral flavor of bee pollen melds seamlessly into any fruit smoothie.

In short – bee pollen is the perfect accompaniment to every workout!

You can find bee pollen in the refrigerator section of most health food stores, but I will warn you, it’s not cheap. A 400 gram bag cost me $25.00. But seeing as I am using it in tablespoon increments, it should last a long time. And honestly, can you put a price on vitality?

Recently I got the shock of my life after my friend dropped a bomb on me. During a rather lively night where the alcohol was flowing, she confided in me that she had recently undergone a Botox treatment!

That wasn’t all…then she told me three of our other friends had also been injected with the anti-aging poison. She claimed they were most afraid to tell me because they knew I would object. And, although I have no problem with Botox or seeking to improve one’s look, I do have a problem with a 26 year old doing it!

The bigger picture, people!

This is the time of our lives where our lifestyle choices can do so much for the benefit our looks AND longevity. The food we choose to put into our bodies not only contributes to a healthy inside, but a youthful and vibrant looking outside too!

Without further ado, here’s the anti-Botox regiment:

• A daily dose of berries may ward off DNA damage which leads to sunken skin. In addition, they also help to prevent certain cancers and age-related cognitive decline. The many benefits of berries are credited to their abundance of anti-oxidants.
• Citrus fruit is touted as one of the best sources for vitamin C, but it also carries tumor-inhibiting limonoids. In addition to preventing certain diseases, vitamin C is required to produce collagen, and collagen is responsible for the plump appearance of youthful skin.
• Tomatoes are one of the few foods that naturally contain lycopene, an antioxidant thought to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. It’s has also been proven to increase the skins ability to filter out the sun’s damaging rays. Be sure to cook tomatoes in olive oil, as this enhances the body’s ability to absorb the active nutrients.
• Oily fish such as salmon are abundant in Omega 3 fatty acids. In addition to warding off heart disease and several types of cancers, omega-3’s anti-inflammatory properties may slow telomere shortening. Telomeres are DNA sequences that naturally shorten as cells regenerate, so slowing this process may lessen the aging process significantly. Adding a drop of fish oil to a smoothie or juice can dramatically reduce the signs of aging.

Now although I do not judge people for having had Botox and it’s many anti-aging cohorts, I do feel that no matter what your age, consuming foods that benefit our insides as much as our outside is where the true fountain of youth lies.

Incorporating these foods into your life through juicing and smoothie making can yield remarkable results in the battle against aging.

Tell me: did I miss any natural anti-aging foods? Tell me about it in the comments!

Oranges are like having instant access to the sun. Not only is their bright orange color and ball-shape reminiscent of our life-giving star, but they also burst onto the taste bud scene with light, crisp brightness – much like the sun does in the morning!

As the seasons turn and our bodies adjust, keeping ourselves healthy is the number one priority. No one likes a cold and no one wants the change-of-season-sniffles to keep them from enjoying autumn and winter beauty.

Luckily, we have oranges. Prime season for this sunny fruit is from winter to spring. Obviously, oranges are Mother Nature’s way to bring us sunshine all year round. Conveniently packaged for portability, an orange is a bright way to liven up your day in the colder months.

Nutritional and health benefits of oranges

Check out the Immune Boosting and Cancer Preventing Benefits of one of the most popular fruits in the world:

Oranges deliver the sunshine as Vitamin C. One orange contains over 116% of the daily value required for our bodies. Of course, large doses of Vitamin C are known to be beneficial over the short and long-term. If you’re feeling peaked, power-packing some Vitamin C can give you a grand pick-me-up and even help prevent seasonal colds. Vitamin C may also be helpful in preventing ear infections, especially if you’re prone to them.

Vitamin C’s antioxidant power is well documented. Eating an orange or fresh juicing one is the first stop in cell protection against free radicals. An orange a day will keep damage to DNA (and the resulting cancer) away. For cells that turn rapidly, such as our digestive tract, it is thought that regular consumption of Vitamin C is especially helpful in the prevention of cancer.

Citrus seems to offer the most protection against digestive tract cancers, including those of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and colon. Orange juice (and other citrus like grapefruit juice) has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones. And citrus, especially orange juice, may reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.

Drinking orange juice is good for you – all the way through.

History of this delightful little sun fruit

Oranges are Asian in origin – from an area in South China and Indonesia, in fact. They spread to the Middle East in the 9^th century and onto Europe in the 15^th century through trade routes.

Oranges came to the Americas via Columbus in the 15^th century. First, he brought them to the Caribbean, and then Spanish explorers were responsible for bringing oranges to The Sunshine State of Florida in the 16^th century.

Oranges weren’t commonplace prior to the 20^th century due to the expense of production and transportation. As a result, they weren’t widely consumed by the masses. A person might be given an orange once a year during the holidays, for example. It was a staple of my childhood to have an orange in the toe of my stocking each year.

Tidbits about oranges

Oranges come in two varieties (more like tastes): sweet and bitter. Most common for eating are the sweet orange including Valencia, Navel, and Jaffa, and the lovely blood orange. Bitter oranges are typically used for jams and jellies. The zest of bitter oranges are used as liqueur flavorings like those found in Gran Marnier.

Selection of oranges

Choose organic, as non-organic oranges may have been injected with a Citrus Red Number 2 dye. Organic oranges, as a result, typically aren’t as “orange-y” in color. Oranges that are partially green or have a brown russeting are fine to choose.

Steer clear of oranges that have soft spots or any mold. Their appearance should be smooth textured skin that is firm. The orange should feel heavy for its size, which means they’ll be juicier.

Another reason to choose organic is that oranges are in the list of top 20 foods where pesticide residues lurk.

Bodacious Booster Shot

• 2 oranges, peeled
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1″ or 2” piece of ginger

Juice everything together and supply your immune system with a jet pack. The immune booster will keep you healthy and strong when you’re feeling a bit run down or that scratchy throat.  And remember to relax and take it easy too!

I love cranberries, and frankly, I have every reason to. Aside from their diverse culinary implementations, cranberries are, in my humble opinion, a super food. Charged with antioxidants and nutrients, cranberries aren’t only for the holiday table.

Some nutritional benefits of cranberries

This deep crimson and tart autumn fruit is packed with healthy phenolic acid, an antioxidant that keeps bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, helping to prevent the dreaded UTI. These protective effects also serve to benefit men, as it helps protect the prostate as well.

And studies have shown that cranberries may help prevent colon cancer by calming inflammation. Being well endowed with dietary fiber and vitamin C also makes cranberries even more festive than the season would suggest. All this vitamin C contributes to the health of the heart, our lifeline, as one study found that young adults with higher plasma vitamin C also had lower blood pressure.

Cranberries also lend themselves to many culinary combinations, which make them easy to get  into your body!

Compare and contrast fresh vs. frozen cranberries

Fresh Cranberries: They’re available from September to November are perfect for baking and sauce-making, but I prefer to blend them into a juice. The process of making fresh cranberry juice is little involved, but completely worth it.

Here’s a quick recipe: add 4 cups of fresh cranberries to a lemon juice and water mixture. Blend on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until a thick liquid is achieved, and all the solid chunks have disappeared.

Place the lidded blender container in the refrigerator and allow it to seep together overnight. Remove the container in the morning to find the liquids separated, and strain the cranberry juice through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Discard any solid material, and you’ll have a fresh tart cranberry juice!

Frozen Cranberries: These will be available year round. So when the fresh variety is out of season, frozen cranberries are a perfect and equally nutritious option. They’re perfect in a holiday smoothie!

Here’s a quick recipe: blend 1 ½ cup frozen berries, ¾ cup vanilla almond milk, 1 cup water, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and 1 tbsp Greek  yogurt until smooth. Enjoy your very festive and heart-healthy winter smoothie!

There are plenty of ways to utilize this wonderful autumn berry – whether frozen or fresh – so you can enjoy the benefits of cranberries year round!

photo: ScienceDaily

As we breeze our way into Fall, comfort food is the name of the game. Root vegetables offer not only comfort, but also the grounding needed to get up and going as the weather turns colder. Let’s consider the simple and unassuming, but wildly popular, potato!

Nutritional info on potatoes

A single cup serving of a potato is a good source of:

• Vitamin C (25% of DV)
• Vitamin B6 (20% of DV)
• Copper (20% of DV)
• Potassium (15% of DV)
• Manganese (14% of DV)
• Dietary Fiber (14% of DV)

Nutritionally dense, the same 1 cup serving is only 58 calories.

To keep the benefits of this fibrous veggie intact, avoid adding butter or sour cream, or deep frying. For a bit of healthful flavor, add some yogurt and chives. Not only will you be getting the probiotic power of yogurt, but also the protein power.

Antioxidant Phytonutrients are part of this tuber’s charm. Included are carotennoids, flavonoids, and caffeic acid, and patatin, all which knock-out free radicals. New research from the Agricultural Research Service has found that the potato is an antioxidant powerhouse that can contend with the goodness found in spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Potatoes are a lively and nutritional addition to your diet.

Potato Lore

Potatoes are from South America and have been grown in the Andes for somewhere between 4,000-7,000 years.  The potato is easy to grow in high altitudes, which explains its profundity. There are over 5,000 varieties of potatoes in the world and 3,000 of them are grown in the Andes. Of all of these, about 100 are cultivated for edibility.

The potato was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16^th century. Spanish sailors used potatoes aboard ship to prevent scurvy.

Yet, the spread of the potato was hard-won. Even though the potato is easy and inexpensive to grow, people were suspicious of this tuber since it is a member of the nightshade (translated as ‘poisonous’) family. But also, because the potato went unmentioned in biblical texts, some people believed that potatoes would cause disease.

Of course, the famous Irish Potato Famine is legendary, causing one of the largest diasporas in history. A blight caused widespread starvation throughout Ireland, killing over 750,000 people. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people emigrated from Ireland to find succor elsewhere.

Potatoes were imported to the United States in the 18^th century by the Irish (irony, anyone?) Due to prejudice and distrust, non-Irish immigrants avoided this tuber. It wasn’t until the 19^th century, with proven ease of cultivation and cheap production, that the potato finally caught on.

Over time, the reputation of this vegetable changed, but only with a grand marketing scheme. Many governments made efforts to ‘rebrand’ the potato. And the rest, as they say, is history - the potato is now the #1 produced veggie crop in the world.

Selection and Storage of potatoes

Avoid purchasing the big plastic bag of potatoes. The plastic can sometimes hasten the decay of the entire bag of potatoes. Instead, choose from the bulk bin, which allows you to choose each potato individually. Don’t bother with potatoes that have been pre-cleaned. A potato still in its ‘dirt’ has greater protection from any bacteria that may be picked up along its transport from farm to store.

Choose tubers that are firm and smooth. Pass up any that are oddly shaped or showing dry or wet rot. Avoid potatoes that are sprouting or green in color. The green coloring is indicative of solanine, a toxic substance which can cause headaches, diarrhea, and circulatory or respiratory issues.

Potatoes store best in a dark, dry place, with a temperature between 45-50^o F (7-10^oC). And while most modern families don’t have a root cellar, you should be able to find a place in your home where you can emulate these conditions.

But avoid the fridge as it breaks down the starch in the tuber into sugar—destroying the taste of the potato. Avoid direct sunlight as it hastens decay and the production of solanine. Store potatoes in a paper or burlap sack. Don’t store potatoes near any onions as they will hasten each other’s decay.

Potato Apple Harvest Pancakes

Combined with the harvest sweetness of apples, Potato Apple Pancakes offer the perfect weekend pick-me-up to get your day flowing!

• 2 cups potato pulp
• ½ cup apple pulp - Click here for nutritional benefits of Apples
• 1 ½ cups almond or other nut milk - Click here for a nutritional profile on Almonds
• 4 egg whites or egg replacement
• ½ cups spelt or quinoa flour
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 ½ tsps sea salt or real salt
• Oil spray, ghee, or light oil for cooking
• Apple topping (recipe below)

Mix all pulp and nut milk in a small bowl. In a large bowl, mix egg whites, flour, and spices. Add pulp mixture and blend. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Use 3 Tbs of batter per pancake. Brown until crispy on each side. Serve with Apple Topping.

Apple Topping

• Apple pulp
• Add ½ tsp of apple juice to moisten

Conversion Guide

• 6 medium apples = 2 cups of juice
• 6 medium apples = 1 ½ cups of pulp
• 8 potatoes = approx 2 cups pulp

October is breast cancer awareness month, so in the spirit of thinking pink I felt compelled to share my thoughts on cancer as a whole.

With the recent passing of the late, great Steve Jobs, it would seem that no one is safe from this horrendous disease. There is no amount of money, power or influence that can exempt one from such a damning diagnoses.

The number of people contracting cancer is rising by the day, and it begs the question – Why? Part of the reason is the way we treat our bodies, the foods we put in it and the level of exercise we require it to perform. Doctors speculate as to what causes certain cancers, but no one factor has been isolated.

Yes it’s true that smoking, tanning and poor diet elevates the risk, but there are people who have smoked and tanned since Pan Am was the airline of choice, yet they remain cancer free.

Regardless, one thing that all health professionals can agree on is that a diet rich in plants and fiber can help prevent cancer – and juicing, when paired with a healthy lifestyle, is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of cancer because basically, fruits and vegetables are loaded with all sorts of vitamins and minerals that build up and heal your body.

Often, cancer is attributable to many years of eating fatty, processed and refined foods that destroy the body and wear it down. The positive effects of juicing can help revitalize those damaged cells within our bodies.

The reason why juicing for cancer works is that it allows you to consume a high amount of fruits and vegetables. People often ask me why I juice and whether they need to juice in order to feel the same effects. The answer of course is no, however, juicing fruits and vegetables is a simple and easy way get daily vitamins and minerals. So whether you eat or drink it, make sure you’re consuming lots of fresh produce.

There are things that can increase the effectiveness of juicing for cancer prevention:

• Make your juice at home. This way you control exactly what is in your juice.
• Drink juices high in carotenoids. Carotenoids give fruits and vegetables their color, and are well known to prevent and minimize cancer risk. Try adding a carrot or two to each juice you make.
• Drink juices high in lycophene. It’s a powerful antioxidant, and studies have already shown some cancer-preventing effects, especially for prostate cancer. Lycophene is high in fruits like tomatoes, strawberries and watermelon.
• Consume lots of fiber. Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, and lack of fiber is one of the largest causes of bowel cancer in men and women. Juicing often removes the fiber (pulp), so make sure to integrate fiber into your diet. This means eating fruits and vegetables in addition to juicing. Or, you can always add the pulp back into your juice or use it while cooking.
• If you have the means, go organic. Organic products will be pesticide free and grown in nutrient-rich soil.
• A number of green juices are a good source of Vitamin E.
• Fruit juices are a great source of essential minerals like iron, copper, potassium, sodium, iodine and magnesium.
• Juice regularly. The benefits of juicing fresh fruits and vegetables are realized over a long period of time. Make juicing a part of your daily routine in order to see and feel those lasting effects.
• Use variety to not only make it more interesting, but also to derive maximum benefits from various fruits and vegetables.

I hope you had a chance to partake in some of the passion offered up by Libidinous Liquids: Smoothing Up Your Sex Life, Part I. And if you had some success and some fun, here are a few other whole foods to add to your “A Game”!

More Foods for a Healthy Sex Life

Chiles: due to their potent capsaicin content, chiles, have a knack for heating things up in the bedroom, too. Capsaicin is what gives the heat and spice to peppers. Eating spicy foods triggers the release of endorphins in our brain.

Chiles, therefore, is a Dr. Feelgood for your brain and your body.  Through the stimulation of our nerve endings and heart rate, chiles move our blood to important sexy areas.

By the way, if you’re preparing chiles as an aphrodisiac, wear gloves! The spice of chiles and tender flesh does not go hand-in-hand.

Fennel: This bulb’s libido-enhancing effects are mostly experienced by women. Fennel is rich in phytoestrogens, which is a naturally occurring estrogen-like substance found in plants. For more information on fennel and how it contributes to sexual health and longevity, click here.

Figs: They have uber amounts of amino acids which are known to increase sexual stamina through the quick delivery of nitric oxide through the body. Figs are also considered an aphrodisiac because they heighten our sexual interest through simply their appearance, smell, and flavor.

Garlic: While it may seem like an odd inclusion, garlic is a sexual powerhouse. Garlic has a lot of zinc, which is considered to be a libido boost. Garlic also has and action ingredient called allicin. Allicin can improve blood flow to the sexual organs of both men and women. The allicin is only activated once the garlic is chopped or crushed. Click here to learn more about the clove, its proper preparation, and its many benefits.

Ginger: This eclectic little root stimulates circulation and increases blood flow to vital sexual organs. It has been used for centuries to help both genders get back into the sexual groove. It improves libido all around, and it also can halt premature ejaculation. Ginger root is mentioned in both the Kama Sutra and the Koran as a stimulant for sexual health.

Papaya: This fruit is an estrogenic; in other words, it contains compounds that act like estrogen. Papaya is thought to increase libido and drive in women.

Pomegranate: It’s known by many around the world as the “love apple” for it’s aphrodisiac properties that arouse sexual desire. Pomegranates help the body to produce nitric oxide, which opens ups blood vessels.

Ultimately, this increases the flow of blood into and around sexual organs and enhances the libido. It seems as if drinking pomegranate juice is more effective than eating the seeds of the fruit, but sharing a pomegranate with your partner is pretty sexy!

Pumpkin Seeds: And what great timing, too! Pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of zinc which assists in the production of testosterone and sustains sexual interest in women. Pumpkin seeds also carry essential omega 3’s which helps to produce prostaglandus – an enzyme that feeds sexual health. Pumpkin seeds can enhance potency, drive, and fertility.

Pomegranate Ginger Punch

• fresh pomegranate juice
• 1-2 one inch slices of fresh ginger root
• dash of cinnamon
• fresh-pressed apple cider or juice
• splash of fresh orange juice
• water to dilute as needed

This is a strong punch, so play around with the recipe until it suits your taste. Make a little or a lot!

Add a few or all of these foods to your diet. Claim or reclaim your sexual health, stamina, and drive. And remember to always play safe!