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Smoothy Recipes

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 5:25 PM

Here are some various smoothie recipies. Hope you enjoy them!

Mango Pop

1 mango
1 handful strawberries
1/4 pineapple
6 tablespoons pineapple juice

Arctic Fruits

1/2 pineapple, fresh or canned
1 handful frozen strawberries
a few dashes of pineapple juice

Blueberry Bliss

1 mango
1 handful blueberries
Juice 1/2 lime
1/2 cup apple juice

Peachy Fruit

1 1/2 peaches
1/2 mango
1/2 orange
1/2 cup orange juice

Fizzy Fruits

2 handfuls blueberries
2 handfuls of strawberries
4-6 ice cubes
Sparkling mineral water

Ginger Dream

1 mango
1/2 grapefruit
1/8 grated ginger root
1/4 cup apple juice

Watermelon Whiz

11oz watermelon
2 handfuls raspberries

Tangy Taster

1/2 melon
2 kiwi fruits
Juice of a lime
4-6 ice cubes
Sparkling mineral water

Fruitty Vanilla

1 mango
2 tangerines
1/4 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/2 cup orange juice

Great Grapefruit

2 grapefruits
2 mangoes
6 ice cubes

Go Mango

1 mango
1 orange
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 cup apple juice

Treating Seasonal Allergies Naturally

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:22 PM

Who of us, if we’re honest, can really stand the nuisance of seasonal allergies? I understand that the body’s production of histamines is a natural defense against toxins and that we want this critical function of our immune system in place when we’re exposed to a real threat, like the Mycotoxins produced by mold. However, in the same way that neurosis is the mind’s maladaptive fear response; allergies are the body’s needless freak out when exposed to substances that pose no real threat. Those swollen sinuses, that sneezing, runny nose, those itching and watery eyes are the physiological equivalent of Woody Allen thinking a headache is a brain tumor.

In trying to discover what causes allergies we’re met with a void of substantial information from conventional medicine. Although no one knows with absolute certainty the reasons for them, the holistic approach would suggest that seasonal allergies come about because of a hypersensitive nervous system and a dysfunctional immune system. Any sub-optimal lifestyle—poor stress management, lack of rest, poor food choices, and regular exposure to toxins—can gradually create both a hypersensitive nervous system and a dysfunctional immune system in people who are already genetically susceptible.

Obviously we all love the immediate results provided by over-the-counter solutions but what these do for us long term is create a less healthy and less resilient immune system not to mention they do absolutely nothing for our life as a whole. As with all holistic treatment, addressing allergies in this way can result in positive effects outside the mere relief of symptoms. In addition to a healthy diet of whole foods, exercise, a full night’s sleep and a healthy meditation or spiritual practice, below are a few suggestions to tackle the allergy problem specifically.

1. Deep massage focusing on acupressure points related to the spleen, the large intestines and the liver

2. Vitamin D - 800 IU per day maximum

3. A high quality Probiotic (friendly intestinal bacteria).

4. Avoidance of all sources of MSG and Artificial Sweeteners.

5. A JUICE FAST to remove the toxins stored in your tissues, particularly from the insulating sheath that surrounds your nervous system.

We love the blooming of Spring but we don’t always enjoy the consequences.

Be well,

JuicyJosh

Omega-3 and Heart Disease - "Oh, Fishy, Fishy, Fishy, Fish!"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:24 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

Gotta love that Monty Python ($5 off any purchase at 877myjuicer.com if you guess the movie). And who’d have thought that their little “Find the Fish” game could be a life saving exercise in our real daily lives. What’s it’s really all about is Omega-3. I know you’re thinking that sounds like a character in the new Transformers movie but in fact Omega-3’s are an essential fatty acid found in fish. A recent study from Harvard University, compiling two decades of research, concluded that one or two servings of fatty rich fishy fish, like salmon or tuna, can reap health benefits so great that they outweigh even the risks of environmental contaminants in fish like PCBs or mercury.

The study finds that a modest weekly consumption of fish can reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 36 % and will reduce overall deaths by 17%. What happens is that these wonderful fatty acids make the membranes throughout our body—including those in our heart and blood vessels—more elastic causing blood to flow more easily. This reduces the risks of high blood pressure and blood clots and fights inflammation preventing the hardening of arteries, stroke and lowering the risk of an irregular heart rate.

There are several kinds of Omega-3’s, many of which can be found in plant foods like flaxseed, soybeans, canola and walnuts but the Omega-3’s essential for heart health—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA—can only be processed correctly if they come from fish and fish-oil supplements.

Now don’t overdo it. There’s always too much of a good thing. Ingesting over 3000 mg a day of Omega-3s can raise the risk of excessive bleeding or even cause a hemorrhagic stroke. And obviously, fat is fat even if it’s fishy so you can still become a fatty. Instead of adding to your diet I suggest you substitute. Stay balanced, stay healthy and remember to FIND THE FISH.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877myjuicer.com

Strong to the Finish Cause I Eats Me Spinach (And Wheatgrass)

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:27 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

That cantankerous ol’ sea captain had some plain good sense. Don’t worry. Eating a large dose of spinach daily won’t give you absurdly disproportionate forearms. What it will do is give you a megadose of important nutrients including beta carotene, a potent antioxidant, and vitamin K, which helps to maintain strong bones as well as vitamin C, calcium, folate and lutein. It’s not just spinach mind you, it’s all your leafy greens. Spinach, wheatgrass, chard, kale, beet greens, arugula and broccoli rabe are all excellent sources of essential vitamins and nutrients. Just half a cup of cooked kale provides four times your recommended daily dose for vitamin K. Steam them, juice them or eat them fresh you can’t afford to leave this stuff out of your diet.

Now I know we were all a little shaken last year when the E coli bacteria was found in bagged spinach but there are many ways to protect yourself. For instance, cooking greens at 160 degrees for just 15 seconds will kill any and all E coli that might be there. You can also purchase a fruit and vegetable sanitizer like the Cuisine Clean which removes harmful pesticides and kills E-coli, salmonella, listeria giardia and cryptosporidium in addition to increasing the shelf life of your produce.

The truth is that everyone should consider leafy greens essential. They strengthen blood and immune systems, prevent cancer and fight depression naturally. The fiber in raw greens will keep your digestive tract moving, and they increase mental clarity and sustain energy. How else are you going to ward off a Bluto from your Olive Oil (extra virgin please ;o)…)?

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

Preventing Alzehimer's - Remember your juice and you’ll remember a lot more

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:29 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

Here’s just another incredible benefit of juicing as part of a healthy lifestyle. The results of a recent 10-year long study from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine has shown that regular consumption of fruit and vegetable juice (at least 3 times a week) can reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease by 76 percent.

The reason…? Once again we have our little friends the antioxidants to thank. The study shows specifically that polyphenols (a particularly strong antioxidant found in the peel and skin of produce) have the potential to fight off beta-amyloid protein deposits that form in the brain of those with Alzheimer’s. That means if the juice is darker or grainier—if there’s stuff in it—it’s better for you. Juices like blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, (any berry really), pomegranate, red grape, plum, watermelon and many more are all very high in antioxidants. The same goes for dark honey, extra virgin olive oil and most teas (you can use green tea topically to reduce wrinkles you know… but that’s for another article).

As always I urge balance. The tendency we all have to rely on that one “magic” solution should be met with temperance. A consistent, regular consumption of fruit and vegetable juice is most beneficial when matched by an overall diet rich in whole, healthy foods as well as a lifestyle that includes the disciplines of exercise, spirituality as well as loving relationships and laughter. And of course a healthy brain is one that is used, so read and learn and think think think.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

Benefits of Dehydrating - "Moses was 120 when he died. You think it was all that dried food?"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:30 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

Well, probably not—at least not completely. But there’s no doubt that without the ability to preserve foods by drying them, the Israelites wouldn’t have lasted very long in the desert. The reason drying food preserves it is that molds, yeast and bacteria all need water to grow. When foods are sufficiently dehydrated, microorganisms cannot grow and foods will not spoil. This time tested technique can not only help you keep your foods longer and make them smaller and portable for those long hikes and camping trips, it can make them darn tasty too. Sugars are concentrated in dried fruits making them sweet and delicious and the drying process overall brings out a richness of flavors that is truly wonderful.

What’s amazing is that dehydration hardly affects the nutritional value of foods at all, especially when the process takes place in your own home. When you dry foods in a dehydrator at home under gentle conditions, you produce a product far superior to anything that can be purchased in the grocery store. And compared to canning and freezing, which both involve extreme temperatures, food drying is the least damaging form of food preservation.

There is a minor loss in Vitamin C when food is dried because it is an air-soluble nutrient and food drying is an air-based process. Vitamin A is completely retained and minerals available in certain fresh fruits-such as potassium, sodium and magnesium are also not altered when the fruit is dried. The caloric value of food doesn’t change when it’s dehydrated either and dried fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and carbohydrates while being naturally low in fat.

So perhaps there’s something to the overall preservative effects of being dry. Moses was 120 after 40 years wandering around the desert and he’s just one of many centenarians in the Old Testament. I’m not making any promises, but I’m loading up on figs and long walks.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

Beta-Carotene Has Nothing To Do With Kung-Fu

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:33 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

That’s David Carradine… right? Of course I never saw Cain with a cold so maybe he juiced carrots too; although with all that wondering around, you’d wonder where?

Anyway, what we’re talking about here is beta-carotene. What is it? Glad you asked. Beta-Carotene is one of over 600 Carotenoids that are responsible for the beautiful variety of colors found in our produce. Rich orange and dark green fruits and vegetables like carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potato and pumpkin are particularly rich in beta-carotene. This vital nutrient is converted within the body to Vitamin A which has been shown to be good for helping your body’s resistance to things like stress, colds and infections. As well, a lack of Vitamin A has been shown to be linked to a higher incidence of cancer, particularly those having to deal with the lungs. One of the reasons is that deficiencies of this important vitamin can hinder your body tissue’s natural ability to heal itself.

Beta carotene is also a potent antioxidant—a natural substances that prevents cell damage from excess oxygen. Antioxidants also help protect the body against cancer and strengthen the immune system. In addition, healthy vision, bones and skin are all aided by a healthy daily serving of beta-carotene. The problem is that you’ve got to eat a heck of a lot of carrots to get the benefit. What do you do you ask? I think you know the answer. If I said anything other than juice ‘em I couldn’t keep my alias.

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

Phytochemcials - "WHAT… O… Chemicals?"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:36 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

What’s the latest, greatest, most super fantabulous little compound to hit the scene of our knowledge with a bang?... PHYTOCHEMICALS. Haven’t seen those listed in your daily multiple vitamins have you? Why? Because no one yet knows just how much of this stuff your body needs everyday—but what is certain is that need them your body does. (I sound like Yoda) In fact some research indicates that a diet rich in whole foods, which is naturally high in phytochemicals, can prevent and in some cases even cure Cancer, Heart Disease, High blood pressure, Diabetes, and Autism.

So what are they? Flavonoids, lutien, and lycopene are a few phytochemicals you may have heard of. "Phyto" derives from the Greek word for plant. So Phytochemicals are plant-derived chemical compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, soy, herbs, seeds, and green tea to name a few. These little guys are controversial now because many scientists believe that although they seem to have major health benefits they are not considered an essential nutrient in the human diet (If you can make sense of that logic email me).

Phytochemicals act as antioxidants and when they come in contact with your cells they initiate a process known as Phase 2 Enzyme which fuels the cells to fight off cancer. Some phytochemicals are structurally almost identical to insulin which helps to remedy type 1 & 2 Diabetes while other phytochemicals help scrub the bodies arteries clean of plaque & cholesterol reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure. It has even been shown that certain phytochemicals can assist children and adults with Autism.

What’s important here is that for the most part you can’t get this stuff in a supplement. You must EAT them in food. 1 Apple contains over 385 phytochemicals which cannot be duplicated in any supplement I’m aware of. And here’s another tidbit my boss might not like; because phytochemicals are found mostly in the fiber of fruits and vegetables, you can’t really get enough of them from juicing. So how do I keep my job and maintain my integrity to you? That’s easy. BLEND BABY!

Be well,

Juicy Josh

Mediterranean Diet - "There’s no stoppin’ the Cretans from hoppin’"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:38 PM

Yeah, yeah. I know it’s “cretin”. But I’ll use any gimmick I can to get you to read on. Even shameless hacking of my beloved Ramones. Why? Because instead of a lobotomy, shock treatment, or other sedation I want you to be happy, healthy and divinely aware. And I bet Joey, may he rest in peace, would now agree with me.

So what we’re talking about here is the Mediterranean diet. Yeah, you’ve been hearing about it since the 60’s but there’s a reason; it’s great for you. The discovery of the Mediterranean Diet was actually the byproduct of a seven country wide study on diet and disease patterns throughout the world which also established the connection between saturated fat and heart disease.

So now we’re narrowing down to our great Greek islander’s. During the course of the study it was discovered that some of the longest life spans and lowest rates of heart disease were found in the people of Crete. Later studies confirmed that Cretans also had much lower rates of cancer as well as type 2 diabetes.

Now they call it the Mediterranean Diet but it’s really the whole lifestyle because in addition to the way they ate (which hadn’t changed much since ancient times), the hardy people of Crete, mainly farmers, got loads of physical activity. But what about their diet? Delicious meals full of vegetables and fruits, abundant in beans and fish, and almost devoid of red meat and processed foods, the Cretans regularly took in high amounts of fat—40 percent of their daily calories—but most of it came from olive oil; their average saturated-fat intake was among the world’s lowest. And this diet has stood the clinical test as well. Huge studies have shown that when people are put on a Mediterranean eating program, they tend to live longer and have lower rates of heart disease and some cancers.

So how do you do the Cretan hop? Eat more whole foods and fewer processed foods; use unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated fats like olive oil, for cooking and flavoring foods, and for salad dressings; eat an abundance of vegetables, especially leafy greens, every day; eat more servings of fruits, grains and legumes than animal-based foods, and include low-fat or fat-free dairy products; serve beans and fish as your main protein sources; make small amounts of meat an occasional treat, rather than a daily staple; and enjoy nuts, such as almonds, peanuts and walnuts, regularly, in moderate amounts.

Remember, “All good Cretans go to heaven” (Ok I’ve taken this one too far.)

Be well,

JuicyJosh

"Juice; Is There Anything It’s Not Good For?"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:44 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

Well, it won’t fix your car, bring you love, or raise your kids but it might make all those things easier. Two glasses of fresh fruit and vegetable juice a day to maintain your health and at least four a day to speed the body’s healing and recovery from illness, making a regular habit of juicing and blending can literally change your life. Yes, I realize I’m going into infomercial sounding copy (always a peril when you write for a retailer) and for the bulk of this community might be common knowledge but this is important for anyone interested in healthy living. Not to mention it’s high time I write an article on the benefits of juicing overall.

Raw fruits and vegetables are probably the best source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, cancer fighting phytochemicals and other nutrients and because more beneficial substances continue to be found in fruits and vegetables all the time, it’s increasingly clear that you cannot substitute supplements for the real thing. When you juice or blend from raw produce you get the whole plant including all its health promoting components in tact so it’s important to drink it when you make it. For the newcomer to this world, essentially there are three juicing categories to become familiar with: Green Juices; Vegetable Juices and Fruit Juices.

Green juices are cleansers. They rid the body of pollutants and have and incredible rejuvenating effect because they are rich in chlorophyll which purifies the blood and builds red blood cells. It detoxifies and heals and produces big boost of energy. 8 to 10 ounces a day is recommended using everything from alfalfa sprouts to wheatgrass.

Vegetable juice restores and builds. It removes excess body fat, boosts the immune system, removes acid wastes and balances the metabolism. Carrot juice is the most popular not just for its taste but because it is packed with cancer fighting beta-carotene but you can benefit from just about any vegetable you can fit down the juicer spout.

Fruit juices are also cleansers and nourishers of the body. Filled with important nutrients including invaluable cancer fighting antioxidants you can enjoy fruit juices any time of the day. Berries in particular have a high amount of antioxidants and so with fruits (but I’d suggest it with veggies also) blending up everything, peel, rind and all will make for great smoothie experimentation and give you the much needed phytochemicals found only in the fiber of produce.

So now you’ve got the overall scoop. Happy juicing!

Be well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

Grass, it’s not just for cows any more

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:47 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

That’s right, although the wheatgrass craze is a bit past its apex, it’s clear that its popularity is more than just a passing fad. Somehow, despite the fact that obesity is on the rise, the country is getting more interested in health. Now I could do an entire article on what I believe to be behind this dichotomy but for now trust me, they aren’t related. Cows are fat for other reasons.

So once again this will be basic stuff for a great many regulars in this community but it’s important to keep pulling in those who are just getting into this stuff. And because the whole Juicy Josh community is relatively new, I think the basics need to be laid out.

Some health enthusiasts believe wheatgrass to be the pinnacle of healthy living, going so far as to claim that 1 pound of wheatgrass is the nutritional equivalent of 25 pounds of choice vegetables. I wouldn’t go that far. But there’s solid evidence that wheatgrass is good for everything from fighting cancer (for a great documentary watch Crazy Sexy Cancer on TLC tonight, 8/30/07 at midnight) to preventing tooth decay. It is enormously rich in beta-carotene, the vitamins A, B, C, D, K, and E as well as many amino acids, such as lysine, tryptophane, and phenylalanine. But most importantly wheatgrass is one of the highest sources of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll strongly resembles the molecular structure of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein of red blood cells and this is probably the reason it is so beneficial. Essentially it helps in clearing drug deposits from the blood, it counteracts and purifies toxins, removes heavy metals stored in our tissue, and increases the enzyme level in our cells. All this amounts to the rejuvenation and preservation of our vital system.

Not to mention it gives you quite an energy kick. Almost makes me want to MOO...

Be Well,

JuicyJosh

The JuicyJosh Morning Smoothie - "Shaky shake… Shakey!"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:48 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

(Name the song and artist that the title quote is from and get $5 off any purchase at 877MyJuicer.com.)

So most people would call it a smoothie nowadays but to me it is, always has been and always will be my power shake. And I start my day with it religiously. I’ll get into the ingredients in a bit but an explanation of my intentions first.

Being that for the last two weeks I’ve written some basic articles on juicing, I wanted to write one on the differences and benefits of blending specifically. The problem is many of the same principles hold—blending is essentially another great way to get all the nutritious goodness from fruits and vegetables… So how do I write this article without sounding redundant? The best way as I see it is to lay out my breakfast; the Power Shake.

To juice or to blend? Well, I’m not promoting one over the other. There are several unique benefits to juicing. For example, you can’t (or at least I wouldn’t) blend wheatgrass. In the same way there are many things about blending that just can’t be substituted with a juicer. For one, you can’t get phytochemicals by juicing because they live primarily in the rind or pulp of the produce. You also can’t juice yummy grains or nuts but in a blender you can liquefy the stuff right into whatever concoction you come up with. Not to mention with a good blender, in addition to shakes (smoothies) you can make soups, hummus, peanut butter and many other things. So here’s the recipe for my power shake—just one example of something delicious and nutritious that is only possible with a blender.

The Power Shake

1 Organic Banana
A couple cups give or take of frozen organic blueberries/Strawberries/cherries/any berries you like (mix and match)
A hand full of soaked raw pumpkin and sunflower seeds
A tablespoon of organic peanut butter
A tablespoon of Flax Seed oil (keep in the freezer)
1 serving of a live food liquid vitamin
1 serving of a super green food powder
1/2 serving of vanilla whey protein
1/2 serving of a complex brain protein powder which includes amino acids, GABA, Glutamine, and much more.
A tablespoon of Psyllium husk fiber (mmm regularity ;o)...
Organic apple juice mixed with any other you like (I do mango and coconut often). Use enough to liquefy.

With a start like this the day can only go well.

Be well,

JuicyJosh

Benefits of Whole Grains "Grain on the Brain"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:50 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

Continuing with the basics, in addition to eating organic fruits and vegetables another way to drastically improve your diet is by eating whole grains and products made from whole grain flour. Whole grains are nutritionally superior to refined grains, richer in dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein (in particular the amino acid lysine), dietary minerals (including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium), and vitamins (including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E). It’s been proven that a high fiber diet can reduce the incidence of some forms of cancer, digestive system diseases, gum disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and obesity and many studies have shown that whole grains have numerous cardiovascular benefits.

So how does flour work? Almost all flours are derived from a whole cereal grain that has been milled into a fine meal and is then used for making baked goods of all kinds. The refining process involves putting the kernels of the whole cereal grain through a high-heat milling process that removes the germ and bran (where 90 percent of the nutritional content resides), leaving only the endosperm which is starch. The starch is then ground into different sizes for different purposes and the result is refined flour.

Many people have gotten into home grinding and milling of grain because of the incredible taste added with that level of freshness and the certainty of the nutritious integrity of the grain. With a simple electric machine like the KTec Kitchen Mill, the process is essentially no more complicated or expensive, than grinding beans and brewing breakfast coffee and because virtually all commercial flours (even "whole wheat") have lost fiber, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals during processing and storage, producing your own begins to make a lot of sense.

Boy, I think this was the least funny article so far. I guess I could have made a joke about fiber…

Be well

The Raw Food Diet - "Well what do you do… COOK your food!?"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:54 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

I’d like to see the look on my grandfather’s face if I time traveled back to 1950’s America and told him I ate a diet consisting primarily of uncooked, raw food. He’d probably spit hot borsht at me. A man of true serenity and balance, he did live to be 99 so, in preface to this article, I restate my overarching belief in the moderation of all things, including diet. Neuroticism around food is unhealthier than unhealthy food. At least that’s my opinion.

That said, I eat healthy, I pay attention to what goes into my body and I am pretty aware of its effects. The last several years have seen a rise in popularity of what is most usually called the Raw Food diet and there’s some real compelling evidence of its benefits. The raw food diet is a diet where at least 75% of what’s eaten is unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and seaweed. The theory is that heating food above 116 degrees F destroys enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption process. Cooking is also thought to diminish the nutritional value and life force of the food you ingest.

The stated benefits of this way of eating are compelling. Increased energy, improved skin appearance, better digestion, weight loss, reduced risk of common illness such as flu to more serious problems such as heart disease and cancer are just a few of the plusses. Raw foods contain enzymes which greatly aid in their own digestion, freeing the body's own enzymes to do the work unimpeded of regulating all the body's many metabolic processes. Heating food degrades or destroys these enzymes in food, putting the burden on the body's own enzyme production. Eating food without enzymes makes digestion more difficult, leads to toxicity in the body, to excess consumption of food, and therefore to obesity and to chronic disease. Raw foods contain bacteria and other micro-organisms that stimulate the immune system and enhance digestion by populating the digestive tract with beneficial flora and raw foods have overall higher nutrient value than foods which have been cooked. The diet is also low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and phytochemicals.

So what can you eat? Basically unprocessed, organic, whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, grains, legumes, dried fruit, seaweed, freshly juiced fruit and vegetables, purified water and young coconut milk. There are many books written about the diet but the one describing the easiest transition is 12 Steps to Raw Foods by Victoria Boutenko.

Now although at least 75% of what you eat should not be heated over 116 degrees F there are a few cooking techniques that can make foods more digestible and add variety to the diet, like sprouting seeds, grains, and beans; juicing fruit and vegetables; soaking nuts and dried fruit; blending and dehydrating food.

Skeptical? Try it for a month. If you don’t feel better you can write me a nasty email.

In the meantime…

Be well

JuicyJosh

Purified Water Summary - "Dude, this stillsuit just ain't cuttin’ it…"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 1:01 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

I’m not really sure what that title’s about. “Bill and Ted go to Dune” maybe? Anyway, it’s a sad fact that although my secret sci-fi fantasies would have me doing battle alongside Fremen warriors on the great sands of the desert planet, the truth about the inhabitants of such a place would be far off from the super humans described in Frank Herbert’s novel. That level of water depletion would more likely create a population of frail, sickly, lethargic and unintelligent people.

Ok, so now that I’ve given away my super geek-ness what’s all this about? Well, it’s all about water—the giver and preserver of life. If it weren’t for the existence of this wondrous compound of hydrogen and oxygen none of us, and in fact nothing we know of life would exist. Over 75 percent of our body is composed of this stuff and to maintain proper hydration it’s estimated that we need about 10 cups a day (approx. 1 milliliter for each calorie of food). Some doctors claim we need much more than that and although I wrote an article showing evidence that the 8 glass a day necessity was a myth, there’s no doubt that there’s a lot more to dehydration than dry mouth. When water consumption is inadequate, certain body systems steal from others to protect different tissues and organs, which results in pain, tissue damage, and variety of many other health problems. One physician even claims drinking more water can be helpful in curing everything from headaches and depression to asthma and arthritis.

Pure water is essential for the digestion of food and for its transport to the tissues, for the elimination of body wastes, for the circulation of body fluids (like blood and lymph), for a lubricant in the joints and internal organs and for the regulation of body temperature. Water is part of the blood system holding dissolved minerals, like calcium and magnesium in solution, making them available to body tissues where they are required for proper health and when it is plentiful, blood viscosity, joint cartilage, blood capillaries, digestion, the ATP energy system and the spinal column, all work in an efficient, easy manner.

So what about the quality of water we put into our bodies? Here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re feeling comfortable drinking straight from the tap, think about this. Average city water today contains over 500 chemicals that do not belong in it. In the United States, over 2100 organic and inorganic contaminants have been identified in drinking water supplies since 1974. 190 of these contaminants have confirmed adverse health effects, whether carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens or toxic. 75 percent of drinking water in the U.S. is chlorinated and although chlorination has been essential in helping to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases, known carcinogens, such as chloroform and trihalomethanes, are formed when chlorine reacts with organic compounds in the water. Room doesn’t allow but trust me when I say that the above just scratches the surface of the information available and I encourage everyone to look into it and make their own decisions.

Now I’m not a conspiracy theorist and I don’t think the EPA has failed us (I mean Peru discontinued chlorination and caused a cholera epidemic for God’s sake) but there’s enough evidence in my opinion to warrant some serious safety precautions. Many people are going so far as to use chlorine filtering shower heads but in the least I believe it’s essential to drink purified water. Frighteningly, many studies have shown that most bottled water isn’t much better than what you get from the tap so do it yourself. There are many options available and when you consider the benefits, it’s a no brainer.

Be well,

JuicyJosh

Colon Cleanse and Health - "I can't believe I'm writing about this..."

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 1:02 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

...but at least you don’t have to look at these pictures. So to prove my devotion to my own and your healthy living, this article is about that deep dark place most of us would like to avoid considering completely, our colon. And oh the places I’ve gone to research it. The insanity started back in 1979 when Dr. Norman Walker published Colon Health, a book that has endured throughout the years and is still one of the best sources of information on the importance of keeping this part of your digestive tract in tact. (The cover even has a cool picture of The Silver Surfer with hair.) Among a wealth of important information on how the colon functions, why it is imperative to keep it healthy and how to do that, Dr. Walker discusses what he calls “colon irrigation”. That’s right boys and girls, the Doc means colonics. Don’t worry, I’m not going to focus much on this aspect of colon health because... well, it’s disgusting. But if you’re in the first phases of a real life change in diet, consider a colon cleanse—which usually will include colonics and/or enemas. About 12 years ago when I was a new vegetarian I bit the bullet, opened my mind and did one. And although there was trauma, the benefits were undeniable. (I’d like to officially apologize to my parents for having to read that) You’ve spent years filling your body with toxic materials and it’s time to get that stuff out. But do your research and do it right. So here’s the low-down on the down low:

Your large intestine consists of the caecum, the colon and the rectum. It is responsible for the re-absorption of many nutrients and water, and ensures normal defecation (that means pooping). The colon is the site where most of the absorption of water, salts and vitamins takes place. Some food components, such as dietary fiber and oligosaccharides, which escape digestion in the upper parts of the digestive tract, are exposed to bacterial digestion in the colon. The colonic microflora, (which are good bacterial microorganisms) not only digest otherwise indigestible food components, they also synthesize a variety of significant vitamins which are utilized by the human body like Vitamin K (essential for blood clotting), Vitamin B12 (prevents harmful anemia) Thiamin (B1) and riboflavin (B2) (metabolic processes/energy, nervous system functioning and lower homocysteine levels implicated in heart disease). These microflora also ferment otherwise indigestible food components to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which provide fuel for the cells of the colon and help with the absorption of water and salts. Microflora like Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria help boost immunity overall and increase our resistance to various infections like Candida, Salmonella and E-coli. Research has even shown that a happy colon plays a part in lowering cholesterol.

What you essentially need to understand about colon health is that if the colon isn’t functioning correctly—which really means it’s not cleansed—the rest of the organs can’t cleans their waste. Some experts assert that there is really only one disease--autointoxication or malnutrition. That means it’s all about the diet. A bad diet doesn’t digest well, and ultimately creates feces that are sticky, hard and difficult to get out (I know, I know). Therefore it builds up along the colon wall and, Presto!; you’re filled with decaying toxins and poisonous gas. The system backs up and the body gets sick. It’s like a sewer backing up in New York City. No matter how efficiently everything else runs, it’s all coming to a stop.

If you have doubts just look up some of the pictures of waste matter eliminated during colon cleanses (I dare you). Also consider that according to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths with more than 153,000 new cases and more than 52,000 deaths expected this year. Infections, antibiotics and excessive stress also impact the health of the colon so once again it’s all about balance.

In the end (no pun intended) colon health is all about a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Keep your weight down, don’t drink alcohol excessively, don’t smoke, meditate or find some way to alleviate stress, exercise, drink plenty of water and for God’s sake eat right. A healthy colon requires fiber, calcium, Vitamin D (sunlight), B (folic acid) and the rest of them. First off stop with the processed food and cut way back or eliminate red meat. M.D. Anderson suggests at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day for colon health and I’d suggest even more. Juicing and blending can really assist in getting that daily requirement but remember fruits and vegetables are loaded with anti-cancer, immune-system-strengthening properties and they are fibrous and assist in digestion. For more fiber eat your oats, legumes, whole grains and wheat bran. Yogurt and fermented milk products, which contain live Lactobacilli, promote healthy microflora and you can also take microflora supplements. Finally, if you’re over 50, get screened. Because of an increase in colorectal screenings over the past years, new colorectal cancer cases have been decreasing steadily. It’s you’re butt, better take care of it.

Be well

JuicyJosh

Different Types of Juicers - "Mastication - It's Not What You Think"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 1:06 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

Recently I’ve been reviewing the basics and here’s some more info that you newbies need to know (and possibly some that have experience will get something out of it to… in other words, no matter who you are, keep reading for God’s sake). A month or so ago I gave you the lowdown on the three basic categories of juicing and their benefits; Greens, Vegetables and fruits. In this article, we’ll look at the differences and benefits of the two basic juicer types, Centrifugal and Masticating, and we’ll give a little attention to juicing enthusiast’s preference, the Twin Gear juicers.

Centrifugal

Centrifugal juicers are the old faithful and they’ve literally been around for decades. When I was a kid I remember my mom whipping me up a tasty batch of carrot apple juice with an all stainless steel unit identical to the Acme 6001. I always thought it looked like a robot. Anyway, not much has changed over the years and with good reason. These juicers are fast, effective and affordable. Centrifugal juicers work by using a flat cutting blade on the bottom of a rapidly spinning basket. Food is quickly shredded by the cutter and flung out to the sides of the basket. The high centrifugal force passes the juice through tiny holes in the basket and through a spout. In some like the Omega 4000 the pulp is spun off and collected in a separate container. The juice produced by centrifugal juicers is excellent but the extraction process—higher revs and resulting motor heat—incorporates more oxygen which oxidizes the juice destroying more enzymes and therefore diminishing the health benefits a bit as well as reducing the shelf life. So drink immediately if possible. These juicers are great for most fruits and vegetables but because of the nature of the cutting process, centrifugal juicers do not break down leafy green vegetables very well so if you’re looking to juice wheatgrass or other greens, you’re better off with a masticating juicer.

Masticating

Mastication means to “chew”. So masticating juicers like the Healthy Juicer (which is unbelievably easy to clean) use a slow rotating single auger (or boring tool) to literally crush and chew the produce into juice and pulp. The pulp is squeezed up against a mesh strainer so the juice is extracted while the pulp remains behind and gets ejected. Masticating juicers are more efficient than centrifugal juicers in that they yield more juice from the same amount of raw food. They also run at much lower RPMs, so the foam and oxidation is much less, therefore producing juice that is more nutritionally dense and has a longer shelf life.

That said the biggest problem with masticating juicers is the speed. Many people who make the switch, either because they want to begin juicing wheatgrass and leafy greens or they’re just going for a healthier alternative, get a bit impatient with the time involved compared to their old centrifugal model but it’s really a question of commitment to a healthy lifestyle. My preference is a centrifugal juicer for most stuff and a manual masticating juicer for the green stuff.

Twin Gear

Ok, so finally we come to the elite sports car class of juicers, the Twin-Gear or, if you want to sound hoity toity, “Triturating” juicers. I guess the sports car metaphor doesn’t really work because although these guys will produce the highest yield and most nutritional juice, they’re no faster than single auger juicers. Anyway, Twin-Gear juicing is also a masticating process but instead of a single auger they use two stainless steel gears with very close separation that turn in towards each other crushing the produce between them. The juice is then passed through a screen and the pulp is ejected similar to the masticating juicers. Twin-Gear juicers like the Greenstar 2000 have an incredibly powerful motor so you can literally juice anything. At the same time they have the lowest RPM and therefore the most nutritious juice with the least oxidation. They tend to be more expensive but you’re paying for quality.

Happy juicing!

Be well,

Juicy Josh

Fighting Factors of Orange Juice - "All This Talk About OJ Is Making Me Thirsty"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 1:08 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

I got an email from a member of the Juicy Josh MySpace community earlier this week asking me what I had to do with OJ? Strange question, I thought… and not very nice. Of course the whole thing was a big misunderstanding that we straightened out quickly. But it got me thinking and I realized that I hadn’t really written anything about this wonderful fruit and its health benefits. (I don’t really have much to say about the other OJ) And away we go…

So every year around flu season we get the sniffles and run to the grocery store to slam as much of this stuff as possible because everybody knows it’s fights off colds and flu. Most of us are aware that it’s choc full ‘o Vitamin C which is vital for a healthy immune system but that’s really just the beginning. Let’s start there though. Did you know that just one orange supplies 116.2% of the daily value for Vitamin C? And not many know this but Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, disarming free radicals and preventing damage in the aqueous environment both inside and outside cells. This, in a nutshell, means it helps fight cancer and inflammatory conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. And because it destroys free radicals which oxidize cholesterol and make it stick to the artery walls, Vitamin C can help keep cholesterol low preventing heart attack or stroke.

So what else? Recent studies have shown that the healing properties of oranges is also associated with a wide variety of phytonutrient compounds, most importantly the flavanone molecule herperidin, which is shown to lower high blood pressure as well as cholesterol in animal studies, and to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Found primarily in the pulp and peel, this is just another reason to include these when you’re juicing (at least the pulp for God’s sake).

Several studies in the last few years have shown that a diet high in citrus fruit provides a statistically significant protective effect against several types of cancer as well as cardiovascular disease. One US study even shows that one extra serving a day of citrus can reduce risk of stroke by 19%. This same report includes evidence of positive effects for arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, gallstones, multiple sclerosis, cholera, gingivitis, optimal lung function, cataracts, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and obesity.

Compounds in citrus fruits, including oranges, called limonoids have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon and to lower cholesterol. A Compound called polymethoxylated flavones, found in the orange peel have been shown to lower cholesterol as effectively as Statin drugs.

Oranges are a great source of fiber, they’ve been shown to help prevent kidney stones, ulcers and stomach cancer and finally, it’s been shown that Vitamin C supplements don’t provide the same protective benefits as drinking a glass of orange juice. In one researchers own words, "It appears that vitamin C is not the only chemical responsible for antioxidant protection." In oranges, vitamin C is part of a matrix involving many beneficial phytochemicals, "But how they are interacting is still anyone's guess,"

Sweet little balls of sunshine.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

Tips for On the Go Health - "Eat Well While You Run From The Fire!"

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 1:11 PM

By Joshua Schmidt

I’d love to say that my first thought after getting the evacuation notice Monday was, better grab the wheatgrass juicer… but of course I’m not that advanced yet. And somehow I put more importance on my Dad’s paintings and the photo albums. Go figure… All kidding aside, it was quite a week down here in southern California and we want to extend our prayers and well wishes to the individuals and families that lost so much during this ordeal. Obviously in a crisis the safety of our loved ones and the irreplaceable items we treasure take priority but, being suddenly forced of town for a few days gave me the opportunity to keep it healthy when on the road in a pinch. It’s really not that hard if you have a little time to plan and several key items on hand.

Most would think that juicing on the road is impossible but that’s because so many people think of the big, heavy electric juicer that takes up a ton of space. There are several light, portable and extremely functional manual juicers available like The Healthy Juicer by Lexen that work well for this type of situation and are so small they will fit nicely in any travel bag along with the rest of your prized possessions. Because they are masticating juicers, they are perfect for wheatgrass and leafy greens but most are powerful enough to juice apples and carrots and whatever else your heart desires. So even if wheatgrass is hard to come or you forgot to pack you’re fruits and veggies before you left, you can surely get your hands on something judicable and healthy.

Dried Fruits like figs, prunes, dates and even papaya, mango, apricot, and cranberries are all high in fiber which will keep the digestion rolling and something yummy like banana chips have almost a potato chip-like taste. If you’re a do it yourself dehydrator you’ll probably already have some of these ready to go.

Raw fruits and vegetables in a cooler are essential not just for juicing but to snack on as you go. Oranges, bananas, apples, grapes and any other unpeeled fruit will make great munchies as will baby carrots, celery or any sliced veggies. Make sure you wash everything before you leave home and put anything sliced in a Ziploc or vacuum sealed bag. It will preserve your snacks a little longer and will make it easier to eat while driving top speed through the inferno.

Food bars, food bars, food bars. If you’re without them and you’re in need of a snack while gassing up you’ll end up with a half unwrapped Snickers hanging out of your mouth while you drive away… and then the guilt, the shame, the remorse. It’s just not worth it. Any health food store will have a plethora available (yeah, I’m thinking of Three Amigos too). My favorites are made by Organic Food Bar. There are tons of options, many are vegan and they are all USDA Organic certified. (And we don’t even sell them so you know I’m not just a pitch man).

So that and several bottles of purified water will get you where you’re going. Once you’re there lets hope you find a few healthy restaurants or a health food store because this articles long enough already. Besides, I’ve gotta run…

Be well,

Juicy Josh