Juicing is the process of extracting juice from fruits and vegetables. This is usually done using a juicing machine or blender. The juice contains most of the vitamins, minerals, and plant chemicals (phytonutrients) found in the whole fruit or vegetable.

However, juicing methods vary and some may remove fiber, which is found in the whole fruit and vegetable pulp.

There are several reasons why people juice. Some juice for its potential health benefits, like increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables, or improving nutrient absorption. Others may juice as a way to detoxify or cleanse their bodies.

For me, juicing was a tool that helped my alleviate gut pain, and work towards improving my gut health.

Juicing simplifies the process of consuming a wide range of fruits and vegetables, ensuring you get a concentrated dose of essential vitamins and minerals. This practice can lead to better digestion, reduced inflammation in the gut, and improved nutrient absorption.

By incorporating various juicing recipes into diet, it’s possible to provide the body with the necessary tools to maintain a healthy and balanced gut.

Green juice can help suppress cravings

Green smoothies can satisfy cravings. Cravings are intense desires for specific types of food, often irrespective of true hunger. They can be driven by emotional factors, hormonal changes, or specific nutritional deficiencies. Cravings are a common experience and can vary widely from person to person.

When consumed as a breakfast drink, green juice can help suppress appetite for sugars and fats, thanks to the phytochemicals in spinach. A study by Eva-Lena Stenblom provides evidence for this. The study looked at how a spinach extract, rich in thylakoids, affects hunger and food cravings in overweight women. Thylakoids are parts of green plants that help increase a hormone that makes you feel full. The research found that taking thylakoids before breakfast made people feel less hungry, more satisfied, and reduced their cravings for different snacks all day. This was especially true for people who eat more when they’re emotional. The study suggests that thylakoids might help control hunger and cravings, which is useful for managing overeating and obesity.

The recipe includes ingredients like romaine lettuce, spinach, mint, avocado, lemon juice, Stevia, ice cubes, and water. It’s customizable – you can add coconut, dark chocolate, carrots, or blueberries. Gundry also suggests adding supplements like Prebiothrive, Vital Reds, and Primal Plants for additional flavors and gut health benefits. The smoothie is easy to prepare in a blender and can be stored for up to three days.

Green smoothies can help avoid lectins

Green smoothies are also a good way of avoiding lectins that could be causing gut issues. Lectins are a type of protein commonly found in plants, particularly in legumes and grains. They play a role in plant defense mechanisms. Some diets, like the Plant Paradox diet proposed by Dr. Steven Gundry, suggest that lectins can be harmful to human health, potentially causing inflammation and other issues, especially in the gut.

The scientific community has differing opinions on the impact of lectins on human health, with some studies indicating potential health benefits and others suggesting negative effects. Personally, I have found lectins to play a huge part in my poor gut health. By drastically reducing my intake of certain lectins, I can positively impact my gut health and reduce debilitating symptoms.

My recommended juicing appliance

Before you start making your own green juices, you might like to know what juicing appliance I use. Here is the one that I use, and I can highly recommend it. I use it every single day – it’s a workhorse for my gut health!

The Green Queen juice recipe

“The Green Queen” juice is a nutrient-rich green juice that is my go-to juice when my gut or body feels completely ruined. Within minutes of drinking the juice, I can feel it working its way though my stomach and then into my intestines, cooling, claming and soothing as it does. It really is my “magic exilir”. It does not completely fix every ache and pain, but it does help soothe an angry gut.

• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green.
• Bok Choy: Another type of leafy green, rich in vitamins.
• Lettuce: Adds freshness and lightness to the juice.
• Avocado: Gives a creamy texture and is loaded with healthy fats.
• Lime: Adds a refreshing, citrusy tang.
• Mint: Ads a fresh taste.

Method:

Blend these ingredients together in your Nutribullet or a similar blender. The avocado adds a smooth, creamy texture to the juice, while the lime brings a zesty flavor. This juice is a powerhouse of nutrients, perfect for a health boost. Remember to adjust the quantity of each ingredient based on your taste and the capacity of your Nutribullet.