Nourish body, mind with yummy vegetable juices!

The intake of healthy food and drinks is as crucial like factors like hygiene for a robust body. Let’s discuss health benefits of certain delicious vegetable juices that can be easily prepared. They can delight your senses and nourish your body alike.

Beetroot juice

• Beetroot juice is very powerful and should always be consumed in small quantities and usually mixed with other juices, such as apple, carrot, cucumber and celery.

• It is an excellent purifier and cleanser of the blood and is effective in cleaning out the liver, kidneys and arteries.

• Due to the high amounts of natural sugars that beetroot juice contains, it is thoroughly energising, although should be avoided by diabetic patients.

• It is also good for digestive problems such as constipation. It strengthens the bones which is helpful for people as they get older, their bones become weaker.

Cabbage juice

• Cabbage is a wonderful cleanser of the internal system and is highly antiseptic. It is good for constipation and helps to reduce high blood pressure. It is often included in diet programmes as it aids in slimming. It is also often prescribed to treat respiratory problems such as asthma, cough, cold and flu. People who are prone to sweating should consume some raw cabbage every day.

• Cabbage juice should always be mixed with other juices such as carrot, spinach, lettuce, cucumber and celery.

Carrot juice

• Carrot juice is an excellent tonic for just about every ailment imaginable. It can be consumed in large quantities as well.

• It is particularly effective in preventing cataracts and other eye problems, as well as energising, cleansing and healing the body faster.

• Carrot juice boosts the immune system and protects against disease. It helps to treat anaemia, circulatory problems and skin disorders.

• It is good for digestive problems and is an excellent remedy for ulcers, liver problems and asthma. It may help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Cucumber juice

• Cucumber juice is a great tonic for encouraging healthy skin, hair and nails. It controls fluid retention and helps with bladder problems. It cleanses the blood and is also said to treat arthritis effectively.

• Some cucumbers, like apples, are covered in a wax-like film. Therefore, wash them thoroughly and possibly peel them unless organic.

Tomato juice

• Tomatoes gain a lot of their nutrients from the sun and therefore are highly energising and nutritive. They are excellent for blood disorders and a good tonic for the nervous system. The vegetable is particularly beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, stress, nervousness, insomnia and fatigue.

• Tomatoes have the ability to eliminate uric acid from the body and so are an excellent food for people with arthritis, gout and rheumatism disorders.

• They are hugely detoxifying and can help with skin disorders such as acne or boils.

Spinach juice

• Spinach is high in vitamin A and C, and is one of only four vegetables that are also high in vitamin E. It’s also a good source of choline, calcium, iron, potassium and folic acid. Spinach is high in protein per calorie and has 14 times the iron per calorie than red meat.

• Spinach is one of the highest sources of eye-protecting, cancer-fighting lutein. Lutein has been shown to play a crucial role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration.

• Spinach has two powerful antioxidants, glutathione and alpha lipoic acid, are also found in spinach. It is called “nature’s master antioxidant,” and is the primary antioxidant in the cells. It protects DNA from oxidation, detoxifies pollutants and carcinogens, boosts the immune system, aids healthy cell replication, and reduces chronic inflammation. The body is able to produce glutathione, but often we don’t make enough, and as we age, we produce even less.

(The author Dr Anitha M is the Director of Bangalore-based Shathayu Ayurveda Treatment Centre)