In this interview we gain insight into the life-changing power of juicing through the remarkable journey of Sarah, co-founder of The Social HQ. Sarah shares about her health transformation and the pivotal role that juicing played in her life. From her initial skepticism about juicing to a surprising turn of events that led to her pregnancy, Sarah’s story is both inspiring and eye-opening.

Despite facing challenges in conceiving, Sarah’s experience with juicing not only transformed her perspective but also played a vital role in her natural pregnancy. Her story sheds light on the importance of nutrition and how it was often overlooked by medical professionals in her fertility journey.

JL: Hello everybody I am Jen Longtin here from PURE Juicer. It is so great to be here for another interview of Spotlight Juicer. Today we have Sarah who is the co-founder of The Social HQ. If you didn’t see Nicole’s interview, that was one that we did recently. I welcome you to visit that one as well. Now Sarah is here with us.  I love to call her “The Reluctant Juicer” just because there are many people out there who have similar beginnings, similar stories. Sarah it is so great to have you here, welcome!

When we started juicing, my business partner would make it for me and it was so good it tasted so clean. Once I started having from the PURE Juicer, I couldn’t go back to normal juice! It just didn’t taste the same, I don’t know why. And juicing just changed my life. Also, I was having a really hard time getting pregnant. I kept being told that there was nothing wrong with me and that it would just happen naturally and I just needed to give it more time. I started seeing an IVF doctor to move the process along just because I was unsure what was causing it.  We were just told that I had lower hormones and that’s what was causing the issue. But, then I started juicing, and after I started juicing for three months, I got pregnant naturally. No intervention. So, I really think that the PURE had a huge part to do with it because we tried for two years and didn’t get pregnant and then started juicing and all of a sudden we were able to get pregnant! They claimed that because of the fact that I had more nutrition and more vitamins that maybe it boosted my system and that’s why I got pregnant. But because of that I just can’t stop now I just want to keep going and especially my first trimester I was really sick. I had shingles, I couldn’t process any food and then I had the PURE. I was like ‘I’m just gonna try PURE juicing’ and then I was juicing probably three or four times a week to try to keep my body energized and give me the nutrition I needed for me and my baby. I couldn’t drink water, water tasted disgusting, metallic. Then I tried orange juice, first in the grocery store or lemonade but it was either way too sweet or it didn’t taste real. It tasted fake. So the PURE saved me through my pregnancy. So far I highly recommend it to everyone because when you put things in your body you want the cleanest of the clean. I don’t put my food in plastic Tupperware so why would I use a plastic juicer. It’s kind of a huge benefit to me of having a PURE.

JL: Well, first of all, huge congratulations! I am so lucky to know that you are pregnant before it was officially announced. I didn’t want to spoil the surprise before I announced you, but I am so, so happy for you and your family. Congratulations! I mean all of this  success is because of you. And that PURE could play any role is amazing! Whether it’s getting the nutrients in on a more regular basis. You had mentioned that your doctor didn’t really talk to you about nutrition but did talk about medications, is that right?

SD: Yep. So initially when I started with IVF all they were talking to me about was “here’s this drug you can go on to help with ovulation.” But I didn’t have any ovulation issues. ‘Here’s another drug to help with this,’ not once was it like ‘hey let’s talk about nutrition,’ because if they had just talked about that maybe I could have started the process sooner or maybe I could have gotten pregnant sooner. My PCP didn’t talk about it or my OBGYN or my IVF doctor. Not one person mentioned nutrition. It was all ‘here’s a medication that’s going to help you get better.’

JL: I don’t think that they typically use the green apples for apple juice and there are so many health benefits to the green apple and the red apple quite frankly. But I love that carrot-apple combination! I’m so glad that you have that and romaine is, I think Nicole talked about that too, but it’s actually really high in protein. So very, very juicy and also really a great source of protein for people who may not be able to eat meat which doesn’t sound like you were able to keep much of anything down.

SD: No, and then Nicole also made a lot of beet juice with pineapple and beets are so good when you’re trying to get pregnant. But again, no one spoke to me about it. They’re just like ‘here’s the medication that you can go on’ and I was like ‘nope.’ There has to be a better way, there has to be an easier way for my body to respond.

JL: Now, how has the juicing gone now that you are not as close? So you don’t get the benefit of Nicole’s juice, but you have your own juicer now. What are you making these days that fills your cravings and makes you feel satiated or just feels good?

SD: So, recently I actually tried making a honeydew melon which I wasn’t sure how it would taste because I’ve never juiced one before. But it tasted really good. A lot different than I expected. Then I’ve been on a watermelon kick with anything. Watermelon with lime. But when I first started out doing multiple fruits, it was overwhelming and intimidating so I’d stick to one fruit, like a pineapple or a watermelon. But now that I have the hang of it and know how to do it, I do one or three fruits. But I try not to go over three because I feel like the taste just isn’t the same. I don’t really know how to do more than three yet.

JL: Honestly when we first started the periodic table and all of the recipes with the periodic table, that was the one agreement, that we could only have three ingredients per recipe. With that in mind, knowing that you can always add things to it that you crave. But three is sort of the limit for anyone’s mental capacity so I’m right there with you. Three is a sweet sweet number. Always including apples, so even if there isn’t an apple in those top three then just throw an apple in because I love them!

JL: Yeah, I just started making watermelon lime with strawberry and I also started putting aloe gel. Getting the leaf, cutting aloe, and pressing it all together is so good! And you can’t taste the aloe which is so bitter so you actually don’t want to taste the aloe, so if you can do that combination it’s incredible!

SD: That sounds amazing! Yeah, I love being able to grind up the apple and the carrot and get all the amazing flavor and then I have that wonderful pulp I’ve made into carrot muffins, zucchini muffins and all these things!  I’m not wasting anything. I don’t feel like I’m just throwing away a plastic container that I got my juice from. I’m juicing and then I’m using the pulp and I’m using the juice. I love it!

JL: Oh my gosh, well one of the surprises that I had when you started juicing and when you were hooked on it, is that you said ‘I just can’t buy any store-bought juice anymore’ because it just does not compare. So is that correct?

SD: It was a plastic juicer. I would try a blender and a blender just did not taste like juice. You can’t strain it, it just doesn’t work. Then trying to juice with the different juicer that is plastic…I just feel like it has that weird aftertaste and it makes me kind of concerned nowadays because plastic can seep into stuff. You just never know what could happen. So, if you don’t have plastic in a juicer, which you don’t for a PURE, it just tastes clean and I don’t feel guilty about drinking it.

JL: You know what’s interesting too, is Gerson put together his regimen for people who were really, really sick to heal them. It’s interesting that as we’re looking at our younger generations with the issues around fertility and reproductive health…it’s almost like cleaning house and getting your body ready to have a baby. And, this is not medical advice. It’s just conversation. It was designed for him to cure migraines. It wasn’t for curing cancer, it wasn’t for anything like that. It was for curing his migraines and it basically just cleaned his system out. I’m learning more about potassium too and how important that is, so I’m glad that you have carrots and apples. Keep that in your list of recipes.

JL: What was the biggest surprise, as a reluctant juicer, you have a busy life, you have a business that you’re running, you’re all running all over the place, your husband is busy, you guys are traveling… As a reluctant juicer, what was your biggest surprise once you started juicing, besides getting pregnant?

But, now it’s just so easy!  I don’t even think about it, it just goes in there and I press it and it makes it less messy actually. It comes apart and can go in the dishwasher which is such a huge thing. I can just take it all apart, use a sponge, clean off the counter and everything just goes in the dishwasher.

JL: Yeah. What advice would you have for someone who’s just getting started or maybe it’s you seven months ago before you hit your six months, what would you tell yourself now about juicing?

SD: So I think there’s a lot of benefits that people don’t talk about that are super important. I didn’t realize how much nutrition is in juicing especially cold pressed juicing so I would say if you’re trying to eat a ton of salads every day you can still get that same nutritional value by juicing. I did not know that when I first started and that was a huge thing for me, so I’d say that’s my advice. My other advice is everything that you try is going to be overwhelming at first because you’re not used to doing it, you’re not in the pattern. But I think if you really commit to your health… I was committed to getting pregnant and I didn’t want to go on medication to get pregnant so that was my goal. I did everything I could and I researched… I know beets are really good when you’re trying to get pregnant but I don’t love eating beets unless they’re roasted so I was like ‘how can I incorporate this into my day’ so I’d say figure out what your goal is and then figure out like how you can use juicing to hit your goal! You don’t need to be super super healthy to juice, I’m just an average human that works out three days a week, so I didn’t do anything extreme in order to add juicing into my schedule.

JL: I love it. The periodic table, we now have sexual health in here and we have a blog written by an expert. Beets are on there, greens, are super super good. Dates, fennel and chili peppers…spices. Oh my gosh! You said your little girl likes spice.

S: Yeah! Bring on those chilies. Chili peppers, pomegranates, pumpkin seed and watermelon! I drink a lot of watermelon.

JL: Yeah watermelon is great. Watermelon is so great. The periodic table has that new section which was inspired a lot by your story and so many stories that we hear. I love the focus, not just on pregnancy, but on nutrition and getting more nutrients into your body and letting your body do what it does best, which is find homeostasis. If there is anything else that I’ve missed you’ve been amazing. Again, congratulations! Is there anything else that you would like to share with the audience, the peer community or anything?

SD: If you’re considering juicing I would start with a PURE. I feel it’s the best juicer on the market. I’ve tried three or four different juicers. At one point I was trying them because I was trying to see if it could improve my health and then once I tried the PURE I just couldn’t go back to anything else. It just tastes so good. There’s nothing like it. So I would say I would highly recommend it!

JL: Man if it was up to me I would work with everyone personally. Like with you and Nicole so that we could all have these stories but I’m just so grateful that you gave it a shot and that you’ve found so much success. I’m so glad you were able to get juice in, even when you couldn’t even drink water.

SD: Couldn’t do it.

Sarah’s journey is a testament to the power of making informed choices about what we put into our bodies. Join us as we delve into Sarah’s remarkable story and gain valuable insights into the world of juicing and its profound effects on personal health and well-being.

Whether or not you’re on a fertility journey, Sarah’s story is an inspiration as it demonstrates the transformative powers of nutrition through juicing. She offers practical advice for newcomers which is to set clear health goals and use juicing as a tool to achieve them. Her experience underscores that juicing can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life, even for those with busy schedules. Sarah also praises the PURE Juicer for its ease of use, minimal clean-up, and exceptional taste, making it the ultimate juicing companion. Don’t wait to embark on your health journey, start with the PURE Juicer today!

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

Most of us know calcium as the foundation of strong bones and teeth, and that’s true – it’s like the building blocks of our skeletal system. But calcium’s influence goes way beyond that. This mineral coordinates communication between nerves, ensuring our muscles contract and relax with precision. When you get a cut, calcium quickly works its magic to help your blood clot to stop bleeding. It also directs enzymes to perform various essential tasks inside our cells. Without enough calcium, things can go south quickly – bones can weaken, muscles might not cooperate, and even basic functions like blood clotting can stumble. So, calcium is not to be overlooked, as its role is absolutely crucial for our overall health and well-being.

Calcium and Bone Health

Calcium is a fundamental building block for bones as it aids in their maintenance and strength. Providing the foundation for structural support, calcium is a significant component of our bones’ mineralized matrix. It combines with other minerals like phosphate to form hydroxyapatite crystals, which make up a significant portion of bone tissue. During periods of growth, such as childhood and adolescence, calcium is crucial for forming new bone tissue. Adequate calcium intake during these stages ensures proper bone development and maximizes bone density. Calcium’s job continues throughout life, as our bones undergo a continuous process of remodeling, where old bone tissue is broken down by specialized cells called osteoclasts and new bone tissue is formed by osteoblasts. Calcium is needed to supply the building blocks for this ongoing renewal process.

Osteoporosis Prevention

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones that are more prone to fractures due to a decrease in bone density and quality. Often, osteoporosis develops silently, with no noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. Calcium is pivotal in preventing osteoporosis by acting as the architectural backbone of bone health. Adequate calcium intake throughout life ensures the development of a strong bone structure that can withstand the natural decline in bone density that comes with age. 

How much calcium do you need?

For adults aged 19 to 50 years, the recommended daily calcium intake is 1,000 milligrams (mg). This guideline is based on general dietary recommendations. However, specific needs may vary depending on gender, age, health status, and activity level.

Juice Recipes With High Calcium Content

Keto Green Juice

• 3 Cups Kale
• 3 Cups Spinach
• 1 Cup Parsley
• 2 zucchinis
• 2 cucumbers
• 5 celery stalks
• Mint
• Basil
• 1 to 2 Lemons
• Yield – 35 oz

Use #12 grid to grind all but lemons. You can use a press bag or a strainer and bowl. This is a very juicy juice so those two options are the best. Slice the lemon and press with the mash or in a liner and bag or cloth.

Pineapple-Kiwi-Lemon Juice

• 1/4 Pineapple
• 2 Kiwi
• 1 Lemon
• Yield – 20 oz

Cut and press all ingredients in either a bag or cloth. Remember to press slowly.

Citrus-Greens Juice

• 3 Oranges
• 2 Cups Spinach
• 6 Celery Stalks
• 1 Lemon
• Yield – 24 oz

Sources

• Mayo Clinic: Calcium and calcium supplements https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097

• John Hopkins Medicine: Calcium https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/calcium-supplements-should-you-take-them

• WebMD: Healthy Foods High in Calcium https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-calcium

• Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation: A Guide to Calcium-Rich Foods https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/treatment/calciumvitamin-d/a-guide-to-calcium-rich-foods/

• Cleveland Clinic: 22 Calcium-Rich Foods https://health.clevelandclinic.org/calcium-rich-foods/

• OrthoInfo: Calcium, Nutrition, and Bone Health https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/calcium-nutrition-and-bone-health/#:~:text=Calcium%20is%20a%20mineral%20that,from%20the%20foods%20we%20eat.

• Cleveland Clinic: Osteoporosis Prevention With Calcium Treatment https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15049-osteoporosis-prevention-with-calcium-treatment

• PubMed Central: Calcium Intake in Bone Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316542/#:~:text=Calcium%20is%20the%20major%20component,and%20extra%2Dcellular%20calcium%20pool.

• American Bone Health: Why Do Our Bones Need Calcium? https://americanbonehealth.org/best-bones-forever/why-do-our-bones-need-calcium/

• Harvard Health: How well does calcium intake really protect your bones? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-well-does-calcium-intake-really-protect-your-bones-201509308384 

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

Magnesium = Magical Mineral

Magnesium, the unsung hero of essential minerals, plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. This remarkable mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions within our bodies, making it indispensable for numerous bodily functions. From supporting bone health and regulating blood pressure, to enhancing muscle function and promoting a healthy heart rhythm, magnesium is a hero that quietly orchestrates countless processes behind the scenes in our bodies.
What’s more, this mighty mineral contributes to energy production, aids in the synthesis of DNA and proteins, and assists in the proper functioning of the nervous system. With its impressive versatility, magnesium proves to be an essential nutrient that acts as a catalyst for optimal physical and mental performance. Its significance cannot be understated, as it serves as a cornerstone for maintaining the delicate balance of our body’s intricate systems.

Essential For Brain & Body

As touched upon above, magnesium plays so many crucial roles in the body; supporting muscle and nerve function and energy production, protein formation, promoting a healthy immune system, adjusting blood glucose levels, keeping the heartbeat steady, and helping bones remain strong.
It has numerous benefits for your heart, blood sugar levels, and it’s even found to elevate your mood and enhance your sleep! Yes, even mood and sleep (keep reading)! And, it’s all easily found in a variety of foods ranging from leafy greens, melons, avocados, nuts, seeds and beans.
Actually, every single cell in your body contains this mineral and is needed to function properly. About 60% of the magnesium in your body lives in the bones, while the rest is found in muscles, soft tissues, and fluids like blood.
One of its main roles is that of a “helper molecule” in the biochemical reactions continuously performed by enzymes. It’s involved in:
Energy creation: converting food into energy
Protein formation: creating new proteins from amino acids
Gene maintenance: helping create and repair DNA and RNA
Muscle movements: aiding in muscle contraction and relaxation
Nervous system regulation: regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system

Getting Enough Magnesium?

Studies suggest that approximately 50% of U.S. adults get LESS THAN the recommended daily amount of magnesium. Low magnesium levels usually don’t usually cause symptoms, so you don’t even realize you’re deficient! However, chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.
The recommended intake for magnesium on a daily basis is 410-420 mg/day for men and 310-320 mg/day for women. Unfortunately, many people are NOT getting enough from their diet due to increased intake of processed foods.


Magnesium – Brain Function and Mood Enhancing?

If you didn’t by now think magnesium was a magical mineral, studies show that low levels of magnesium are linked to an increased risk of depression. A 2020 review suggested that stress may deplete magnesium, increasing susceptibility to stress and depression. And, the good news is that supplementing with this mineral and juicing may help reduce symptoms of depression, as it may help to raise serotonin levels – the “feel happy” hormone!
One study shows that taking 500 mg of magnesium daily led to significant improvements in symptoms of depression in people with a deficiency. Another study showed that taking 250 mg of magnesium per day decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, regardless of their previous magnesium levels!
Learn more here about natural mental health remedies through juicing with the brilliant, Ilene S. Ruhoy, MD, Ph.D.


Magnesium & Migraines?

Migraine headaches can be so painful and often cause nausea, vomiting, and severe sensitivity to light and sound. Some researchers believe that people with migraines are more likely than others to have a magnesium deficiency. Studies suggest that magnesium supplements and juicing may prevent and treat migraine headaches. In some cases, supplementing with magnesium provided relief from acute migraine attacks more quickly and effectively than a common medication! Learn here how Nicole Boyle uses Cold-Pressed Juicing For Migraines.


And, Finally Sleep

Various studies have found that magnesium may improve sleep quality. Although more research is necessary to determine how magnesium affects sleep quality, various studies have found the mineral positively impacts sleep.
Researchers believe magnesium may promote better sleep by reducing the stress hormone cortisol, increasing a sleep-promoting hormone called melatonin, and helping to regulate neurotransmitters for the central nervous system. People who don’t get enough magnesium may find they experience disrupted sleep.
I think it’s safe to say that magnesium plays a leading role in the body and all of its important functions. Need more reasons to make sure you’re getting your magnesium? I think these delicious cold-press juice recipes will convince you!

Pineapple Orange 

6 Oranges
½ Pineapple

Yield – 32 oz

Watermelon Cantaloupe 

6 Cups Cantaloupe
1 Cup Watermelon
1 Cup Honeydew
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

Yield – 40 oz

Great Greens 

3 Stalks of Celery
2 Green Apples
10 Cups of Spinach
½ Lemon
3 Cups of Romaine

Yield – 32 oz

Magnesium Bowl

2 frozen bananas
2 cups frozen berries
2 cups frozen spinach
½ frozen avocado

Put all through the PURE #4 grid

Toppings:
Crushed raw almonds
Diced prunes
Pumpkin seeds
Cacao nibs

And, of course, you can always refer to our  Periodic Table of Juicing for more ideas and nutrition information. Here’s a short video to remind you how easy it is to drink your greens! 

Sources

• Harvard School of Public Health: Magnesium

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/magnesium/

• PubMed Central: Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/

• Healthline: What Are the Health Benefits of Magnesium?

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-benefits

• Science Direct: The Case for an Evidence-Based Reference Interval for Serum Magnesium

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322007840#:~:text=Approximately%20half%20(48%25)%20of,that%20has%20a%20low%20magnesium

• Mount Sinai: Magnesium

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/magnesium

• WebMD: Magnesium: Can It Prevent Migraines?

https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/magnesium-migraine#:~:text=Some%20scientists%20believe%20that%20magnesium,certain%20chemicals%20that%20cause%20pain. 

• University of California San Diego: What an Expert Says About Taking Magnesium for Sleep

https://myhealth.ucsd.edu/RelatedItems/6,1659474634 

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

“We all deserve to be well. Being well is a human right and should be treated as such.” – Quentin Vennie

If you read through our blogs and spotlights you will find many ways that juicing supports our physical health. There have been movies about juicing and how it transforms people’s physical lives for the better. But today, we are talking about mental health. As Quentin speaks to, in our interview, if juicing can help with physical health, maybe it can help with mental health. Based on his experience (and mine), the answer is an inspiring yes.

In a blog by Ilene Ruhoy, MD, Ph.D., co-creator of the Periodic Table of Juicing, we learn that phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables help improve our neurotransmitters. These same neurotransmitters balance hormones, improve mental clarity, and repair gut function (which in turn changes the brain). But our interview with Quentin brings this concept to life. He shares his story, we talk about his book, Strong in The Broken Places, Equitea, his business inspired by his son, and the trinity of health that allowed him to heal and be a hero to so many.

I hope you enjoy this interview. Jen

Today I am joined by Quentin Vennie, a wellness and mental health advocate, author of the best-selling memoir “Strong In The Broken Places” and visionary entrepreneur. Quentin’s notable work as the Founder and CEO of Equitea has established him as a guiding force in the realm of holistic wellness. We’ll delve into his personal story, exploring his struggles with addiction and poverty. Specifically, how these experiences have influenced his perspective on life, growth, and the pursuit of well-being. We also dive into his journey with juicing and how he has grown to share this passion with friends and family, creating a routine that he can enjoy with his loved ones.

JL: Thank you. I thought it would be good to maybe start a little bit with your story, and then we’ll dive into some of the tools that you have in here. And then we can talk a little bit more about other things after that. I have so many questions.

QV- No, of course. My story, it’s important to note that it’s still being written, which I love, right? You know, the progress, the possibilities that exist. But to give a brief synopsis, I was born and raised in Baltimore, as you mentioned. Baltimore forever. Raised by a single mom. My father was addicted to drugs, so he spent a large portion of my life and childhood in the streets and in prison. A victim of the heroin epidemic that Baltimore was known for in the ’80s and ’90s. I went to schools that were populated by individuals who didn’t look like me, so at a very young age I learned what it felt like to be othered, to be racially profiled, to have my history and my value ripped from me, or the attempt to have them ripped and stripped from me. I went on to be diagnosed with anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, spent two years fighting an addiction to anxiety pills. I attempted suicide twice. I survived an accidental drug overdose. I struggled with alcohol. But through the modalities of yoga and meditation and juicing and, the ritual of tea and gardening, I was really able to find a place of sustainability, of healing, and of purpose.

JL: I feel like I would not do this interview service if I wasn’t really real about this. And, I mean, putting juicing aside, you’ve walked this hero’s journey of having sort of a foundation ripped from you and having to look within to find strength. And I know that your mother was there for you in a lot of ways, and I know that there were educators that wanted to be there for you as well. And that’s wonderful, but it doesn’t take away what you went through and how challenging that was and to hit that bottom that I am so grateful for, that you are still here, that you are able to find something that brought you back to yourself. I mean, it truly is the hero’s journey because you’ve not only brought yourself back, but now you’re giving it back to others through your book, through your speaking engagements, through your business, Equitea. It is the hero’s journey.

QV- Thank you so much. That’s truly humbling. I’ve never really heard it put that way, so I really appreciate you putting words to something that I feel, right? I mean for me, it was my life. And, I’ve been to hell and back, you know? I feel like it would be a disservice of my presence on this planet to hoard that and not make it accessible. I’m a firm believer that a shared experience can be a saved life. And if it weren’t for the likes of other individuals that came before me, who’s to say that I’d even be here? And so I think us really sharing our lived experiences and our shared humanity is the bridge and pathway to finding that level of healing that I think we all deserve.

JL: Well, and I think that as a man, that being sensitive is not always looked at as a strength. And I can relate to the sensitivity and how much the world impacts me. And when you talk about getting back to nature, to movement, to meditation, to these things that quiet this crazy world that we’re in, for you to find that and have it healing, I know I can really relate to that because there was no drug, or whether it was legal or not, that really helped me the way those pieces have helped me. Do you wanna talk about maybe the trinity of wellness that you speak about in the book?

QV- Yeah. I talk about yoga, meditation, and juicing. For me, it was my trinity that ultimately got me away from prescription drugs, got me outside of my addiction, gave me something else to put that addictive energy into. I’m a firm believer that the addiction doesn’t go away, we just find other things that take its place. And for me I used to call myself the Green Juice Junkie. That was my thing. It was every morning, every afternoon, every evening. And so yoga helped me get into my body. Helped me to discover who I was physically. What I love about the practice is that it’s called a practice, right? It’s not yoga perfect, it’s yoga practice. And so it always gave me something more to look forward to. I would never, and I will never, conquer yoga, right? Like, I can do a perfect bench press, but I will never conquer yoga, right? It’s always a journey. So it’s really my metaphor for life. Meditation helped me to really find grounding and find this spiritual connection with a higher purpose, a higher power, with universal energy. And then juicing gave me everything that I was lacking from a nutrition standpoint, as well as the practice of juicing, right? Like, it wasn’t really going to the store and buying juice. It didn’t do it for me. I needed to go through that process. I needed to know everything that I was putting into it and really make it my own. It was like, I always say, I’m drinking the sun, right? And like, what better way to fuel your body than to drink the thing that helps give us life?

JL: I love it. For yoga, you probably can do this. Can you do shoulder stands and handstands?

QV- I can do a shoulder stand. I can do a handstand against the wall. I can do a shoulder stand, forearm stand, headstand. Handstand, I gotta be up against the wall. I can’t get my hips to go in the direction without tumbling over yet.

JL: Okay. I have not been able to do that for some reason. I gotta keep my feet on the ground for some reason. I just can’t let it go. For meditation, do you meditate in the morning? Is that sort of your practice, or whenever you can kind of a deal?

QV- It’s usually in the morning. And today, I’ve been up since five this morning, working and running. So I’ll probably take a good 10 to 15 minutes to ground myself before going through the rest of my day. And then I like to get into that practice. I would say it’s less of a meditation in the evening. For me, it’s more visualization. I’m a firm believer that what we input into our minds and our psyches at night, we go into this outer body experience when we sleep, right? Like, the cells regenerate, our body heals, all of this. What also happens is we start to put into our souls, our cells, our spirit, all the things that we wanna manifest, right? And so when we wake up, we’re really in a space of like, chasing after that thing. I’m a firm believer in manifestation, and that’s worked for me for many, many years. And so at night, I turn off all electronic devices. My daughter sleeps with us, so we turn on the cricket sounds. The room is pitch black, and while she’s going to sleep, I’m breathing, but I’m consciously thinking of what it is that I wanna manifest, whether for that moment, for my life, for my children, for my business, for the next day, for the next three months, whatever it is, and I hold that. I embody it as if it already exists, and then I go to sleep with that on my heart.

JL – I just listened to a podcast. I really love Bruce Lipton, who’s been working on health and biology. He’s kind of into this quantum biology. But he was saying that when you’re between the ages of one to seven, your brain is sort of in theta wave, which is a hypnotic state. And the only time you get that as an adult after that is right between deep sleep and awake. And so one of the things that he said is if you want to change the habits that you formed, or the thought processes from that early phase in your life, that that is the best time to do it. So you’re-

QV – I love it.

QV – No, yeah. Equitea was created out of necessity. My son was diagnosed with ADHD. We had done everything from pulling him out of traditional schools. He would do yoga and meditation. He was juicing. He was on a gluten-free diet. I mean, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, talk therapy. And he was still struggling. And so his neurologist suggested he was struggling primarily in school, not in life. He’s never had behavior problems, always had a difficult time academically. And his neurologist has suggested that he drink tea, and green tea specifically. And the idea was the L-theanine, which is naturally occurring in green tea, with the small amount of caffeine would actually mimic the reaction of Adderall, right? But without the risk of dependency or any negative side effects. It would give him a calm focus. But the problem was all of the teas that we would buy at conventional grocery stores, and even natural grocery stores, they were very low quality, had very minimal nutritional value, didn’t taste very well. And so it became a struggle trying to get him to drink these teas. And so my wife and I kind of made the decision that if we were going to even see if this was a viable option, we needed to figure out how to make green tea palatable to a nine-year-old without adding a bunch of sugar and other additives. And so it really started with a lot of trial and error and experimenting with different teas and botanicals and learning as much as we could about teas and countries of origins and flavor profiles. And kind of became a “Dexter’s Laboratory” of sorts and figuring out what worked and what didn’t. And we landed on a blend. It worked for him. It was something that was a part of his day-to-day ritual and routine, became a part of our family’s ritual and routine. At the time, I was an executive working in nonprofit. My wife was an executive. And so I ultimately stepped away from my job due to some racial issues I was dealing with at the time and made the conscious decision to make available to other families what we had created for our own, right? Very similar to my own mental health journey, I realized early on that if I’m struggling with this, that I know countless other families are struggling with it, right? Whether they were struggling directly or with a child, a grandchild, a cousin, a best friend’s child, we’re all impacted by it, right? And so we realized that because we had to create something that there was a need. And we wanted to fill that need. And so Equitea is a mental-health based company. We use adaptogens for all of our teas, for functionality and efficacy. And our aim is to de-stigmatize mental health, democratize the beverage space, while also making accessibility to mental health products more viable and more equitable.

JL: And how is it going? It seems you’re doing incredibly well. You’re getting recognition and support. And I know we love it too. My son has given up the yerba mates that are all the rage, and he’s actually shifted over to Equitea. We’ve tried adding juice to it. But I will say, to anyone out there watching this, don’t add juice. It’s already perfect as it is. And I thought it would be fun to do that as a collaboration, but I’m like, that was my biggest lesson. I’m like, nope, there’s no collab required. Just drink it the way that you made it ’cause it’s perfect as it is.

QV – Thank you so much. Well, it’s interesting. I need to get you some cases of, we just reformulated. So it’s the same formulation, but we enhanced some flavors. It’s slightly sparkling now.

JL: Oh.

QV – And so we finished production a few weeks ago, and we’ll be launching a new flavor. It’s a peach ginger white tea that we go into production on Thursday. So I’ll make sure you and your son get some ’cause, what we had before was incredible, and this is even better. So yeah. But thank you for that. And it’s going well. We’re sold nationwide in 400 Sprouts. We ship nationwide via our website equitea.com, and we’re gaining some great traction and interest from a few other major retailers. And so we’re in early conversations, but hopefully I’ll have some more exciting news to share in the weeks to come.

JL: Amazing. Amazing. Let’s talk a little bit about juicing as well. So you had this green juice. Can we talk about your green juice? And here’s an example of green juice.

QV – My green juice, when I first started juicing, was interesting. It was the day that I was still taking pills, I was still addicted to pills. And I had just gotten out of the hospital, and I was like, “You know what? I’m not gonna take these pills anymore.” And I ended up being rushed to the emergency room ’cause what I didn’t realize is the amount of pills that I was taking was so high that stopping could have caused me to die, right? And so the one thing that was killing me was also keeping me alive. So it was a bit of a challenging thing to conceptualize, right? And so I came home, and I was like, “All right, I have to figure out how to do this.” I wanted to find other people who had healed themselves from different things. And that led me down a path of watching “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” with Joe Cross, who I ended up meeting and getting a chance to actually like, hug in person because he contributed to him sharing his story. Again, a shared experience can be a saved life. Him sharing his story led me down the path of thinking that it was for me. Though he was battling obesity and an autoimmune disease, and I was battling anxiety and prescription drug addiction, the possibility existed. Right after that, I saw “Crazy Sexy Cancer” with Kris Carr, who was fighting stage four cancer using things like enemas and veganism and yoga and meditation and juicing. And everything that I was watching at the time, the commonality was juicing. And so it was like two in the morning. I was at my apartment in Cockeysville, which is a suburb of Baltimore County. And they have a 24-hour Walmart. And I went out and bought a Jack LaLanne juicer from Walmart at two o’clock in the morning. I went out to the produce section. I bought a ton of fruits, vegetables, things I’d never eaten before. It was like, screw it, I’m gonna try to juice it. And I didn’t know how to juice properly, so I would juice every ingredient individually and put them into separate containers. And then I would take a cup, and I would pour each one in individually until it got to the flavor that I wanted.

JL: That’s good.

QV – Most of it was, I would say for the like, the first two weeks was trash. I was like, “Whoever’s drinking this is like, crazy. I don’t know if I can do it.” And then I started watching YouTube videos, how to juice properly. That green juice with the kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, ginger, apple, that was the first juice that I actually learned how to make properly. I adjusted the recipe a little bit to fit my palate, but that juice was the foundational juice that I drank to help me get off of prescription drugs. It also helped to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

JL: I think you mentioned it was trash in your book too. I wanna say that I read that.

QV – It was awful. I was like, “This is disgusting.” I’ve never liked salad and I hated the juice even more. I was like, “I may as well just eat the salad.” But then I knew that if it was working for other people, I knew that I was screwing it up, and I needed to figure it out. And so that’s what kept me going. And then I was like, “Oh, I can make this taste good, and it’s also making me feel good.” Like, eureka.

JL: Yeah.

QV – A stronghold. Yeah.

JL: I love that green juice. I’ve been replacing the spinach with green cabbage, and instead of celery I’ve been doing a lemon. But lemon or lime is good. And I think that one is great. I actually tried putting a little bit of Stevia leaf in today ’cause a friend of mine is growing the Stevia plant. And I like to chew on the leaf, but I don’t think it worked very good in the juice. So it’s still a work-in-progress. I would call that one a trash juice as well. But I had to try it.

QV – It was probably better than the first juices I made, I guarantee you. I couldn’t even finish them. I was like, “Look, I’m spending all my money on this produce. I’m wasting it. Like, this is awful.”

JL: Did you notice a difference right away? I believe when we talked once you said you noticed a difference pretty quick.

QV – Once I got the hang of it and really started to like it, I used to get like, and still sometimes I’ll get it, depending on what juices I make, I’ll get what I call a juice buzz. Where my body is absorbing so many nutrients at one time that like, I’ll feel intoxicated. And so I did. I felt the difference immediately. Again, it helped with, you know, when people say, “Oh, your withdrawal symptoms,” I mean, I quit taking pills and smoking cigarettes in the same year all from doing yoga, juicing, meditation, and my evening cup of tea. And so two of the things that are typically the hardest things to quit, I was able to do them successfully without ever really remembering any withdrawal symptoms, because I was drinking 38 to 62 ounces of juice every day.

JL: Yeah. I worked at Free & Clear in Seattle and learned it’s a smoking cessation program that is also run by states. And it’s harder to quit smoking than it is heroin. And so to do that without medication, those two, is amazing. You also mentioned there was something about the whole process of juicing. And, I mean, that’s actually something that I love, and Hillary Phelps talks about that too. It’s the meditation of the vegetables. Not only the physical, but the smells and everything.

QV – Smell it.

JL: Do you wanna talk about that at all, or?

And so if you can maintain that gut health and maintain cellular strength at an early age, the breakdown in the repair is less. We still see things like, live it up in your 20s ’cause come 30, 40, 50, it’s all downhill. And it’s like, how about maybe we incorporate some things that don’t break us down so fast that are cool and beautiful and wonderful? It doesn’t mean that healthy has gotta be boring and too green. Like you said, it doesn’t have to be trash, it can be beautiful and fun and a way to bring people together. That’s me, though.

QV: And delicious, right? I’ll turn 40 this month. People still don’t think I’m outside of my 30s. Being healthy is the cool thing to do. It’s like you pay for it now, or you pay for it later. Either way, you’re gonna pay for it. I’d rather be in my 40s and still be able to do my yoga practice and walk and hike and play with my kids and run and play basketball on the court. I know people that are 35 years old that can’t do it. My daughter is two years old. She starts her day with a green juice. She starts her day with a cup of tea. Now we’re using E3Live. The whole family. It’s the way we are now, right? And so, being healthy is the new cool.

JL – And our bodies thank us. I mean, how did being healthy not be cool? That’s what I don’t understand. How did that not be cool? I don’t know. But it’s nice to see generations smarter, than my generation was, where that was not cool. It was how bad can you treat yourself and then get up and do whatever you do. So I know. Yeah.

QV: For me, in my culture and where I came from I grew up in a food desert. We didn’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. When we went to the grocery store, our kale looked like the drug addict that was on the corner. Slumped over and dark. It’s like, why would I ever wanna buy that and put that into my body. And when we did eat vegetables, it was like kale and collard greens. And we were cooking it, mixing it with a bunch of salt and seasonings and turkey necks and ham hocks and all of these other things to add flavor because that’s ancestrally what we had. And so we made do with it, right? But for us, it was more of an accessibility thing. And so when I got older and was able to graduate from my neighborhood grocery store to a natural grocery store, or to be able to get organic or whatever it may be, the door opened up. And because it opened up for me, I was like, “Okay, I need to introduce this to everybody else.” So I had my mom drinking juice. I had my father drinking juice. I had, my uncles and aunts and cousins drinking juice. It was a thing. I like to think that, because of my journey, I had a hand in being able to offer that and provide that to other people. And now I’m doing the same thing, still with juice, but also now with tea. So it’s a great full circle moment.

JL – I have a sibling who has ADHD that was diagnosed as an adult. So I hope that he starts to drink that too, because there’s plenty of people of all ages that still have it. And I think our young boys also naturally gravitate toward the higher energy and toward a different type of concentration. So I know for my son, he struggled too. And there were many times when people wanted to put him on medication, and I’m like, “Absolutely not. Absolutely not.” I know what my body does on it, and that is a hard no. Until it is destructive to many people, there’s no way. But you found a solution that I never did, so I’m so grateful that you did that. And I hope that more and more kids and parents, ’cause there’s a lot of parents too out there, even if you’re on social media. I’ve pretty much diagnosed myself with ADHD. I mean, all you need is a couple memes that pretty much confirm we all need to drink that tea.

QV – Yeah. And we all need to drink that juice. It is not like the coffee-tea battle. Like, either you love coffee and hate tea, or you love tea and hate coffee. Or you have some people that are kind of in the middle, right? But with this, it’s not an either/or. It’s and/both. We need the juice, we need the tea, we need yoga, we need meditation, we need the sun. These are all things that we need for a holistic, well-rounded way to be well.

JL: Yeah. And I know that you’ve had the juicer for over a year now. And I was wondering, how would you describe the PURE Juicer over the other juicers that you’ve had? I mean, do you find that, yeah, what is your experience with it?

QV: I think for me personally, the PURE Juicer is by far my favorite juicer that I’ve ever had. And I’m not saying that because like, we’re on this podcast. If it was trash, I’d say it was trash. I don’t know how to not be honest. What’s interesting, and quite frankly, I still don’t understand, is how the juice comes out to be so creamy. When you said it at first, you were like, “All right, you’re going to experience a creamy juice.” And I was like, “What the hell is creamy juice? Like, what is this? What does that mean? And I know what it means now. My sister-in-law came over here for a birthday, for her and her husband, and they were talking about how they went out and bought ginger juice shots. And I was like, “From the store?” And they were like, “Yeah.” I was like, “Nah, I got something way better. That’s gonna be trash. Let me make you something.” They’re like, “No, no, no. Don’t go through it.” Listen, it’s gonna take me five minutes, right? I’ve got an apple, I got some ginger. Let me make you this. I made them the shot. They were blown away. We’ll talk about this more offline, but they wanna buy a juicer now. And so everybody that I introduced this to, they know I’m a juicer. They’ve never had juice taste like this before. I will like, literally just press grapes and drink grape juice that is rich and sweet and creamy. And it has the color from the skin. It’s like when you juice with this machine, you know that you’re getting the best of the best from every fruit and vegetable that you put in. It’s a powerful machine. It’s heavy as hell, but it is an incredibly powerful machine that will literally transform the texture and flavor of these fruits and vegetables. It’s incredible the way that it works. I still don’t know how or why. I don’t know the science behind it, but it’s an amazing machine.

JL: We are working on some science around it because if you taste the PURE versus other juice from other juicers, it is thicker. We know that if you press a papaya, ’cause you can, I don’t know if you’ve done that, but you can make papaya juice. So you cut the ends, you cut the middle, take the seeds out, or not. It depends on what you want. But then if you put them side to side, like with the skins, and you press it, the only thing left from the papaya is the skin.

QV – Wow.

JL: So there is something to be said for soluble fiber, which is in juice. And we don’t talk about that because many people tell people that it’s just sugar water. And a lot of juice is sugar water, so they’re right in some instances. But there’s also a level of other fiber. There’s so many more than just soluble or insoluble. So I’m getting to the bottom of it, but I don’t have the science of it yet. But yes, there is something to be said for it. And that fine mesh cloth that strains everything ensures that it is silky, creamy, and very easy to drink.

QV – Yeah, it’s incredible. Like I said, my daughter drinks juice every morning. She’s two. I mean, it’s an everyday thing. We make pops. So we’re not buying strawberry or mango pops in the box from the grocery store. We literally bought molds, and I’ll juice apple, put some strawberry in there. We did peach and grape. We’ve done the strawberry apple. We’ve done a straight up grape. I’ve done grape and pomegranate.

JL: Oh.

QV – And in pops. And all the kids, like, I got them for my two-year-old, and now we gotta get more molds because the older kids want to eat all of them.

JL – I cannot wait for the pomegranate season to come back because I am craving the pomegranates and the cranberries and the grapes. Those three are magic on all levels. Flavor, health, everything.

QV: Watermelon. I mean, I juice the whole watermelon. Like, the rind, skin, everything. And normally in a regular juicer, if you juice all of that, the juice comes out like, really dark and dirty looking. But with the PURE Juicer, it’s still that bright, vibrant color. There’s no oxidation happening, so you’re keeping all of those live enzymes intact. The bioavailability is so much greater, and it makes you want to drink it. It’s not a chore.

JL: Next up, you have to try shaved ice because you can take your grape juice, or whatever juices you’re making with your daughter, and just throw ice cubes into stage one. And you don’t need a grid plate or anything, so keep it without the grid,

QV: Really?

JL: and it’ll shave the ice perfectly.

QV: Just add the grape juice. I’m making it tonight. I’m gonna do it tonight. It’s done.

JL: It’s so good. It’s so good. Please let me know.

QV: It’s incredible. It’s an incredible machine.

JL: I’m so glad you have it, and I’m glad that you’re able to use it with your family. I mean, that is the story that we hear. But I also believe, and PURE believes, that the best juicer is the one that you have. So it doesn’t really matter what the juicer is, as long as you’re taking those steps to give your body what it needs to take care of itself and find balance, which you have demonstrated beautifully.

QV: Thank you.

JL: Yeah. Is there anything else? How can we follow? Do we go to Equitea? Do we go to Quentin Vennie? Like, what are the ways that we can follow up with you for anyone who’s watching this?

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

What is Potassium’s Job?

Potassium plays a vital role in keeping our bodies running smoothly. Often called an electrolyte, it carries an electrical charge that wakes up our nerves and cells, getting them ready for action. Potassium ensures that the fluid levels inside our cells are just right, while its partner, sodium, manages the fluid outside. Potassium is also essential to our muscles, helping them contract and contributes to maintaining healthy blood pressure. 

What Are Your Potassium Daily Needs?

The recommended daily intake of potassium varies based on age, sex, and overall health. However, generally speaking, adults are advised to consume around 2,600 to 3,400 milligrams (mg) of potassium each day. We found this great tool that gives you points for every type of fruit or vegetable you’d like to juice.

For example, our easy green detox juice has 88 points!

It’s important to note that specific potassium requirements can differ based on factors such as physical activity level, certain medical conditions (e.g., kidney problems), and medications you might be taking. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the right potassium intake for your unique needs and circumstances.

Potassium and Health

Because of potassium’s wide-ranging roles in the body, low intakes can increase the risk of illness. There are four diseases and disorders in which lack of potassium might be involved: 1) hypertension and stroke, 2) kidney stones, 3) bone health, 4) blood glucose control and type 2 diabetes.

How it Affects Kidney Health

Potassium is very important for kidney health. Adequate potassium intake can help regulate blood pressure and encourage the excretion of excess sodium through urine, which helps prevent sodium-induced increases in blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure is vital for kidney health, as elevated blood pressure can strain the blood vessels in the kidneys and lead to kidney damage over time.

Additionally, the kidneys hold the vital role of filtering waste and excess substances from the blood to create urine. Potassium is one of the electrolytes that must be properly balanced to support this filtration process. Imbalances in potassium levels can disrupt kidney function and lead to issues like kidney stones. Cold-pressed juices are a great way to balance those electrolytes and support healthy kidney function.

Foods High in Potassium

Overall, it’s really simple to get your daily share of potassium.  You can eat the following foods, or juice any combo of fruits and veggies on the list.  Share with us your favorite potent potassium punch!

Easy Cold-Pressed Juices Loaded with Potassium

Here are a few of our favorite tasty, juicy ways to get the proper daily intake of potassium:

Grapefruit Goodness

4 Grapefruit 

1 – 3” Turmeric

Yield –  24 oz

Cool Cantaloupe Cucumber 

½ cantaloupe (pressed)
1 cucumber (grid #10 grind and press)
1 lime (pressed)

Yield – 20 oz

Watermelon Beet Lime

1 small watermelon (remove rind, press)
2 limes (press)
1 medium to small beet (#10 grid, grind and press) 

Yield – 2 liters

Pro-Tip: Beets may have kick-back, so cover the feed chute when grinding (stage one).

Another delicious way to get your potassium allowance is by making this awesome smoothie bowl!

Sources:

• Harvard School of Public Health: Potassium | The Nutrition Source: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/potassium/#:~:text=Potassium%20is%20found%20naturally%20in,and%20supports%20normal%20blood%20pressure.

• Healthline: What Does Potassium Do for Your Body? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-potassium-do

• American Heart Association: How Potassium Can Help Control High Blood Pressure: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure 

• Cleveland Clinic: 10 Foods That Are High in Potassium: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-foods-that-are-high-in-potassium/

• Medical News Today: What to know about potassium levels and kidney disease: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kidney-disease-and-potassium#:~:text=Potassium%20is%20a%20mineral%20and,complications%20that%20affect%20the%20kidneys.

• DaVita: Potassium and Chronic Kidney Disease: https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/basics/potassium-and-chronic-kidney-disease

• PubMed Central: Effect of Potassium Citrate on Calcium Phosphate Stones: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657843/

• NYU Langone Health: Medications & Dietary Changes for Kidney Stones: https://nyulangone.org/conditions/kidney-stones/treatments/medications-dietary-changes-for-kidney-stones

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

In today’s blog, I get to highlight my favorite aspect of working at PURE Juicer, and that is seeing people’s transformations and witnessing how juicing changes lives for the better. I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Boyle who tells her story about getting started with juicing, improving her migraines, and sharing her passion for wellness with loved ones. In this conversation, Nicole takes us through her juicing journey, while debunking misconceptions, exploring new recipes, and discovering great improvements to her health. We’ll learn how Nicole seamlessly incorporates juicing into her weekly routine, reaping the amazing health benefits, and sharing these joyful moments with her precious daughter!

Link to YouTube Video Interview: https://youtu.be/YIg_bcX4NbA

– Hello everybody. Jen Longtin here from PURE Juicer. I am so excited to have Nicole Boyle with us today. She is the co-founder of The Social Headquarters out on the east coast. She has a daughter, and an amazing story about juicing and it’s help with her migraines. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Nicole for close to two years now. Welcome, Nicole!

NB

– Yes! I’m excited to be here and to talk about juicing and everything. It’s definitely been a fun thing to do with my daughter, Olivia. It’s a fun way for us to bond as well as all the health benefits. So, I’m excited!

JL

People aren’t here to listen to me. They want to hear your story. So, if you could share your story about juicing and what it was like before and now that you’re juicing and what you’ve noticed since you’ve started. I think that would be perfect.

NB

Yeah, definitely. So I got started juicing consistently over this past winter. When we were having a conversation, I was telling you about how I was getting a ton of migraines and they were getting so bad, to the point where I would just be done for the day and nothing really worked for it. So I started juicing and I made it more of a consistent thing. In the beginning it was a few times per week and now I’m at the point where I try to, at least Monday through Friday, always have like one to two cold-pressed juices each day. And I know it’s getting better, it’s really good!  I feel like over these past few months I’ve seen so many different changes. So when I first started I was the type of person that would go to Starbucks every morning, grab my refresher or a coffee and start my day. And now it’s become grabbing the juice out of my fridge. I feel like that benefit has been huge and my headaches have been starting to get better and things like that. I feel like it’s helping on that side as well. It’s definitely been awesome!

JL

That’s amazing. What I love too is that you were somewhat reluctant in the beginning. Pain motivates us all. I’m so glad that it turned into a positive. There’s something that’s interesting too is that when I started juicing, I was not vegan. But when I started to juice, I lost all interest in meat. Like I did not crave it. And when I smelled it, I did not want it. And the only thing that was different was juicing.

So it doesn’t surprise me at all that, you know, for you with the caffeine, that your body just doesn’t want it anymore. I also love that you listen to your body and that it’s like, I’m good.

NB

Right. Especially ’cause once you get started into juicing, you learn about all the health benefits of fruits, vegetables, and all these things. So you’re like, I could have this in the morning and start my day off good, as opposed to like a coffee or something that’s loaded with sugar and stuff like that. So yeah, it’s definitely been something that I’m trying to stay consistent with.

JL

What juices are you making these days? What are your go-tos or your favorite?

NB

I’ll say my go-to one is definitely always beet, pineapple and ginger. It’s just one of the ones that I liked from the get-go. I think previously I thought juicing had to taste gross and like it was your typical cold-pressed green juice. It was never something that I thought would be good. So I first had pineapple juice, beet juice and ginger and I just love it. I make that religiously, every single week just because for me, with being so busy, just having my go-to one, you learn how to make it, it’s quick, it’s fast. But then I sometimes add in celery, lemon, limes or carrot and apples is another big one that I do. So those would kind of be my go-to, it’s really good.

JL

Then Olivia, your daughter who’s three, loves to juice. I have the cutest video of you guys, like the pineapple. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen because she snuck it, right?

NB

Yeah, literally. So I record myself juicing and I was rewatching one of the times we did it and her new thing is now licking the pineapple ’cause she loves to, when we have all the beets and everything all grinded up, she likes to be the one to put it on top of the pineapple before we wrap it up. And so I was doing something over on the press and I re-watched the video and she’s licking all the pineapples! So if you ever get juice made from us…

 Her favorite is definitely pineapple strawberry. Of course, being a kid that’s kind of like her go-to. But I’ve taken that pineapple strawberry and turned it into freeze pops for her.

JL

That’s amazing. I bet if you throw some greens into it, even some softer ones like spinach or romaine – it’s so light and watery that it’s a great one to add in there. If you can add celery or romaine to that I think that would be wonderful.

And it’s really good, it’s got a high level of  protein. Mimi Kirk in her book says that it’s got one of the highest levels of protein of any green.

NB

Yeah. So I’ll have to do that next. We just juiced this morning and as soon as she knows I take the bags out of the freezer she instantly pulls up her stool to the counter and gets ready to juice. She has to be the one to fold it and do everything. It’s definitely become a good way for us to bond which is awesome because I never anticipated her being interested in the thing. So yeah, it’s really cool!

JL

You can get comfortable juicing with a PURE Juicer because it looks complicated, but…What was the learning curve like for you?

NB

Yeah, I want to say it’s a lot more intimidating at first and then maybe a week or so into it you get more comfortable. You get more comfortable with the dial when you turn it up to press and just know what to do at first. So I would say probably within the first month it just became faster and second nature.

But that’s also why in the beginning I stuck with like a few recipes just to get familiar with doing those. So it became faster, especially with juicing in the morning. I just want to make sure it’s fast and things go well.

JL

Yeah, good for you! That’s about right. And everything can be done the same or it can be done differently depending on how you like to do it. I mean I like to have the best experience for each thing so I like to switch it up and adjust based on that. But it also doesn’t have to be like that either. You can stick with your 10 grid or whichever one you like the best.

NB

Yeah I think that’s one of the other misconceptions that I had before which was that there were set instructions you had to follow. But it’s not the case. Like you said, the juicer’s so good in the sense that you can find what works for you. Of course there are the guidelines and things like that but it makes it so simple. Sometimes I just see what’s left in my fridge and put things together and again you get familiar with either the bags or the clothes and you find what works. I feel it’s a lot easier than what I thought beforehand. It’s not a set plan or anything that you have to follow too much, which makes it easy.

JL

For anyone getting started and I would say with juicing in general, because you were new to juicing as well as new to PURE. What did you learn or what would you tell yourself before PURE Juicer and before you started juicing, about getting started and to get yourself started sooner or to take the fear away from it?

NB

I think that it isn’t going to take as much time as you think. It can easily flow in my schedule. Especially with having Olivia getting out the door fast in the morning. Especially with owning a business, it can fit right into my schedule easily. Typically on Sundays I’ll make cold-pressed juice for the first half of the week and then Wednesdays or Thursdays making juice for the second half. And it’s just what works. Honestly, just get started finding a recipe or two in the beginning. I think another important thing is to just try a bunch of different things until you find something that you like. I remember one of the first recipes I did when I first made the beet ginger and pineapple juice, I put too much beet and it was just way too much. But you learn as you go and figure out the amounts you need. I like to taste-test as I go. So that’s what works best.

JL

Tasting changes over time too, because what you taste a lot you get used to and then you can take a little bit more especially with beets. Beets and ginger, right? Starting off small, you’re like, ooh, I kind of like that bite. Or I like that extra earthy flavor or something.

NB

And the other thing that’s changed, that I didn’t anticipate changing, I was never one to add beets or ginger to anything. And now ‘cause of the health benefits, I remember learning from you, to have beets more often. So I think that was a big motivator. But now I actually, like you said, enjoy the taste and I look forward to the ginger. When I run outta ginger I’m like, ugh, this juice isn’t going to be as good!

JL

Right and you think about nitric oxide, which is really high in beets and how that helps open your blood vessels. And that’s known mainly for cardiovascular but also for all of the vasculature in your brain as well. So if you can do anything to naturally give your body some relief in the pressure as well as the anti-inflammatories of the ginger. I mean, what a great combination. And I love that you intuitively created that and that’s your go-to cold pressed juice. I love that. And I absolutely believe that our bodies know what we need. And that’s such a great suggestion to just try a bunch of things too. ’cause you don’t know what you need until you try it.

NB

Yeah, exactly. And you just kind of find something that you like the taste of and you just kind of, again, just keep making it and keep going. And of course, PURE’s Instagram page is huge, it comes with a little cookbook of recipes and things like that. So that’s also super helpful, especially when coming up with different ideas. 

JL

You’ll have to try some of the mocktails. I don’t remember if we put beet in any of them but we did one with cherries, fig and pears. So when you have your next social HQ event or a retreat or something, you can make a bunch of that and sip on it. It’s got such great flavor. You don’t even need spices or anything but you certainly can if you want to.

NB

I’ll definitely try that! I know sometimes when I go to meet my mom in the morning…She watches Olivia during the day and I’ll make her juice. I think the other fun part is getting to make other people stuff. I wouldn’t say I do that too often but definitely when I get to, it’s awesome.

JL

Yeah, those are all my favorite things. Like when you get to do it with your kids, share it with the people that you love. I started juicing for my parents too and now they’re eating more vegetables and fruits than ever before. And that’s just amazing when we as women put our health first all of a sudden it starts to extend to all of the people that we care about.

NB

It’s so true. And that’s also something I wanted Olivia to see me prioritizing some of these things. It just seemed like such a fluid way to do it by including her in and getting to go through kind of all of this. It’s definitely kick-started a wellness journey too, which is really cool.

JL

So cool. I’m so happy for you! Were there any surprises about PURE Juicer that you had a conception as, maybe it was too complicated, it would be too messy, or anything in your mind that surprised you now that you juice as often as you do?

NB

Yes, I would say in the beginning when I first got it, I remember thinking cleaning it was going to be hard.  But now it’s honestly so quick. You just take the different parts off, quickly rinse them, and it’s so fast. It doesn’t take long at all, just a few minutes. That was definitely something I was like, “Wow this is a lot easier and not as time consuming as I was thinking it would be.” Which is awesome. And the other thing I still feel surprised at after all these months is how much juice comes out!  When you use the PURE and for pineapples as you know, you put it in the cloth and fold it and then you keep folding it. Olivia and I are just like, “oh my God, look, more juice!”  That’s another huge benefit is how strong the press is.

JL

Oh my gosh, I can’t wait. I’ve got a huge watermelon that I’m about to press and it’s just going to be a continuum. 

Yes.

More, there’s more.

NB

Yeah you literally just want to get every last little bit. It becomes like this prized possession and you don’t want to waste anything.

JL

You don’t, because you don’t have to. You get to do it as many times as you want. If you’re too busy you don’t have to and you’re still ahead. So that’s what I always tell myself.

 Is there anything else that you want to share about juicing, health, your experience, PURE Juicer, anything else? This has been so helpful and so interesting.

NB

I know the time has flown by! I would just say one other little tip – if you’re just getting started, have the periodic table chart. I feel like that became my best friend in the beginning just to look up, if I want to add lemon, what grid do I need to use? What’s the best way to do it? That honestly saved so much time. I feel for me, who wants to do things like I said by a set plan, just made it so easy to do so.

JL

I’ve been using the periodic table more and more and I really love the change that we had. We just added sexual health, and I feel like for the younger generations where there’s just so much change that’s happened that it’s not just for performance but it’s for reproductive health. I’m really, really excited to have that on there. I’m thrilled to have watermelon in there and beets.

Beets are so good together. I also love that we’ve shifted away from sort of cancer prevention and more focused on full body health.

Much more of a mentality for me, a more positive focus. Full body health is the same idea of getting rid of the things that no longer serve your body. I would’ve never, so jackfruit is in there which should really only be turned into ice cream but I never would’ve juiced asparagus, and let’s be real I’m not going to juice asparagus probably ever again. But I could if I wanted to if I wanted to show people that I could. So yeah, I love that suggestion and I really, really am grateful that David and Dr. Ruhoy put that together. And thanks for bringing that up

NB

Yeah I literally made a special spot in the cabinet with all my stuff now and it’s pinned there so it’s easy anytime I’m creating something new, I just reference it.

JL

Wonderful, this was amazing. I hope everyone here enjoyed this interview. I hope you got some tips. If you have any questions or want to know more about Nicole’s recipes, we’ll make sure and get those posted so that if you want to try them especially with your young ones too, now that we know that they’ve been taste-tested and kid approved! Thank you again, Nicole. I’m so grateful that you’re part of the PURE Juicer community and part of our lives.

NB

Yes, thank you, Jen.

As Nicole has shared, your introduction to the world of PURE Juicer doesn’t have to be intimidating and it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Enjoy the process of experimenting with new recipes and trying them out with friends and family. From dispelling misconceptions to embracing healthy habits, Nicole’s story showcases the true magic of incorporating juicing into our daily routines. The health improvements she experienced serve as a testament to the life-altering potential of this wellness practice. Specifically, how cold-pressed juice helped to heal her chronic migraines. When Nicole began consistently juicing, she cut out caffeine from her morning routine. Caffeinated beverages act as diuretics, which are substances that cause an increase in urine production. When we don’t compensate for this effect with adequate hydration, it causes us to become dehydrated, making them a prime contributor to headaches. Juices, on the other hand, are composed of hydrating fruits and vegetables, many of which are made of 80% water or more! Hence, this healthy switch to start the day made a tremendous difference in Nicole’s migraines.

Benefits:

• Leafy Greens: high in magnesium, potassium and calcium which have a nerve and muscle relaxing effect thus reducing inflammation and tension headaches
• Celery: Celery has a high water content, which helps keep you hydrated
• Pineapple: has anti-inflammatory effects via compounds such as bromelain, which can help to relieve headaches
• Cucumber: high water content, helpful in preventing or easing headaches caused by dehydration
• Lemons: lemons are acidic in nature, but they have an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized. Some headaches may be associated with increased acidity, and consuming alkalizing foods like lemons may help balance the body’s pH levels.
• Ginger: ginger has natural pain-relieving properties. Some migraines are triggered by the activation of pain pathways in the brain, and ginger may help alleviate headache pain by blocking these pain signals.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic “Caffeine: Is it dehydrating?”

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeinated-drinks/faq-20057965#:~:text=As%20a%20chemical%2C%20caffeine%20increases,of%20urine%20the%20body%20makes. 

• Cleveland Clinic: “Dehydration Headache”

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21517-dehydration-headache#:~:text=People%20who%20aren’t%20hydrated,you%20prevent%20a%20migraine%20attack.

• Harvard Health: “Can dehydration cause headaches?”

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/can-dehydration-cause-headaches

• Harvard Health: “Fresh juice”

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fresh-juice-drinks-healthy-seem-2016072910044

• MyFood Data: “17 Fruits Highest in Water”

https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/fruits-high-in-water.php

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

Did you know that stage one of the PURE Juicer can make outrageous snow cones to enjoy in the summer, or anytime you crave one?  We have been playing in the test kitchen and we came up with five of the tastiest (and healthiest) shaved ice/snow cone recipes we think you are gonna wanna try. We hope you will be inspired to come up with your favorite snow cone creations!

Steps to Make Delicious Shaved Ice at Home (*it’s so easy)!

Step One: Make Perfect Shaved Ice:

The basic ingredient for each recipe here is ice. Ice just needs to fit through the feed chute as the grinder is strong enough to break any kind of ice down. No grid required! We did an Instagram live a while back and learned a valuable lesson…do not use a grid plate. This will ensure nothing gets stuck. The ice will come through on the other side and be perfect for your dessert.

We used about 1.5 cups of ice for one serving since the ice shrinks down after grinding. Then we formed the shaved ice with an ice cream scoop (a large cookie scoop works great too). 

Step Three: Add Toppings!

After the juice, we add our favorite fruit toppings. What do you crave? At PURE Juicer, we love adding seasonal fresh fruit. It bursts with flavor and color. But add what you have, what you crave, and what makes you happy! There is no right or wrong with shaved ice.

Step Four: Top with Sweetened Condensed Milk .

Lastly, we topped our shaved ice with some sweetened condensed milk (vegan condensed milk works great). This is optional, but highly recommended! We picked this up from a shaved ice store in Japan and are very into this trend now. Sweetened condensed milk brings all of the flavors together and adds a creamy texture to this treat. We used bee pollen in one recipe. It came from David’s bees (did you know David is a beekeeper?) so we know it was from a trusted source. More about David’s bees in this blog: https://blog.purejuicer.com/2022/05/18/national-bee-day-is-may-20th/

Cold-Pressed Juice + Shaved Ice from the PURE Juicer Test Kitchen:

1. Berries-Sweetened with sweetened condensed milk (vegan or dairy) and bee pollen

2. Orange-Mango-Berry

3. Watermelon-lime-mint

4. Pineapple-Honeydew-Aloe

5. Cucumber-mint (picture not shown)

Health Benefits

• Save on the Sugar: With our shaved ice recipes, you won’t have to worry about artificial flavorings, heapings of added sugar, corn syrup or any other harmful ingredients!
• Antioxidant Rich: Berries are loaded with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and vitamin C which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. 
• Immune Support: Thanks to their vitamin C content, oranges and mangos can bolster the immune system, helping the body defend against a summer cold.
• Eye Health: Mangoes are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are beneficial for maintaining healthy eyesight and preventing age-related macular degeneration.
• Promotes Digestion: The fiber content in honeydew aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. Fiber also promotes a healthy gut by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Hydration: Icey desserts are not only refreshing, but incredibly hydrating! Keep cool this summer and enjoy an extra boost of hydration via our watermelon and cucumber recipes. Watermelon and cucumber are composed of over 90% water, making them the perfect ingredients for any summer treat.
• Potential Weight Management: Made with pure, healthy ingredients our shaved ice is a low calorie treat that you can savor without straying off your health journey.
• Blood Sugar Control: Low-calorie desserts often have a lower glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels compared to high-calorie, sugary desserts. This makes our shaved ice recipes a potential alternative for individuals with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Sources

• Oxford University “Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins”  https://academic.oup.com/advances/article/11/2/224/5536953 
• Healthline “7 Reasons to Eat More Citrus Fruits” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/citrus-fruit-benefits
• Mayo Clinic Health System “Citrus Fruits”  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/boost-your-senses-with-citrus-fruits
• Cleveland Clinic “Health Benefits of Watermelon”  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-watermelon/
• Cleveland Clinic “6 Health Benefits of Cucumbers”  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-cucumbers/
• Harvard School of Public Health “Vitamin C The Nutrition Source” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
• PubMed Central “Low-Glycemic-Index/Load Desserts Decrease Glycemic and Insulinemic Response in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus”  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400801/
• Cleveland Clinic “Glycemic Index and How It Affects Your Diet”  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/glycemic-index/ 

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

With the freshest flavors and ingredients, mocktails provide the same delicious taste as a cocktail, without the headache the next morning.  Unlike alcohol, which is a powerful diuretic, mocktails actually hydrate your body.  Instead of being parched after cocktails, you are quenched!

Cold pressed juices not only contain essential vitamins and minerals, they make the best mocktails that are perfect for summer days. These mocktails are a great way to stay healthy and hydrated while enjoying a delicious drink. Cold pressed juices in the PURE juicer are made by applying extreme pressure to fruits and vegetables to extract their juice, without using heat or preservatives. This process keeps all of the nutrients in the juice intact, which means that the mocktails made with cold pressed juice will contain significantly more vitamins and minerals than mocktails made with store-bought juices (if those store bought have any at all).

Take our word, you really won’t miss the booze with these mocktail recipes. You may even wish you knew these recipes last summer!  Each mocktail was created using the Periodic Table of Juicing, specifically for your health systems. Free download of the table is here.

2.  Gut Health: Pineapple-Honeydew-Aloe

Press all ingredients (even the aloe).

1. Pineapple
2. Honeydew
3. Aloe
4. Garnish with a simple herb like lavender

The pineapple and honeydew melon are a perfect pair with the bitterness of aloe. Aloe is good for the skin and the gut…but know to only use the gel. No green parts…as they are NOT good for the gut.

4.  Brain Health: Blueberry-coconut-date

1. Blend all or Blend coconut, water, dates + press blueberries
2. Blueberries
3. Dates
4. Coconut

This milky mocktail is great for summer AND winter time. Feel free to add spices to accentuate the season you are in (cinnamon is great in the winter). We poured this with no ice or anything…simply garnished with blueberries on a stick.

Health Benefits Summary:

• Hydration and Cooling Effects: Staying hydrated is vital during the hot summer months, and these nutrient rich fruit mocktails are a delicious way to achieve that goal! Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, and celery are composed of over 90% water, providing an excellent source of hydration.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Oranges, lemons, berries, and watermelon are great sources of vitamin C. Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, also offer vitamins A, K, and folate when incorporated in your diet. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision, bone health, and energy production.
• Brain Health: Our Blueberry-Coconut-Date mocktail offers a brain boost with the powerful properties of this unique trio! Coconuts contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are a type of fat that our bodies convert into ketones, an alternative energy source for the brain. Ketones provide a more efficient energy supply to the brain, which may benefit individuals with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Blueberries are antioxidant rich, so these nutrients protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation which correlate to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Not only are dates a sweet treat, but they are also rich in vitamin B6, which plays a role in brain development and function.
• Antioxidant Power: Berries, pomegranate, and green tea provide a plentiful dose of antioxidants which help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals! They can also have anti-inflammatory effects, which may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
• Smooth Digestion: Ginger and mint are powerful digestive aids and they also work to reduce bloating. These ingredients can also have a soothing effect on the stomach and help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort
• Skin-Soothing Properties: Jicama, kiwi, and nectarine contain Vitamin C which plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis. This process promotes skin elasticity and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Also, these ingredients provide an extra boost of hydration which keeps the skin moisturized and supple.
• Delicious and Alcohol-Free: Mocktails are the perfect alcohol-free alternative to traditional cocktails. They’re a delicious way to stay on track with your health goals and reduce your alcohol consumption!

More mocktail ideas from past blogs:

Chili-Orange-Matcha

Sipping Vinegars

Summer Recipes

Sources:

• Pub Med “Neuroprotective effects of berry fruits on neurodegenerative diseases” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192974/

• Cleveland Clinic “The Sweet Health Benefits of Dates” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-dates/

• Harvard School of Public Health “Antioxidants” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/

• Women’s Health “The 25 Best Foods That Help With Bloating And Gas” https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19997333/foods-to-help-de-bloat/

• Healthline “8 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Jicama” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jicama-nutrition-benefits

• Pub Med “The bioavailability of vitamin C from kiwifruit” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23394985/ 

• Web MD “Foods High in Water” https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-water

• Cleveland Clinic “17 Foods That Are High in Vitamin C” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sources-of-vitamin-c/

• Alzheimer’s Society “Coconut oil and dementia” https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/treatments/alternative-therapies/coconut-oil-and-dementia

• Pub Med “How does coconut oil affect cognitive performance in alzheimer patients?” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28421789/

• Web MD “Medium Chain Triglycerides (Mcts) – Uses, Side Effects, and More” https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-915/medium-chain-triglycerides-mcts

• Ackerman Cancer Center “The Health Benefits of Nectarines and Peaches” https://www.ackermancancercenter.com/the-health-benefits-of-nectarines-and-peaches/

• Pub Med “Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

Prepare to unlock the power of polyphenols! When it comes to healthy eating, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the myriad of health dos and don’ts, and ever-changing advice from the experts. But one term that certainly deserves your attention is polyphenols. These natural compounds are found abundantly in various plant-based foods and beverages and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits. Here we will dive deeper into what exactly polyphenols are, their potential benefits, and where you can find them.

1. What exactly are polyphenols?

Polyphenols are a group of compounds found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beverages like tea and red wine. They are known for their antioxidant properties, which means they help protect our bodies from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive oxygen molecules produced by normal cell processes as well as external factors such as radiation, air pollution, smoking, and chemical exposures. What makes polyphenols truly fascinating is their incredible diversity. With over 8,000 identified types, they come in various forms, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. Each type of polyphenol offers its own set of potential benefits, adding to the excitement of exploring their effects on human health.

2. What are the health benefits of polyphenols?

Research on the benefits of polyphenols is ongoing, but studies have shown promising results. Polyphenols have been associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, various types of cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies show that polyphenols can promote heart health by improving blood pressure, enhancing blood vessel function, and reducing inflammation. Consuming foods rich in polyphenols, such as berries, grapes, green tea, and dark chocolate, may contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols are not to be overlooked, as chronic inflammation is a significant factor in many diseases. These properties can help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially lower the risk of conditions like arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers.

• Plums: Plums, including varieties like black and red plums, contain polyphenols like anthocyanins and phenolic acids. Be sure to incorporate these juicy and healthy fruits!
• Kiwi: Kiwi fruits are not only rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber but also contain a range of polyphenols, including flavonoids, catechins, and anthocyanins. The vibrant green flesh with tiny black seeds adds a delightful visual appeal.

Vegetables

• Broccoli: Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and contains various polyphenols, including flavonoids, glucosinolates, and phenolic acids. These compounds contribute to broccoli’s antioxidant and potential anticancer properties.
• Spinach: Spinach is a leafy green vegetable rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) and phenolic acids. It is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in salads, sautés, or added to smoothies.
• Kale: Kale, another leafy green powerhouse, boasts an array of polyphenols, including flavonoids, glucosinolates, and phenolic acids. It offers a robust nutritional profile and can be enjoyed in salads, soups, or as a side dish.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain various polyphenols, particularly flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, as well as the antioxidant compound lycopene. Cooking tomatoes can enhance the bioavailability of these beneficial compounds.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers, whether red, yellow, orange, or green, contain polyphenols like flavonoids and phenolic acids. They are not only delicious but also provide a range of essential nutrients. Enjoy in salads or as a healthy snack with some hummus!
• Onions: Onions, both red and white varieties, are rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids like quercetin. These compounds contribute to the pungent flavor and potential health benefits of onions.
• Garlic: Garlic is not only a popular flavor enhancer but also a source of polyphenols such as flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. It has been associated with potential cardiovascular and immune-boosting benefits.
• Eggplant: Eggplant, also known as aubergine, contains polyphenols like nasunin, which gives the vegetable its deep purple color. These compounds contribute to eggplant’s antioxidant properties.
• Artichokes: Artichokes are rich in polyphenols, particularly caffeoylquinic acids. These compounds are known for their potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects.
• Red Cabbage: Red cabbage is a colorful cruciferous vegetable that contains various polyphenols, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.

Nuts & Seeds

• Almonds: Almonds are a rich source of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids. Whether in the form of almond butter or in your favorite trail mix, enjoy these yummy nuts for those antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties!
• Walnuts: Walnuts are known for their omega-3 fatty acids, but they also contain polyphenols like ellagitannins and flavonoids.
• Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are small but mighty when it comes to polyphenols. They contain lignans, which are a type of polyphenol known for their potential antioxidant and estrogenic properties.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and a source of polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Sprinkle into your smoothies or enjoy some chia pudding!
• Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, contain polyphenols such as flavonoids and lignans. These are easy to toss into a salad or enjoy on their own as a crunchy snack!
• Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds offer polyphenols, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Throw some into your next salad for an easy way to get those health benefits.

Legumes

• Black Beans: Black beans are a popular legume that contains polyphenols such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.
• Lentils: Lentils, specifically red lentils, are rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids such as catechins and proanthocyanidins. These are a great addition to your next soup recipe!

• Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a versatile legume and contain various polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Toss into a salad or enjoy your favorite hummus to reap these yummy and nutritious benefits.
• Soybeans: Soybeans, commonly consumed in various forms like tofu and soy milk, contain polyphenols called isoflavones. These compounds are known to benefit hormonal balance.
• Green Peas: Green peas are not only a delicious and vibrant vegetable but also a legume rich in polyphenols. They contain various flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute to their antioxidant properties.

Beverages, Herbs, & More

• Green Tea: Green tea is celebrated for its rich polyphenol content, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
• Black Tea: Black tea, derived from the same plant as green tea but undergoing a different processing method, also contains polyphenols, including theaflavins and thearubigins.

• Coffee: Coffee beans contain polyphenols such as chlorogenic acids. The polyphenol content in coffee can vary based on factors like the type of bean and the brewing method. Sit back, relax, and sip your morning coffee with the satisfaction of these super polyphenol benefits!
• Red Wine: Red wine, enjoyed in moderation, is known for its polyphenol content, including resveratrol. Resveratrol has been the focus of research due to its potential cardiovascular benefits.
• Cocoa and Dark Chocolate: Cocoa and dark chocolate are rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids. The higher the cocoa content, the greater the polyphenol concentration. Look for dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa (70% or higher) for optimal polyphenol content!
• Herbal Teas: Herbal teas made from various plants, such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and rooibos, can provide polyphenols. These beverages offer a wide range of flavors and potential health benefits.
• Herbs: Be sure to add in a little extra oregano, rosemary, basil, thyme, mint, sage, or parsley into your next recipe! These herbs all possess polyphenols which contribute to their antioxidant properties.

Our Polyphenol Powerhouse Juices – Inspired by their rich color

1. Red: Pomegranate-Cranberry-Black Grape Juice
2. Green: Kale-Broccoli-Green Cabbage
3. Yellow: Ginger-Lemon-Orange_Turmeric

It’s worth noting that cooking and processing can affect the polyphenol content of foods. For example, boiling vegetables can cause some of the polyphenols to leach out into the cooking water. However, overall, it’s still possible to get a good amount of polyphenols from a healthy, varied diet.  A great way to gain optimal polyphenol benefits is to juice!  Any combo of the fruits and vegetables above make for a delicious, antioxidant-rich elixir.

4. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate polyphenols into your diet (aside from juicing)

• Make an açai bowl – using grid #2 and grinding berries. Top with berries and yogurt.
• Check out our matcha mocktail with orange juice and chili pepper. 
• Make pesto using grid #4 or simply add fresh herbs to any drink. We juice everything from basil, parsley, to rosemary. 
• Consider this shrub (sipping vinegar) made with juice and apple cider vinegar. 
• Swap your usual white rice or pasta for a whole grain variety like quinoa in these hearty soup recipes.

And how about the best carrot cake you have ever had with PURE ground carrots and apples as ingredients?

Conclusion:

Polyphenols may not be as well-known as some other nutrients, but they are undoubtedly valuable to your overall health. By incorporating more polyphenol-rich foods into your diet, you may be able to give your body an extra boost in terms of disease prevention and overall wellness. Our only last tip is to shop with your eyes…find the colors that bring you joy and juice them. They are good for you!

Sources:

• PubMed Central: “Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease”
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835915/
• Pub Med: “Polyphenol intake and mortality risk: a re-analysis of the PREDIMED trial”
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24886552/ 
• European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Identification of the 100 richest dietary sources of polyphenols: an application of the Phenol-Explorer database.”
  • https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2010221
• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Polyphenols and disease risk in epidemiologic studies”
• Science Direct: “Role of the small intestine, colon and microbiota in determining the metabolic fate of polyphenols”
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295217301417 
• Web MD: “Healthy Foods High in Polyphenols”
• Healthline: “Top Foods with Polyphenols”
• UCLA Health: “Polyphenols can be found in many fresh foods”

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

Sneaky Treats!

Discover the delightful world of “nice cream,” a frozen sensation that will captivate your senses. By blending pure, frozen fruit using the PURE Juicer, you can experience the same luscious taste and creamy texture as traditional ice cream, but without any preservatives, dairy or added sugar. Fruits are full of nutrients that our bodies crave and tastebuds love. The rich yellows, purples, and reds all represent unique phytonutrients that also taste remarkable. With the following recipes, you’re just scratching the surface of the endless possibilities that await. Go treat yourself! Simply grab your favorite fruits, freeze them, and blend them into a truly amazing spin on a summertime (anytime) classic. 

Makes 4 servings. The serving size is ½ cup. Run all ingredients through the PURE Juicer grinder using a #2 grid, or blend. (Please note that if you are using a blender, you will need to add milk or water for better blending).

Nice cream for breakfast?  Bet you never had that option as a kid! Use the same technique described above and add your favorite healthy toppings like granola, more fruit, seeds, and nuts. What a satisfying way to start your day!

Link to nice cream video on IG: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuKZPwJr_Vh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Health Benefits:

• Nutrient-Rich: Bananas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, dietary fiber, and magnesium, making it the perfect base for this sweet treat. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including the immune system and nerve function. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries serve as the perfect add-ins as they are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

• Healthy Heart: Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health. Adequate potassium intake helps regulate blood pressure levels and may reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

• Digestive Health: Fruits such as avocado, mango, bananas, and berries are a great source of dietary fiber which promotes healthy digestion. Fiber supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and prevents constipation. Additionally, bananas contain natural compounds called fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which act as prebiotics, nourishing the gut microbiota.

• ​​Energy Boost: As they are rich in carbohydrates, bananas, apples, and pineapples, provide a quick and natural energy boost. The natural sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, are easily digested and converted into energy, making these fruits a popular choice for those in need of a quick energy pick-me-up.

• Cognitive Function: Research suggests that regular consumption of berries, especially blueberries, may help preserve brain health and enhance cognitive function. The antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in berries have been associated with improved memory and delay in age-related cognitive decline.

• Potential Weight Management: Nice cream is a far healthier, more nutritious alternative to traditional ice cream, which is typically high in added sugars and unhealthy fats. By switching out your regular ice cream for some nice cream, you can enjoy a satisfying treat with potentially fewer calories and a higher nutrient content, supporting weight management goals.

Sources:

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Antioxidants: Beyond the Hype https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/
• American Heart Association – Berries and Heart Health https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/07/28/fresh-or-frozen-wild-or-cultivated-what-to-know-about-blueberries-and-health
• Tufts University – Berries and Brain Health   https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/healthy-eating/brain-food/
• Harvard – The Nutrition Source https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/bananas/
• Mayo Clinic – Follow the rainbow to your health https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/follow-the-rainbow-to-your-health#:~:text=Red%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20may,healthy%20eyesight%20and%20night%20vision.
• Cleveland Clinic – What are the best fruits for you? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fruits-that-deserve-the-buzz-your-dietitians-picks/

Link to PToJ for more inspiration: https://purejuicer.com/pages/free-downloads

Savor the sweetness nature has to offer!

So easy. So healthy. So yummy.

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.