Interview by Jen Longtin, PURE Juicer

Our PURE community, made up of vibrant juicers across the globe, are committed to making a difference in their health and the health of others. Our goal is to use these stories as inspiration, and to demonstrate how juicing can help anyone reach new levels of vitality and community.

When we met Erica in 2022, we knew she struggled with auto-immune issues. As a holistic nutritionist who has an inspirational instagram presence (@overcome_autoimmune), she has been quite open about her journey using juicing and raw foods to change her health. We knew that her results had shocked her doctors, but it wasn’t until we did a live with her in October 2022 that we fully understood the role the PURE Juicer had played in the restoration of her health. We are grateful to share her story with you.

Were there certain juices that have helped you the most when you first started juicing?

Celery juice became a daily requirement for me. I dove in deeper, learning all about juicing and the benefits it had to offer. When we read about carrot juice and green juice, those too became a daily requirement. I continued to struggle with edema, and it wasn’t long before I added cucumber juice to the mix. Then, ginger and turmeric for their anti-inflammatory properties. 

How often were you juicing?

I juiced morning and night. My health depended on juice. My body demanded juice.Therefore, I supplied juice. 

My husband, Kyle, sacrificed so much of his time, spending hours in the kitchen using our little juicer. I was consuming all kinds of fruits and vegetables, knowing it was the gateway to health. Our refrigerator looked as though it belonged in a juicery! 

What led you to try the PURE Juicer?

In 2021, I became scared when I realized my weight had plummeted to 79 pounds. I couldn’t understand–even with all the juicing, I was becoming more and more dehydrated. So I kept juicing.  

When my beautiful family friend, Michelle Cunningham, asked me to pay her a visit in Florida and stay a while, she had no idea of my current condition. Once I arrived, she was petrified at my appearance. She then saw how much work I was putting into juicing, day in and out. Kyle wasn’t there to help me, and at the time, I wouldn’t let anyone else help. It was my issue, and therefore, I thought I needed  to “pay the price” and get it done. I knew some people thought all that juice was unnecessary, but I knew God was telling me to keep going. So, I did. 

What was your first impression of the PURE Juicer?

When I made my first glass of juice with the PURE Juicer, I could tell right away I was drinking a higher quality juice. I had hoped the PURE juicer would deliver a higher nutrient value than I was getting from my little juicer, and I could see proof that my hopes were well-founded. I saw the new, radiant color. I tasted the exquisite difference in flavor. I felt an electrical charge as my body took in all the goodness.

This juicer provided me with a larger dose of health. So much in fact, I was able to lower my juice intake because I could feel my body reaching the nutrient criteria it had been thirsting for.  

How are you doing these days?

I am proud to say that all my weight has now returned (plus some), and I am still getting stronger every day. My husband continues to be my biggest supporter and help. He is everything I could have prayed for. He has helped keep me alive and I would not have been able to get through this without him. 

What do you like about using the PURE Juicer?

This juicer has provided more than I could have ever hoped for. It’s the classiest kitchen appliance to place on your counter, it yields more juice and nutrients, it stores your juice longer with less oxidation, it’s fun, and quicker to use. With PURE Juicer, I don’t have to cut my vegetables up into little pieces, I don’t have to put things in one at a time, I don’t have to wait all day for it to be done. I get a quicker return with a cold press. You can’t beat it!

Erica’s Juicing Tips

• PURCHASE PRODUCE OUT OF THE BAG: Don’t get fooled by the fancy labels; if you can purchase a head of romaine or celery out of the bag, do it. It will be cheaper than the name brand.
• BUY IN BULK. Whenever possible, stock up and get the discounts! 
• SHOP AT FARMERS’ MARKETS AND WITH LOCAL VENDORS. Buying produce here will also help you save a buck. You may even be able to work out a deal with them if you share your health goal with them and let them know you will be back to see them frequently! 
• MAKE A HOME FOR EACH SPECIFIC FRUIT OR VEGETABLE IN YOUR FRIDGE. That way, when you’re running low on certain items, you know quickly what needs to be restocked. 
• JUICE THE DAY BEFORE. If you have to be out the door early, or if you have an event you’ll need to prepare for, juice ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
• USE LEMONS, LIMES, AND APPLES. If the taste of certain vegetables is bumming you out, try adding lemons, limes, or apples. These fruits will improve the taste of just about any juice!
• LOOK AT JUICING AS A GIFT TO YOUR BODY AND A TREAT TO YOUR SOUL. It’s true: by juicing regularly, you are giving a gift to your future self and the generations to come. 
• NEVER RUSH THE JUICING PROCESS. The moment you rush or put pressure on yourself, you’ll begin to see juicing as an inconvenience and you’ll want to give up. Slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the process. I have come to see juicing as a spiritual connection with a physical gift. 
• CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT SETTLES RIGHT ON YOUR SPECIFIC PALLET. Mine is carrot juice! For so long, I was fighting horrible sinusitis and mold toxicity. I started craving carrot juice long before I knew that was the very thing I needed to help flush the bacteria and mold and clear the sinus cavities! For you it may be apple, or celery, or your own concoction!
• HAVE FUN WITH IT! I love to play music and dance while juicing. Embrace the joy of the moment.
• THANK GOD! Be thankful for the strength to juice and access to amazing fruit and vegetables!

Connect with Erica on Instagram at @overcome_autoimmune

Have any tips to add to Erica’s? Share in the comments below.

Interested in sharing your PURE Juicer story? Email Jen at jen@purejuicer.com.

Don’t like the taste of celery juice? We dare you to try this delicious, hydrating recipe made with apples, lemons, and cucumbers.

Celery Juice: Friend or Foe?

Before the world came to a screeching halt in the spring of 2020, one of the biggest trends on Instagram was the constant stream of celery-juice toting celebrities. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Selma Blair, and Pharrell Williams had all given their seal of approval on this bright green, sugar-free drink. In response, social media influencers began flocking to their local juiceries.

The purported benefits of celery juice ranged from its anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to produce glowing skin, yet skeptics decried the trend as nothing more than a fad. Naysayers said it tasted like wet grass.

So what’s the truth of it?

Benefits of Celery Juice

Celery juice is a source of many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Celery is full of phytonutrients, which not only have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but also may enhance immunity and intercellular communication. According the the USDA, a phytonutrient-rich diet is effective in reducing cancer and heart disease risk.

Celery juice contains compounds called polysaccharides, which improve the efficiency of the digestive system, support stomach lining health, and significantly decrease stomach ulcers.

In traditional botanical medicine, celery is considered a kidney tonic and can promote kidney health.

Fun fact: celery juice is also a natural laxative.

Does Celery Juice Really Taste Like Wet Grass?

If green juice seems a bit scary to some, it could be they’ve tried celery juice on its own. Like all vegetable juices, celery juice can take some getting used to. Cold-pressed celery juice tastes like celery. If you enjoy the taste of celery, you’ll likely enjoy the taste of celery juice. That said, pairing celery juice with cucumber juice, apple juice, and lemon juice has allowed us to receive the benefits of celery juice and deliver on exceptional taste.

Learn how to make our homemade detox green juice recipe

Cucumbers: Fruits or Vegetables?

Cucumbers certainly taste like vegetables, but are they actually fruit? It depends. Cucumbers are often considered vegetables in the culinary community because of the way they taste and the way they are used in cooking. Botanically, however, because cucumbers contain seeds and grow from flowers, they are classified as fruits.

Whether you call them vegetable or fruit, cucumbers are incredibly juicy and are wonderful to pair with the nutrient-packed celery.

Celery and Cucumber Juice will Keep you Hydrated

Both cucumbers are celery contain a high amount of water, and drinking a combination of celery and cucumber juice will actually help you meet your water goal for the day. The high water content of both also helps improve the digestive process. This is one of the many reasons we’d recommend starting your day with a nice tall glass of this celery cucumber juice.

Recipe: Celery Juice for Beginners

We call our cucumber celery juice “celery juice for beginners” because the flavor of celery is softened enough that everyone will love it.

Ingredients

• 1 head of celery
• 1 large or 2 small apples
• 1 cucumber (English or other)
• 1 lemon

Yields 40+ ounces of juice or a 78% yield (based on the weight of the produce)

Directions

1. Trim the edges of cucumber and celery, cut apples into slices.
2. Cut lemons into round slices.
3. Place a bowl and strainer under the grinder.
4. Use a #12 grid plate for the cucumber, celery, and apple, slowly guiding produce through with pusher.
5. Stir up the celery-cucumber-apple mash in the strainer.
6. Plop mash right onto cloth, place sliced lemons on top, and fold into a tic-tac -toe formation.
7. Repeat this process, stacking folded cloths on top of one another in the press.
8. Press juice into pitcher.
9. Pour excess juice from bowl into pitcher.

Pro tip: if you press the cucumber juice separately, you can use the leftover pulp for a face mask!

Sources

8 Impressive Health Benefits of Apples

5 Healthy Benefits of Adding Celery to Your Diet
7 Health Benefits of Eating Cucumbers

6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons

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.

Purify your system with this homemade detox green juice recipe using celery, cucumber, romaine lettuce, apples, lemons, and ginger.

If your body is in need of a reset–and let’s face it, many of us are in need of a reset around this time of year–you may be on the lookout for a new purifying green juice recipe that will detox your system. If so, you’re in for a treat: our fresh, purifying Big Green Juice will not only tantalize your taste buds, but also cleanse and calm your digestive tract.

• Celery juice is a natural laxative and is amazing for digestion. Celery juice can help restore balance to a body suffering from an unhealthy lifestyle and food choices. It is high in calcium, silicon, and vitamin K, which helps strengthen bones.
• Cucumber helps build stronger bones, helps with blood clotting, fights inflammation, is a natural anti-bacterial, helps to block cancer cell development and can help reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease.
• Apples contain natural antioxidants, combat inflammation, and prevent heart disease.
• Romaine Lettuce may not be high in fiber, but it is packed with calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.
• Ginger reduces pain and inflammation, stimulates circulation, and great for digestion (reduces gas).
• Lemons contain natural antioxidants and will help fight cancer all over your body.

Purify Green Detox Juice Recipe

Green Detox Juice Ingredients

• 2 bunches celery
• 3 cucumbers (English or other)
• 4-5 lemons
• 4 apples (we used green but choose your preferred variety)
• 3 bunches romanie lettuce
• 2 thumbs ginger

Yield: about 100 oz juice

Green Detox Juice Directions

1. Wash and chop cucumbers, apples (leave skin on both), celery, and ginger. Slice lemons.
2. Group celery with cucumbers and apples with romaine, ginger, and lemon.
3. Balance strainer over large pitcher and place underneath grinder to catch excess juice.
4. Insert #12 grid.
5. Feed cucumbers and celery into the feed chute, using the pusher to help.
6. Take cucumber and celery mash from strainer and wrap in a PURE cloth.
7. Press.
8. Combine excess juice with pressed juice and set aside.
9. Fold romaine lettuce to fit into the feed chute, and insert with pusher.
10. Grind directly into bowl (no strainer needed).
11. Alternate romaine and apple slices to keep grinder lubricated.
12. Grind ginger using pusher. After grinding, scrape ginger off of grid into the bowl with other mash.
13. Place sliced lemons on PURE press cloth.
14. Scoop romaine, apple, ginger mash on top of lemon slices and fold (you will need two or three press cloths to contain all the mash).
15. Place two press cloths on press plate and press. Once finished, place third press cloth on top of first two and press again.
16. Mix cucumber-celery juice with apple-romaine-lemon-ginger-juice.

Pro tip: Don’t miss a single drop! Wrap your press cloths on a cutting board that can catch excess juice from the mash as you wrap, and pour the excess juice into your large pitcher.

Bonus “Hard Greens” Green Detox Juice Recipe

At PURE we love our green juice, and have made so many variations in our test kitchen. Here’s a bonus recipe for you to try in your juicer!

Ingredients:

• 4-6 leaves kale
• 3-4 cups spinach
• 1 bunch romaine lettuce
• 1 cucumber
• 1-2 apples
• 2 lemons
• 1 bunch parsley
• 1 pineapple

Pro tip: for less sugar, prepare recipe above but omit pineapple.

Here’s what we love about this particular recipe:

• Kale promotes skin health, boosts immunity, contains natural antioxidants, and builds healthy bones.
• Cucumber helps build stronger bones, helps with blood clotting, fights inflammation, is a natural anti-bacterial, helps to block cancer cell development and can help reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease.
• Apples contain natural antioxidants, combat inflammation, and prevent heart disease.
• Lemons contain natural antioxidants and will help fight cancer all over your body.
• Pomegranate is great for digestion, full of vitamin C, protects the body from Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis, promotes a healthy memory, and can increase sexual and athletic performance.
• Pineapple boosts the healthy metabolism of fats and carbs, combats inflammation, and is a delicious natural antioxidant.
• Parsley is an all-star when it comes to healthy goodness! is rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

When should I drink green detox juice?

You can drink green detox juice anytime for a quick boost of extra nourishment and energy. Detox juice is especially helpful following a run of unhealthy dietary choices, including processed foods and excess alcohol. Anytime your system is in need of a reboot, reach out for a delicious detox green juice.

Remember, while this kind of juice is a helpful remedy, it’s always better to be proactive with your health! Consider adding a regular juicing practice to a whole-foods based diet, and you’ll be much less likely to need an emergency detox juice.

Health Benefits

celery: A single stalk of celery contains vitamin C, beta carotene, flavonoids, and at least 12 other kinds of antioxidant nutrients. Celery is also high in phytonutrients, which can reduce inflammation in the body, especially in the digestive tract. High in calcium, silicon, and vitamin K, celery also  helps strengthen bones.

cucumber: cucumbers, especially their nutrient-dense skin, offer antioxidants including flavonoids and tannins that help protect you from free radicals. Made up of mostly water, cucumbers can help meet hydration goals and can aid in weight loss and management.

lemon: high in vitamin C and citric acid, lemons aid in iron absorption and could possibly prevent kidney stones. Several plant compounds found in lemons may lower cholesterol.

apples: nutrient dense and high in soluble fiber, apples are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which are linked to lower risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Apples can aid in healthy weight loss due to their high fiber and water content, helping to manage your appetite.

romaine lettuce: romaine is packed with calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.

ginger: ginger contains gingerol, considered to be powerfully medicinal and anti-inflammatory, prevents nausea and can help treat chronic indigestion, and may also drastically lower blood sugar levels and heart disease risk factors.

Sources

11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger

6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons

5 Healthy Benefits of Adding Celery to Your Diet

7 Health Benefits of Eating Cucumbers

8 Impressive Health Benefits of Apples

Does Romaine Lettuce Have Any Nutritional Benefits?

Does Green Juice Have Benefits? All You Need to Know

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.