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.

In response to this piece about juicing on Today.com, we reached out to Dr. Gillian Ehrlich, who brings to the table a medical perspective and a large dose of common sense. We appreciate her thoughtful response, and we hope you’ll read it and share a comment at the end.

– Jen, Chief Juicing Officer 

Kudos to the writer of this article for explicitly qualifying that juicing is not right for everybody, at every time, at any dose- this is true! 

Let’s unpack how to think, generally, about healthy therapies like juicing in the broader context of the state of our national health, fad diets, and define what a “detox” actually is. We’ll finish with the wider picture about oxalates.  

How Do We Know When Too Much is Too Much?

A quick story: In the mid-90’s, I participated in a month-long sea kayaking course amongst the islands of southeast Alaska. It was an incredible adventure. Our coursework focused on exploration- both personal as well as environmental. During a tides and currents lesson one sunny afternoon, four of our pals decided to take the ‘water challenge’: drinking a gallon of water in one hour. Hydration is good, right? If some is good, more is better, right? After their 3rd quart in 45 minutes, each of them was spending less time finishing their final quart and more time vomiting water into the sand next to our beachy classroom. We laughed and laughed at them but it wasn’t until years later that I learned too much water can damage your kidneys, electrolyte balance, brain–and ultimately can be fatal.

While this article may have caused some readers to worry about their own juicing habits, we could replace the word “juice” with the word “water’” and offer a similarly misleading cautionary tale. And no one would ever tell you to stop drinking water.

The Solution: We Need to Listen to Our Bodies

The real health tragedy in our nation is that we are not encouraged to listen to our body’s signals, trained to interpret their meaning, or even allowed to follow their instructions. 

We often are required to wake up before our sleep is done (aka detox and reset), eat a mandated lunch at noon despite when hunger cues arise (or don’t), and exercise at odd hours or not at all in unforgiving routines that can span years. 

In the midst of this, we are running to the supermarket that has all of the foods all of the time, furthering our disconnection from any natural rhythms or sources for our foods. I would say this disconnection is at the root of our current health statistics: 50% of all adults have at least one chronic health condition as of 2012 and 25% of all adults have at least TWO chronic conditions. 

Chronic conditions accounted for 86% of all healthcare expenditures prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are becoming more and more chronically ill as a population. We have to do something. When we read an article warning caution around juicing, it’s important to recognize that people are searching for change for very good reasons! 

Fad Diets Fade for Good Reason

Herein, however, is the drive for a “fad diet.” Born out of curiosity, ego to look a certain way, or desperation to feel better, heal or live longer, fad diets have become their own epidemic. The term “fad” indicates something that everybody of a certain period tries for the moment and then fades, usually because it was never elemental to the human condition anyway. Hula hoops are a great example. Various types of bicycles. The problem with a fad is that it is never customized to the individual but marketed to the masses and your health will always be personal to you.

Certainly there are people who treat juicing like a fad, but the truth is that squeezing liquid out of fruits and vegetables is a practice as old as our species and these foods themselves. 

On that same Alaskan trip, we would fill our Nalgene water bottles with huge juicy blueberries and huckleberries and shake them until these all exploded to drink the sweet mixed juice. Part of what makes us human is how we “process” our food through grinding, fermenting, and cooking to increase the availability of nutrients, for preservation, or for flavor. 

Getting Nourishment from Fruits and Vegetables is Not a Fad

It’s elemental to separate the “fad” part from the healthy, stable, generally safe, and beneficial part of juicing. Juice can allow for a higher gradient of micronutrients to be absorbed which can be elemental with GI issues associated with malabsorption or provide the electrolyte supportive of conditions like dysautonomia (specifically POTS- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) that we are seeing flare up in Long-COVID patients. What do we call a nutritional therapy when it can be effective and efficient for driving mental clarity and physical health? 

Nourishment from fresh fruits and vegetables can never be “a fad.”  It’s how we evolved to live on the planet. 

Detox According to Traditional Medicine

“Detox” is another of these fad words that is unfortunately ever more relevant as our animal bodies encounter a burden of pollution the planet has never seen before. 80,000 novel chemicals have been released into the environment since World War II. 

It behooves all of us to attend to our metabolic waste baskets to ensure we’re continually eliminating what we might be eating, drinking or inhaling (like the microplastics sampled from the pristine air over Yellowstone in August 2019.

Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old traditional medical system of India, has an entire branch (one of eight!) dedicated to detoxification and rejuvenation. It’s been recommended for millennia now to include attention to daily and seasonal elimination to prevent disease formation as well as treat some diseases after they have arisen. Ayurveda also recognizes that the DNA that you carry has been custom mixed just for you. There has never been a ‘you’ before and will never be a ‘you’ again. Your unique constitution deserves unique diet and lifestyle supports. No food or therapy is recommended for all people at all times. Juicing can be a natural and healthy part of a dietary program for most people. 

Resources abound online to help you figure out if/ when and how juicing might be right for you and just about anybody can get started with daily juices. If you have a medical condition, please discuss juicing with your medical provider. If your medical provider isn’t nutrition-savvy (medical school has not historically taught much nutrition but that is changing!), consider seeing a nutritionist or dietitian, a practitioner trained in Functional Medicine (https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/), a  Naturopath Doctor, or a medical practitioner trained in Ayurveda for Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

A NOTE ABOUT OXALATES:

It is absolutely true that many fresh fruits and veggies contain oxalates, and short of stopping all fruits and vegetables in your diet, you’re never going to rid yourself of oxalates.

The problem with oxalates is mostly around kidney stone formation, which results from a complex collaboration between an individual’s metabolism, their diet (including how they cook/prepare their foods), hydration status, certain medications, and current weight. The conversation about oxalates would not be complete without talking about how the body produces its own oxalates and that the microbiome plays a considerable role in the total body burden of oxalates. 

Antibiotics that interrupt established microbial communities and diminish gut diversity are known to contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. Pointing to juice as a risk factor for oxalate burden is too narrow a lens; the broader context of microbiotic diversity, antibiotic use, other food intake, etc, matters tremendously when we discuss the risks/benefits of a plant-based diet.

We should mention that some kidney stones form more in acidic urinary environments; many fresh fruits and vegetables are more alkaline and might actually counteract this total acidity in the body. This review noted ‘oxalate restriction is minimally effective and applies primarily to those with genetic mutations in the oxalate transporters. The same article quotes this article: Update on Nephrolithiasis Management  which says “For prevention of calcium oxalate, cystine, and uric acid stones, urine should be alkalinized. 45,46 Western diets are characteristically high in acid-producing foods, such as grains, dairy products, legumes, and meat. Alkalinizing urine involves eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, taking supplemental or prescription citrate, or drinking alkaline mineral waters.1”

Gillian Ehrlich, DNP, ARNP

Family Nurse Practitioner

Certified in Functional Medicine 2014

Certified in Ayurvedic Medicine 2001

Purify, strengthen, and soothe your body with these three must-have juice recipes for your New Year Cleanse.

Three Must-Have Recipes for Any Juice Cleanse

It’s that time of year again! As 2023 inches closer, we know many of you are thinking about nutritional goals for the new year (or maybe just thinking about a reset after the holidays).

We set up this juice cleanse with three basic themes: a juice to purify, a juice to strengthen your immune system, and one to soothe and comfort you at the end of the day.

To do this, we’ve included a detox juice made from the green juices of celery and cucumber; an immunity-boosting juice packed full of vitamin C, ginger, and turmeric; and a soothing anti-inflammatory turmeric milk made with turmeric juice and homemade almond milk.

Before starting a New Year’s Juice Cleanse

We do not recommend jumping into a cleanse right away but rather prepare your body, like what Mimi Kirk recommends in her book, The Ultimate Book of Modern Juicing. 

Step 1. Cleanse time is crucial to someone who hasn’t done a juice cleanse or fast for long periods of time yet. It does not matter how you go through a cleanse daily.

You can also plan the meeting at the weekend or at the time when the day is busy. It will make your juice cleanse more relaxing and easy to handle.

If possible, reduce any alcohol, caffeine, added foods or processed foods in your routine in the days leading up to your cleanse. This may be a bit challenging during the holiday season–after all, one of the leading reasons people choose to start a cleanse in the new year is due to their desire to start over after a couple of months of indulgence–but keep in mind that you’ll get the best benefits out of your cleanse if you ease into your cleanse rather than going cold turkey.

Before starting a New Year’s Juice Cleanse

Is this your first juice cleanse? Before you start washing that produce, make sure you’re actually ready. While many of us might plan to reach for the juicer New Year’s Day, it’s important to prepare your body before doing any kind of detox.

As Mimi Kirk recommends in her book, The Ultimate Book of Modern Juicing, we believe it’s important to do a little prep work before beginning a juice cleanse. If you are looking for the best results, it’s important to refrain from consuming meat, dairy, alcohol, and processed foods before beginning a cleanse. This will make the process much easier on your body.

Are you allowed to eat during a juice cleanse?

If this is your first juice cleanse, you may be concerned about whether you are allowed to eat while you are doing a cleanse. The answer depends on a couple of factors: what your goals are, and what your body needs.

Juice-only cleanse

When you read about juice cleanses, they typically consist of juice only, for a set amount of time. Following this model is the fastest way to reset. When you drink juice on an empty stomach, the nutrients hit your blood stream quite quickly. Juicing in this way will flush toxins from your body and provide your cells with the nutrients they need to purify, strengthen, and soothe your system.

Supplementing with Juice

On the other hand, some people prefer to do a cleanse with soups and salads as well as juice. This is a wonderful choice, especially if their previous diet consisted of a lot of processed foods. Keep in mind that if you decide to do a cleanse supplemented by foods, it can be helpful to drink your juice in between meals, rather than with them. Mimi Kirk recommends waiting twenty minutes after juicing to eat a meal, to ensure proper absorption of nutrients. If you eat first, it is best to wait about two hours before juicing.

Purify: Green Detox Juice Recipe

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

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.

Strengthen: Ginger-Turmeric Immunity Boosting Juice Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 4 lemons
• 1-2 cups ginger
• 1/2 – 1 cup turmeric (half the amount of ginger used)
• 2-6 oranges (depending on how strong you want the shots)

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash produce in water and a little bit of apple cider vinegar.
2. Prep oranges by cutting them in half (rind on or off).
3. Prep lemons by slicing them into a fan shape.
4. Wrap lemons and oranges, using a liner and either a bag or cloth, and press. Set juice aside.
5. Prep the ginger and turmeric by trimming and then cutting in half lengthwise.
6. Do not use a grid plate; just the grid tray.
7. Turn the PURE Juicer ON.
8. Place ginger and turmeric into the feed chute and use the pusher to feed them through.
9. Wiggle the grid tray to get excess pulp to fall through.
10. With a 1.5 C scooper, place the mash into the center square of the press cloth.
11. Fold the pulp into the cloth tic-tac-toe style before placing on the press plate.
12. Turn the press on 100% until it reaches the full cloth/bag and then slow to half the speed.
13. Release the press when the stream of the juice breaks.
14. Fold the cloths or bags in half, and press again for maximum yield.

Learn how to make homemade booster shots

Pro tip: do not use a grid tray when grinding up ginger and turmeric

DIRECTIONS:

We recommend starting with the almond milk. See full recipe here.

1. Soak almonds in water, a ratio of 1:3, for a minimum of 4 hours up to a max of 48 hours.
2. Drain excess water and add a 2:1 ratio of fresh water.
3. Grind the almonds with a blender. Pour the almonds and water into your blender pitcher and turn on high speed until the almonds are crushed.
4. Store milk in fridge.

Next, make the turmeric juice:

1. Chop turmeric and ginger into manageable sizes.
2. Grind all spices together in the PURE Juicer, using a #2 grid.
3. Use a #12 grid for the ginger and turmeric.
4. Wrap spices in a PURE press cloth, put your pitcher of milk below the press plate, and press the turmeric juice directly into the milk.

Pro tip: Make turmeric juice and freeze into cubes. When you’re in the mood for some golden milk, pop a couple cubes in a mug of warm milk, and you’ll be ready to go!

Learn more about homemade turmeric milk

Happy Juicing, and Happy New Year!

HEALTH BENEFITS

almonds: a fantastic source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, vitamin E, and antioxidants, almonds not only assist with blood sugar control and blood pressure regulation, they can also reduce LDL cholesterol and protect your cells from oxidative damage, a major contributor to aging and disease.

cardamom: cardamom may help lower blood pressure and help with digestive issues, thanks to its antioxidant and diuretic properties. It is also rich in compounds that fight inflammation, which helps protect the body from certain chronic diseases.

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.

cinnamon: anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, cinnamon may support both gut health and heart health. Studies show it could also be beneficial to the aging brain, particularly in the case of inhibiting the kinds of proteins that cause Alzheimer’s.

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.

dates: though higher in sugar when dried, dates still maintain a low glycemic index due to the significant amount of fiber they contain. Because of their potent antioxidants, dates are anti-inflammatory and may help prevent the development of certain chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

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.

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.

oranges: packed with phenolic compounds like hesperidin and naringenin, oranges are chock full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Oranges are also a great source of vitamin c, fiber, folate, potassium, calcium, and thiamine.

pineapple: delicious and packed with antioxidants, pineapples are known for their anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in a healthy immune system. Pineapples are a  rich source of Vitamin C, manganese, and the compound bromelain, a group of digestive enzymes that may help break down protein and aid with digestion and could help fight against cancer.

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

turmeric: turmeric has been found to help prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer. It can also lessen symptoms of depression and arthritis while also being a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

vanilla extract: in addition to the calming scent and pleasing taste of vanilla, there is some evidence that vanilla beans have powerful antioxidant properties, are anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and potentially anticancer.

SOURCES

11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger

6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons

Oranges: Nutrients, Benefits, Juice, and More

Pineapple: 8 Impressive Health Benefits

10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin

9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds

8 Proven Health Benefits of Dates

6 Benefits of Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Beans

5 Health Benefits of Cinnamon

10 Health Benefits of Cardamom, Backed by Science

5 Healthy Benefits of Adding Celery to Your Diet

7 Health Benefits of Eating Cucumbers

Does Romaine Lettuce Have Any Nutritional Benefits?

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.