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Health Benefits of Vegetable Juices

The juices extracted from fresh raw vegetables are highly nutritious as they give all the cells and tissues of the body with the elements and nutrition enzymes they are in need. It is true that the body can derive these elements from whole vegetables. But the fresh juices can provide them in the manner in which they can be most easily digested and assimilated. A vitamin and mineral deficiency can thus be made much more quickly by drinking fresh juices than by eating raw vegetable as such

Practically all vegetables make good juices, but some are bitter. The bitterest one is of bitter gourd, but it is wonderful for diabetes. However, vegetable juices can be divided into three main types:-

1. Juices from vegetable fruits-Tomatoes & cucumber.
2. Juices from green-leafy vegetables-Cabbage & spinach
3. Juices from root vegetables-Carrot & radish

In most cases it is desirable to use juice individually and separately. In no case more than three juices should be included in anyone mixture. The broad rules applicable to combination of vegetable juices are that juices from vegetable fruits may be combined with those of the green-leafy vegetables but not juices of root vegetables. Juices of green-leafy vegetables may be combined with those of the root vegetables.

Vegetable juices soothe jaded nerves and gently carry away toxic matter and accumulated waste products. They are best taken at least half an hour or more after meals. They should not be taken before meals or near the same time as fruit juices. Many common ailments respond favorably to raw vegetable juices but avoid drinking juices kept at room temperature. Always drink fresh juices or pasteurized or refrigerated ones.

Doses of vegetable juice differ with age. An adult may take one full glass juice whereas children and infants half and quarter glass (in divided doses) respectively per day during day time i.e. after breakfast and after lunch (two times).

As far as their effects are concerned, raw juices are found to be very rejuvenating and nutritive and no side effect is noticed during juice therapy which normally goes on up to 15 to 30 days. In some cases its use varies as per disease, for example, in jaundice, juices of lemon, radish, pomegranate, bitter gourd are given up to one month or till symptoms disappear and patient recovers a bit. just for the sake of good health, vegetable and fruit juices can be drunk for a month or more, e.g. orange, cabbage, lemon juices. But those juices containing pretty good amount of beta-carotene e.g. carrot juice, should not be taken beyond one month as it contains beta-carotene which breaks into vitamin A in our stomach. One should know that one unit of beta-carotene gives two units of vitamin A which accumulates in our liver and may be toxic if deposited in excess amount. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant and thus free radical destroyer which causes various diseases and also strengthens our eyesight and mucus membrane but its long course use is not recommended. ,

Every kind of therapy-natural or synthetic juice is not advised on empty stomach barring exception. So, juices could not be taken on an empty stomach. Rather they should be taken just before the meals or half or an hour after meals/breakfast.

Juice of beetroot is a potent liver cleanser. It helps to purify the blood and it removes toxins. When taken along with carrot juice, it also helps to promote normal bleeding during menses. It corrects an irregular cycle.

Raw beet juice helps promote normal bowel movements and prevents constipation. It also helps to strengthen the blood vessels. It helps to improve blood circulation, removes clots and also helps to reduce cholesterol.

For making good juice, you could combine one beetroot with two carrots and one tomato and push it through a juicer. You could I add some boiled and cold water if the juice is too thick.

Juice of radish is an excellent remedy for thinning down mucus, clearing sinuses, blocked nose, mucus related migraine etc. Raw radish can be grated or chopped and chewed. Its juice helps thin down mucus. It also helps to reduce gas formation and indigestion. Some people have a low level of stomach acids and get flatulence (gas) on consuming non-vegetarian foods.

Radish helps to reduce phlegm and cures sore throat due to phlegm. Radish has a cooling thermal nature.

In the summer season, some people exhibit heat signs like nose bleeds or headaches or rash all over the body. Radish juice helps to correct such disorders. Its juice helps in detoxification and cleanses the body.

If one wants to reduce mucus, eat at least 2-3 fresh radish daily. You can even extract its juice and take it by mixing it in a half cup water 3 times a day (one tablespoon juice in half cup boiled cool water).

The juice of watermelon has a cooling effect on the body. It is a natural diuretic. It helps to reduce oedema (water retention) and treat urinary tract infection (UTI). It also helps to correct constipation. It is high in potassium and low in sodium. Therefore, it is highly beneficial in reducing blood pressure. The seeds of watermelon can be chewed. They help eliminate constipation. They are rich in iron and benefit those who are anemic. It is also very useful in treating depression & excess thirst.

One full glass juice is to be consumed daily by people having the above problems. However, those who are thin, weak and have "wind" problems, should not take it. Those suffering from bladder problems and cannot control urination, should avoid it.

Moreover, juices of seasonal fruits and vegetables may be taken throughout the season of that particular fruit or vegetable and they will do more good then harm even if they are used for quite long period especially' when there is inflammation in the intestines.

It should be noted that while consuming the fruits & vegetable foods for their therapeutic benefits, you should also make appropriate overall dietary and lifestyle changes in order to get their maximum healing benefits.