Using Juicing To Receive The Benefits Of Micro Nutrients

The benefits you receive from preparing freshly made fruit and vegetable juices can be attributed to the fact that the juices are easily assimilated by the digestive tract as the fiber content has been broken down and the juice with its full complement of nutrients is now completely available to your body. These nutrients are in the form of vitamins, minerals and micro nutrients such as bioflavenoids, antioxidants, enzymes, phytochemicals and phytonutrients. These trace essentials are of vital importance to the body for its proper functioning and optimum health. They are all too easily lost in the processing of foods in modern cultures and our bodies pay the price for it. As most people are familiar with the function of vitamins and minerals in the repair and proper functioning of the body, here is just a small run down of some important micro nutrients.

Rutin is a bioflavenoid that is found in the white pulpy material just under the peel of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes. This white pulpy substance which protects the juicy citrus fruit inside, though it may be bitter in taste, has the nutrient rutin in it, which aids in repairing damaged tissues in the body. It is often used in homeopathic oral remedies for hemorrhoid relief.

Micro nutrients include lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, that is present in tomatoes in high amounts. Lycopene is necessary for good eye health, by protecting the eyes from damaging ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays from the sun. This reduces the chances of the eyes developing cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Lycopene also reduces the chances of cellular damage to the blood vessels, thus making it less likely that you will develop heart disease or high blood pressure. Two other antioxidants, zeaxanthin and lutein work in a similar manner to protect the eyes from the damaging effects of free radicals. Dark leafy greens like kale, escarole and spinach are a great source of these micro nutrients.

Enzymes are involved in the chemical reactions of the body such as the breakdown and digestion of food and the conversion of those food molecules into energy. This greatly effects your metabolism, your energy level and the rate at which you burn calories, thus they are of prime importance in weight maintenance or any weight reduction program. Enzymes are particularly sensitive to cooking and any food processing and are easily destroyed. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the principal ways to ingest them.

The cruciferous family of vegetables, which include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and kohlrabi among the most commonly known, contain the phytochemical sulforaphane, which as you guessed, gives it that sulfurous smell when cooked. But however it smells this phytochemical is important to your heart health. The sulfurophane triggers the body to release proteins that protect the heart and cardiovascular system from cellular damage. The allium family as well, which is made up of garlic, onions and chives to name a few, releases these allium compounds into the bloodstream to protect the heart and in addition lower cholesterol and thus reduce blood pressure.

By: Alex Ralbeck

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