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History

Some of the very first juicers are still around.  In the 1920,’s Dr. Norman Walker began juicing with some large hydraulic press machines.  Dr. Walker started the research process to determine if there were health benefits in fruit and vegetable juices.  Over time his research led to the Norwalk juicers.  It is important to note that he not only succeeded in determining the health benefits, but that he lived to be 118 which speaks volumes about his beliefs and proofs.

Further research led to a much more manageable and cost effective juicer that we now enjoy in our homes.  The twin gear, auger, and centrifugal juicers became very popular in the 1970’s.  Anne Wigmore, the original proponent of wheatgrass juice, gave the juicing industry a huge boost with her endorsement.

As the world has become more reliant on processed foods, the incidence of cancer has risen.  It has been proven that the benefits of juice from raw produce and fruits is life sustaining.  It has also been proven that these fresh juices contain all the nutrients needed to enjoy a healthy life.

Should You Juice?

We believe the answer is yes.  But before you jump into this great new lifestyle there are some things that you need to know.  If you have candidiasis, a yeast infection in the digestive tract, diabetes, or hypoglycemia you may want to check with your caregiver before starting.  Why?  If you plan to do fruit juicing which is the most tasty of the juices, it can give you a rapid rise in blood sugar.  For most, this probably is not a problem.  If you do suffer from any of these symptoms, you can do vegetable juicing.

Juicing is best on an empty stomach about ½ hour before eating.  Your body will quickly absorb the juice and will not waste any of its goodness.  As a rule, if you drink fruit juices in the morning, it will provide you with the complex carbohydrates that really give you a power pack of energy. 

What Should You Juice?

We think the best way is to start with juices from fruits that are familiar to you.  In most cases this is something that you like so the experience will be good.  For example, can you remember as a child how you liked apple juice?  You outgrew that taste somewhere along the way.  Now try apple juice that you make in your own juicer.  Don’t add anything; just plain apple juice.  You probably won’t believe the taste.  It will be rich and full-bodied, but more importantly, if you are using an auger or twin gear juicer, you will be getting all of the nutrient goodness that your body is craving.

Move on to blended juices so that you get a mixture of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that your body needs.  You can experiment with differing amounts to suit your individual palate. 

We recommend that you begin your day with the “special” fruit juice formula that you develop, then before dinner, that you develop a similar medley of produce juices.  Many people don’t like the vegetable juices, so we recommend that you include some of the sweeter produce items like carrots that will take the edge off of the taste.  You may also add a little apple to sweeten the taste.  But remember, this is about getting the nutrients that your body needs, not about seeing how sweet you can make something.  Remember that too much of a good “tasting” thing might be bad for you.

We have a section on recipes and you can use it to get started.  We will also give you a list of the most nutrient rich produce items.  Remember that you do have the liberty to make changes.  Just try to balance all the things your body needs when you develop your own recipes.

What to Do With Pulp

Pulp is fiber.  When you juice, the “stuff” left behind is pulp.  Our bodies need fiber and this is an excellent source.  When you add some of this back to the juice, the fiber will not get digested but will pass through your body unchanged.  This adds bulk to your stool and softens it.  If you have a problem with constipation, this may be just the thing that will help you overcome it.

It has been shown that fiber can help:

• Slow the absorption of sugar instead of spiking
• Reduce the development of type 2 diabetes
• Lower the risk of hemorrhoids
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Diverticulitis
• Constipation

We recommend not only the juice but some of the pulp to help you in your overall goal for great health. In addition, if you own a dehydrator, you can use the pulp (along with other ingredients) to make crackers, and thus avoid wasting that great pulp!

Can You Juice Ahead?

Exposure to air causes a loss of nutrient value quickly and the juice can spoil, so it is much better to consume the juice as soon as you have finished.  There may be times when you have to juice ahead and, if so, here are a few tips.  But remember, the longer it is out the less nutrient value it has.

How to store:

• Store in an air-tight container
• Fill it as close to the top of the container as possible
• If you store it in a glass, wrap it in aluminum foil to keep out light
• Use a thermos and fill it as high as possible
• Refrigerate
• Be sure to drink the juice within 24 hours (After 24 hours most nutrients are gone.)

Pesticides

Another modern invention, pesticides, has downsides associated with it.  While it helps to keep the crops relatively free of “pests” it becomes a “pest” and health hazzard to us.  It is always best to thoroughly soak and rinse produce and vegetables that have been sprayed with pesticides.  It does take a little time, but it is the right thing to do. 

We recommend soaking the produce or fruit for about 10 minutes in a mixture of water and cider vinegar.  Rinse a couple of times and you should have clean product. There are also vegetable/fruit 'washes' that can be purchased to spray on the produce to eliminate much of the pesticide residue.

Now What?

Now that you have committed yourself to this new lifestyle, what can you expect?  First of all, you know how you feel now.  So when you begin juicing it should be an uplifting experience.  Juice should be a pleasant experience and should not cause you nausea.  You should not have a queasy feeling nor should your stomach be churning and growling.  If any or all of this happens, pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you.  Sometimes, it can be as simple as drinking too much at one time.  Or it could be that your stomach is not used to some of the ingredients.  If this happens, then experiment with smaller amounts or varying the ingredients.  Above all, do not stop juicing.  You will find the right mixture for you.

What Will This Mean to Your Health?

Now that you have embarked on this new healthy lifestyle, what can you expect to happen from drinking and eating superior quality fresh fruits and vegetables?

Your body will go to work getting rid of old/bad tissues to make room for new and healthier body tissues.  As the body expels the toxins they will travel through the body and it may actually experience some minor pain.  You might have a headache or painful joints.  You may have the feeling that you had when you started working out and your muscles were getting in shape.  Exercising may have been painful and an irritant for a few days, but when it was over you felt on top of the world.  You may experience similar sensations when you juice, but a short of time pain will be worth all of it.

As your body regenerates, you may also have a slower heart rate which may lead you to believe that you have a decrease in energy.  Don't be fooled!  This is your body re-regulating itself to a slower heart rate which is better for you.

Don’t give up at the sign of an ache or pain.  Stay the course and your success will come quickly.

Begin Now

Now is the time to start down the road to great health.  Now is the time for you to take control of your own destiny.  We hope that you will consider Healthy Kitchen Plus when deciding on a juicer, but if not; we encourage you to begin juicing for life and great health!

• Juicers
• Juicers FAQ
• Juicer Recipes
• Juicers Review / Comparison Chart