mojo – Page 12 – Juice Health Benefits & Recipes

07 Mar

Blackcurrant Juice Side Effects – Can You Drink Too Much Of It?

The recommended dose of blackcurrent juice is 1.5 liters per day, because safety has not been reliably demonstrated when this juice is ingested in large quantities. Some individuals report blackcurrant juice side effects, and the juice is not recommended at all for persons suffering from some medical conditions.

Diarrhea

Individuals with sensitive digestion may report diarrhea or mild gastrointestinal upset upon drinking large quantities of this juice.

Do You Suffer From High Blood Pressure?

Drinking more than 1.5 liters a day is not recommended for people who suffer from high blood pressure as blackcurrent juice contains gamma-linolenic acid, which can alter blood pressure and counteract the effect of blood pressure medications.

Blackcurrant Juice Side Effects For People That Suffer From Blood Clotting Disorders And Venous Disorders

Blackcurrant juice contains anticoagulants, so it is not recommended for persons who suffer from blood clotting disorders, such as hemophiliacs. Similarly, the active ingredients in blackcurrant juice may increase peripheral blood flow and circulation, so it should not be consumed by those with venous disorders.

Other Negative Interactions

In addition, blackcurrent juice side effects have been reported in those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as the juice can negatively interact with this medication.

Epilepsy

Blackcurrant juice side effects have been reported in those with epilepsy, as the juice may interact poorly with medications prescribed for this disorder.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children and the elderly, should monitor their intake as immunity and bodily functions may be compromised or underdeveloped in these demographic groups.

06 Mar

Blackberry Juice Side Effects – Can You Drink Too Much Of It?

There has not been enough research to sufficiently determine whether or not the medicinal use of blackberry juice might have side effects. However, blackberry juice used at levels consistent with typical food and drink portions is currently considered completely safe.

At the time of this writing, the only known blackberry juice side effects that should cause concern are the slight possibilities of nausea and vomiting. This is due to the relatively low level of tannins present in the fruit. Most people will not experience such side effects, but those with sensitive stomachs and a history of chronic gastrointestinal problems should use blackberry juice with caution.

As long as nausea or vomiting are not experienced, there is no evidence to suggest that a person can drink too much blackberry juice.

05 Mar

The Power of Lime And Lime Juice Health Benefits

When it comes to health benefits, lime juice is an absolute powerhouse. The sweet and sour tanginess packs more punch than most multivitamin tablets or health shakes. Everything from weight management to scurvy can be helped by a squeeze of the green. Here is a closer look at the benefits of this magical fruit:

Lime Juice And Beauty

Whether the juice is applied directly to skin or ingested, lime juice has proven itself as a skin beautifier. When applied to the skin, the acid from lime juice acts as an exfoliating agent. A few drops of lime juice can be added to your facial cleanser or daily lotion. If added to your lotion, be sure to use a daily sunscreen since the lime juice will gently reveal a new layer of skin.

When ingested, the high dose of vitamin C found in lime juice acts as a great antioxidant and disinfectant. Lime juice is also credited with healing dandruff, bruising and body odor. Try adding a few drops to your bath, body lotion or shampoo for the most benefits. Also, a few drops of lime juice make drinking water refreshing and nutritious.

Weight Management

Lime has been a daily meal staple in India for centuries. The people of India have long known that lime will aid in digestion, which ultimately aids in managing weight. Lime works in two ways to keep your weight down. First, the wonderful aroma of lime will stimulate your mouth to water, thus stimulating your digestive tract. Second, the flavanoids in lime juice will break down the food which will help the body rid itself of toxins and waste.

In addition, a daily intake of lime juice will keep your body from suffering constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. Some great ways to get the daily benefits of lime is either by sprinkling a few drops over meats or eating a side of lime chutney. Lime chutney is delicious with all meats and most potato dishes. Also, add a few drops of lime juice to your sodas or fruit juices for an extra punch of flavor.

Scurvy

Scurvy has been a dreaded disease for many centuries. The common symptoms associated with scurvy are frequent infections, frequent cough/cold, chronically cracked lips, swollen gums and mouth ulcers. Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C. As long as scurvy has plagued people, lime has been used as both a cure and a preventative form of medicine. Long ago, sailors, factory and farm workers were given lime by their boss to ward off scurvy. People who work in pollution factories and other highly toxic areas are still given lime by their employer to protect them from scurvy. Lime is possibly one of the greatest sources of vitamin C, which your body always needs. Just because you don’t have scurvy, don’t skimp on the powers of vitamin C.

The Power Of Flavanoids

Flavanoids are found in fruits and some vegetables and act as strong antioxidants when ingested. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and slow down the aging process in humans. Furthermore, antioxidants boast the ability to fight cancers and actually heal cellular damage. Lime juice is chalk full of wonderful flavanoids.

The Power Of Vitamin C

We’ve always heard the importance of getting enough vitamin C, but do you know just how powerful this nutrient is? A deficiency in vitamin C can cause more bodily malfunctions than can be imagined. The good news: Lime juice has more vitamin C than can be imagined. Here is a list of the many bodily organs/functions that can be deeply improved with adequate amounts of vitamin C:

vision
gums and mouth
ulcers
urinary tract
kidneys
liver
stomach
respiratory system
colon
prostate
heart
skeletal structure

The health benefits of lime juice cannot be overestimated. It has also helped cure colon cancer, prostate cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, fatigue, cholera, high fever and also diabetes. Lime juice may very well be one of the super foods.

04 Mar

Health Benefits of Melon Juice

Melon Juice is a delicious drink that is commonly made from cantaloupe, sometimes known as “muskmelon”, which is the most popular melon type in the country. One cup of cantaloupe supplies you with 108% of the daily recommended allowance of Vitamin A and 98% of the RDA of Vitamin C. Other vitamins and minerals contained in cantaloupe include potassium, folic acid, niacin, dietary fiber, vitamin K, magnesium and thiamin. All these ingredients are what makes cantaloupe so nutritious, and of course taking in cantaloupe in the form of melon juice is the best way to ingest high amounts of this wonder fruit. Did I mention that cantaloupe is low in calories? One cup of cantaloupe contains a mere 53 calories, a good thing to keep in mind when making your own melon juice. A glass of melon juice has more health benefits than you would ever imagine.

Healthy Circulatory System

Melon juice, with its high Vitamin C content, slows down the process of hardening of the arteries resulting in lowering your arteriosclerosis risk. The antioxidants fight high cholesterol levels. In addition, the potassium helps rid your body of too much sodium which can lower your blood pressure. Cantaloupes also contain a unique compound that has been found to lower the risk of blood clots.

Healthy Immune System and Cancer Prevention

The Vitamin C found in cantaloupe stimulates white blood cells which helps fight infection and builds up your immune system. Vitamin C can help fight anything from the common cold to more serious illnesses. The antioxidant properties protect cells and can prevent cancer, especially melanoma and intestinal cancer.

Healthy Eyes

In addition to Vitamin C, melon juice also has a high quantity of vitamin A, which is not only needed by the retina, but also helps the surface of the eye protect itself against bacteria and viruses and reduces your chances of developing eye infections and cataracts. There is also substantial evidence that this high vitamin A and vitamin C combination can help fight the risk of macular degeneration, especially when recommended amounts of Vitamin E, zinc and copper are consumed in addition.

Healthy Pregnancy and other Women’s Health Benefits

All the vitamins and minerals found in melon juice can definitely make for a more healthy pregnancy. The thiamine content raises your energy level and helps your body absorb the iron that is so vital during pregnancy. The niacin promotes good digestion, and the high content of folic acid supports the placenta and can help to prevent neural tube defects in your baby. As stated before, the potassium in cantaloupe helps to rid your body of too much sodium, which ultimately will reduce water retention, a common irritation that goes along with pregnancy. Not pregnant? Drinking melon juice during menstruation will reduce heavy flow and clotting. The potassium also helps relieve muscular aches and pains.

Healthy Sense of Well-Being

In this fast-paced busy world we live in, high levels of stress can be either an occasional problem or even an ongoing one. Drinking melon juice can help reduce stress. The high potassium helps bring down your blood pressure which helps to oxygenate your brain; and another special compound found in cantaloupe calms anxieties. Because of this a glass of melon juice before bedtime can also help you sleep better. If you are a smoker who is trying to quit, melon juice can help your body deal with nicotine withdrawal; and can also replace the high levels of vitamin A that are lost as a result of smoking.

The many health benefits of melon juice cannot be denied. With its high vitamin and mineral content, as well as its delicious taste and low calorie content, there’s no reason not to start enjoying this wonderful juice that can do so much for your body and mind.

03 Mar

Health Benefits of Tomato Juice

You may already have heard tomato juice described as a “super food” but you may not know exactly why it was placed in this healthy food category. The health benefits of tomato juice are numerous and range from cancer fighting properties to heart and bone health. One look at the list of vitamins and minerals can help you understand just how beneficial this juice can be for the human body. With vitamins C, A, K, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and the minerals potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus; along with protein, fiber and lycopene, it’s easy to see that tomato juice can be very beneficial for your overall health.

The Antioxidant Lycopene

Lycopene is a very unique antioxidant that is found to be abundant in tomato juice. It helps the human body rid itself of free radicals that damage your cells. Because of this ability to defend your cells, lycopene has been proven to help your body prevent nearly every type of cancer by flushing out carcinogens while also defending your body against atherosclerosis, heart disease, and even heart attacks. It is even believed by many scientists that this super antioxidant can help to prevent osteoporosis by encouraging bone health. Also, it has been shown that lycopene can reverse skin damage from ultraviolet light because of its strong antioxidant properties.

Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

If you are one of the many people suffering from high blood pressure or an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol, then you may want to start drinking more tomato juice. The good source of potassium you get in a cup of tomato juice helps regulate blood pressure. The fiber and vitamin B3 in this juice will help to lower bad cholesterol.

Prevent Heart Attacks and Stroke

Potassium also helps your heart (as well as the other muscles in your body) to function properly, which can prevent a heart attack. At the same time, there are compounds called platelet factors that help to prevent blood clots. This can also prevent heart attacks and even strokes. The vitamin B6 helps breakdown homocystene, a compound that damages your blood vessels, keeping your heart and major blood vessels healthy.

Increase Bone and Joint Health

I mentioned earlier about lycopene protecting bones and keeping them healthy. The Vitamin C in tomato juice also keeps bones and teeth healthy. There are many great antioxidants in tomatoes that help defend your bones against free radicals. A recent scientific study showed that taking tomatoes completely out of someone’s diet actually became detrimental to their bone density.

Tomato Juice Will Boost Your Immune System

Of course with the excellent source of vitamin C, you probably already realize tomatoes are good for your immune system. The antioxidants and vitamin A are also good for boosting your immune system. The B vitamins and amino acids also help your immune system because they are important for building those immune system cells. With a healthy immune system you are less likely to become ill and, if you do get sick, you will fight it off much more quickly.

Other Health Benefits Of Tomato Juice

Tomato juice has been shown to help prevent certain cases of Alzheimer’s disease possibly due to the rich source of antioxidants. Tomatoes also seem to help people manage their diabetes better and even reduce obesity. In animal studies, consuming tomato juice appears to prevent emphysema, probably because of the great source of antioxidants protecting the lungs. On top of these benefits the B vitamins in tomato juice can give you more energy, improve your memory and make you feel better overall.

Every day scientists are uncovering more health benefits of this super food and, although many more disease preventions are associated with the tomato, it is not yet understood how the preventive properties work. More research is being conducted to affirm and determine the true health potential of this amazing fruit. It is like a tasty wonder drug with no negative side effects.

02 Mar

Health Benefits of Passion Fruit Juice

Passion fruit juice is a bright, refreshing way to get fiber as well as vitamins and minerals and other valuable nutrients. You can purchase prepared passion fruit juice at your local supermarket, or make your own from the raw fruit. Either way, you will have a healthy treat to enjoy with breakfast, or any time you are in the mood for a sweet pick-me-up. Passion fruit juice makes a welcome change from the same old orange juice you have been drinking for years, and it has some additional health benefits that most citrus juices don’t possess.

Vitamins and Minerals Are The Source Of Health Benefits of Passion Fruit Juice

Passion fruit juice is chock-full of vitamins and minerals. The vitamin that passion fruit juice is most known for is vitamin A. One 3-ounce serving of passion fruit juice contains almost 20 percent of your daily recommended allowance of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is instrumental in helping maintain keen eyesight, as well as healthy skin, tissues, cones and teeth.

Passion fruit juice is also a good source of vitamin C. While it doesn’t contain quite as much vitamin C as orange juice, one small 3-ounce serving contains 50 percent of the daily recommended allowance of the vitamin. Vitamin C helps maintain a healthy immune system, as well as helps to heal wounds, repair tissues, blood vessels, and cells, and repair teeth and cartilage.

This juice is a good source of potassium, particularly if you squeeze your own juice from raw passion fruit. Potassium is a key mineral for heart health, nerve health, maintaining healthy kidneys, as well as helps the muscles to contract properly. Potassium is also an electrolyte, meaning that it helps to conduct electricity in the body.

Aside from these nutrients, passion fruit juice is a source of iron, magnesium, phosphorous and copper. Iron is essential for maintaining healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the heart and around the body. Magnesium is an important mineral for the creation and use of proteins and energy. Phosphorous helps to form bones and teeth. Finally, copper plays a role in red blood cell formation, as well as helps to maintain the nerves, blood vessels, bones, and immune system.

Antioxidants

The vitamin A and C in passion fruit juice act as antioxidants. This juice also contains other, additional, antioxidants as well. Together, this collection of antioxidants helps to clear the body of free radicals that can cause damage to skin and tissue cells as well as cause cancer.

Fiber

Passion fruit juice is a good source of fiber, particularly if it is prepared from fresh fruit rather than bought processed from a store. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, which helps you to pass waste more easily. Fiber also helps to remove cholesterol from your system as well as helps to prevent certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer. Leave the pulp in the juice to take advantage of the high amounts of fiber in the pulp.

Alkaloids

This juice is a good source of alkaloids, such as harman. This alkaloid has anti-spasmotic properties, as well as helps to calm the nerves and lower blood pressure. These alkaloids are the main reason why passion fruit juice is thought to be healthy for those with high blood pressure, and clinical studies back the usefulness of this juice for lowering blood pressure. The sedative properties of the alkaloids are also believed to help you fall asleep naturally, reducing the effects of anxiety and insomnia.

Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids

The phenolic acids ad flavonoids in passion fruit juice may help protect the heart, as well as kill germs.

Anti-Inflammatory Substances

Passion fruit juice has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the symptoms of asthma. In addition, substances in passion fruit juice may block histamine, which is the main cause of allergies. Passion fruit juice may help relieve the symptoms of allergies by preventing nasal swelling as well.

These were the main health benefits of passion fruit juice. If you want them (yes you do! :) ) include passion fruit juice in your diet once in a while. Preferably homemade.

01 Mar

Banana Juice Side Effects – Can You Drink Too Much Of It?

There are a few banana juice side effects that range from the potentially life-threatening to the mildly irritating. You should make yourself aware of these before eating the fruit or drinking its juice.

Banana Juice Side Effects And Constipation

As unripened, green bananas are particularly high in starch, there is a risk for constipation when consumed. In addition, a banana eaten before its proper time is high in pectin, which absorbs the fluid in the digestive tract and thus hardens the stool. However, as long you avoid unripened bananas, constipation is not a problem that you are likely to face.

Allergic Reactions

There are actually two possible types of allergic reactions linked to bananas – pollen allergies and latex allergies.

An allergic reaction to the pollen from banana trees may not be present at first, but can develop over time if you are already allergic to other types of tree pollen such as birch. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to tree pollen may show themselves immediately or take up to an hour after consumption to appear. The symptoms are typically isolated to the mouth and throat and may include swelling and inflammation of the lips and mouth, runny or congested nasal passages, itching, bloodshot eyes, and general fatigue.

If you are an individual with a history of allergic reactions to latex-based products you may also come to develop a reaction to bananas due to the fact that the banana is somewhat similar to natural latex. This condition is known as latex-fruit syndrome. Symptoms often vary, but can include hives, abdominal pain, swelling, inflammation, itching, and vomiting. Severe reactions can include anaphylactic shock, which includes a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, and is potentially life-threatening.

So long as you avoid consuming unripened bananas and do not have a history of tree pollen or latex allergic reactions it is highly unlikely that you will experience any negative banana juice side effects.

28 Feb

7 Health Benefits of Lemon Juice

Like most juice from fruits and vegetables, lemon juice has a a number of different health benefits associated with it. For centuries, it has been used for medicative and cosmetic use. For best results, you should make fresh lemon juice rather than relying on brands that can be purchased at stores.

Lemon Juice And Digestion

Lemon juice works wonders on the digestive system. When mixed with warm water, this lemon water mixture can help to relieve a number of stomach related problems, such as bloating and nausea. It also helps in the production of bile and can actually speed up the digestion process. If you frequently suffer from constipation, regular intake of lemon juice can help to relieve this condition.

Skin

Whether you are trying to combat wrinkles or want to remove scars and dark spots, lemon juice is the perfect cure. Consuming lemon juice provides the body with an excellent source of vitamin C, which is extremely beneficial to the skin. Vitamin C will help to reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and can even reduce the amount of blackheads that appear. Mixing lemon with warm water and then applying it to the skin is a great way to remove certain blemishes and marks from the skin. It works wonders on scars and dark spots. However, lemon juice makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen should be applied before you venture outside.

Stress

Stress affects everyone, and you’ve probably suffered from a bad case yourself once or twice. Lemon juice can help relieve stress at the end of the day. Because of the soothing sent of lemon, applying the juice to the skin or drinking a cold glass of lemon water is the perfect way to unwind. It also provides the body with a boost of vitamin C, which will help to improve your body’s immunity.

Teeth

While some studies show that the acidic content found in lemon juice is damaging to tooth enamel, lemon juice can work wonders on toothaches and wounds found on gums. When applied directly to the pained area, lemon juice can help to eliminate pain. It can also help to cure gum wounds, which is extremely useful being that gum wounds can easily become infected by the dangerous bacteria found in the mouth.

Health Benefits Of Lemon Juice For Diabetes Patients

Drinking lemon juice has also been shown to provide immediate relief for those suffering from diabetes. Those suffering from diabetes should be given a cold glass if they are suffering from any stomach disorders associated with the condition.

Heart

Lemon juice is also extremely beneficial to the heart because of the citric acid and potassium it contains. Compared to other fruits, such as grapes and apples, lemon’s contain a significant amount of citric acid. Lemon juice also acts as a sedative and can help with palpitations of the heart.

Respiratory Benefits

Lemon juice also helps with respiratory problems. It has been shown to revive individuals suffering from asthma and can help those who are having difficulty breathing. In fact, lemon juice has such a significant impact on the respiratory system that many who have climbed Mount Everest successful claim it was only possible because lemon juice got them through when the air became too thin and it was difficult to breath.

The health benefits of lemon juice are endless, but in order to experience them, lemon juice needs to be consumed on a regular and continued basis.

28 Feb

Mango Juice Side Effects: Can You Drink Too Much Mango Juice?

While there are many health benefits of consuming mango juice, there is a downside – there are a number of possible side effects from consuming mango juice. It is important to note that the potential mango juice side effects are not suffered by everyone that consumes mango juice. Some people will find they have no aversions to mango juice and the side effects are nonexistent. Others will find mango juice side effects are something they suffer from and may choose to discontinue consumption of mango juice.

Sensitivity

Mangoes are a delicious fruit that many people enjoy, but there are a large number of people that are sensitive to the peel of a mango, or the sap that it produces. A sensitivity to mango peels and/or sap could cause a person to have several different reactions, such as a rash or irritation of the skin where the peel or sap was touched. This could last for a while or it could last only a few minutes. Those that find they are sensitive to the peel or sap of a mango shouldn’t give up drinking mango juice just yet; many people find they have no problem touching or consuming mangoes or juice as long as someone else removes the peel of a mango on their behalf.

Mango Juice Side Effects – Disease

People that suffer from a number of diseases, including arthritis, sinusitis, sore throat, rheumatism, or hyperactivity should avoid mango juice in certain forms. These people should steer clear of mango juice in mango pickles if the mango pickle juice is oily, spicy or sour. This could cause extreme illness in people with these diseases.

Too Many Mangoes

Anyone that consumes too much mango juice could experience a number of side effects. The reason for this is not known exactly, but it is a fact that consuming too much mango juice causes eye infections, constipation, seasonal fever and blood impurities. While some of these, such as constipation, can be overcome with time and at home, others require medical attention. Avoiding mangoes or mango juice in extreme numbers will prevent this.

Additionally, those that eat more than two mangoes or have more than two glasses of mango juice in a day are likely to experience irritation of the throat, abdominal colic, indigestion or dysentery. These are not side effects that should be taken lightly and medical attention should be sought immediately if any of these symptoms or side effects become noticeable in anyone that consumes too much mango juice.

Finally, unripe mangoes should be avoided. Consuming too much raw mango could cause any of the above mentioned side effects in a faster amount of time and in through less quantity.

27 Feb

Plum Juice Side Effects:Can You Drink Too Much Of It?

There are a few unpleasant plum juice side effects. Plum juice is very high in fiber and the body needs time to become adjusted to so much fiber. Therefore, it is indeed possible to drink too much plum juice. When it comes to any fruit juice, moderation is the key to reaping the most health benefits from the juice. One eight ounce glass of plum juice each morning will aid in constipation. However, any more than that could cause stomach cramping, diarrhea and irritated bowels.

Plum juice side effects are not limited to abdominal pain. Overindulging in plum juice will lead to possible weight gain. Plum juice, like all other fruit juices, is quite high in calories. If one is trying to lose weight or moderate their calorie intake, indulging in too many ounces of fruit juice will be counterproductive. It is best to limit plum juice, and all other fruit juices, to one glass a day.