Our body’s pH can’t be too acidic, and it can’t be too alkaline either. It needs to be ‘just right’ (between 7.35 and 7.45pH). We possess a natural buffer system which helps to keep it within the ideal pH range, however, when we consume processed foods loaded with sugar, wheat, preservatives and artificial additives, and drink excess sugary sodas and alcohol, it can cause the body to become too acidic. In response, our body must pull the buffering minerals it needs from elsewhere to maintain its pH level, which can result in a wide range of health issues such as inflammation, weak bones, stiff joints, fatigue, and cause numerous digestive problems.
When we feel tired, what is the first thing we generally reach out for? …. Coffee!! An estimated 9 out of 10 people today are lacking in important vitamins and minerals, and green juices are the perfect remedy to replenish these. They also provide near-instant lift in energy, and unlike caffeine or other stimulants, there’s no late afternoon crash.
If we don’t consume a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs, we are missing out on a key component of wellness: antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our body from oxidative damage, which contributes to physical signs of ageing on all counts. Green juices provide us with multiple servings of nutritious superfoods to boost our antioxidant intake, which helps to keep us vibrant and feel more youthful.
Our gut is the foundation of health and can be the one difference between depression and happiness. That’s why it’s critical to take steps to ensure our gut is truly healthy, and regular consumption of green juices is one such step. Green juices contain necessary digestive enzymes and pre-biotics (food for our microbiome), and in some cases even pro-biotics (good bacteria recognised for supporting gut health).
No matter how careful we are, our body is constantly exposed to toxins. These can be found in our drinking water, household furniture, drapery and carpets, food we eat, cleaning products, cosmetics, and the air we breathe. All these toxins put a huge strain on our liver and contribute to the disruption of our endocrine equilibrium. Green juices help, because the compounds in the fresh ingredients help support a healthy liver. By consuming a green juice every day, we can give our liver and in turn our whole body's a fighting chance against all the toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis.
Green juices are one of the best ways to support the health of our immune system, because they are packed full of nutrients our body needs. Much like a car needs gas, oil and lubricants, our immune system runs on specific nutrients to function properly. Nutrients which must be constantly replenished. Drinking a green juice every day is therefore an easy way to replenish the necessary nutrients our immune system needs.
Clare Batchelor, Nutritional Therapist specialising in superfoods for gut health
