Jan

Generally, inflammation is considered a bad thing, but it is the way our immune system heals injuries and fights infections. There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute, a rapid response, sends inflammatory cells to fight viruses and bacteria and to repair damaged tissue. Symptoms of acute inflammation include redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

On the other hand, with chronic inflammation, your body is constantly fighting infection or injury. Some symptoms of chronic inflammation are body discomfort, fatigue, and weight gain. If left unmanaged, chronic inflammation can lead to long-lasting health issues.

Today, I will share with you six juices that fight inflammation, along with their recipes.

Tomato Juice

Tomatoes are full of lycopene, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

Tomato Juice Recipe

  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 medium apple

Directions

  1. Wash the ingredients well. Remove stems from the apple and tomato.
  2. Slowly add the apple and tomato to a juicer or blender one at a time. Allow the juicer/blender to process each portion before adding more.
  3. Stir juice to combine. Serve chilled.

Carrot Juice

Carrots have Beta-Carotene, a powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties. It also gives carrots their orange color. If you can find them, purple carrots have 28 times more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They also contain an additional anti-inflammatory antioxidant, anthocyanins.

Carrot Juice Recipe

  • 4 carrots (about 7 inches long)

Directions

  1. Wash the carrots well. Peel them, and remove the tops.
  2. Slowly add carrots to the juicer/blender one at a time. Allow each piece to process before adding more. Served chilled.

OLIVE JUICE

Olive juice is a blend of green olives, water, vinegar, and salt. Green olives are rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant with many health benefits. One polyphenol, oleocanthal, has properties similar to those of ibuprofen.

Olive Juice Recipe

  • 2 cups green olives
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons salt

Directions

  1. Wash the olives thoroughly and remove the pits with a knife or an olive pitter.
  2. Place the olives in the food processor/blender and blend until they are smooth.
  3. Add water to the food processor/blender, and blend again until the desired consistency is reached.
  4. Strain the juice: place a strainer over a bowl or jug and pour the olive juice through it to remove any pulp or bits of olive.
  5. Add vinegar and salt to the olive juice, stirring until incorporated.

Orange Lemon Ginger Juice

This juice is an excellent substitute for regular orange juice. It is full of invigorating flavor and anti-inflammatory properties.

Orange Lemon Ginger Juice Recipe

  • 4 large oranges
  • 1 large lemon
  • 1 piece of fresh ginger, about 2 inches
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Juice the oranges and lemon, then strain the juice to remove any seeds or excess pulp for a smoother juice.
  2. Juice the ginger or press it using a garlic press.
  3. Combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and ginger juice in a large pitcher. Stir well to make sure the flavors are evenly mixed.
  4. Stir in the honey and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend and the juice to chill.

Spinach Juice with Lemon and Apple

This juice is very refreshing and a great source of vitamin K and folate.

Spinach Juice with Lemon and Apple recipe.

  • 2 cups of baby spinach packed
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 1 medium cucumber
  • 1 green apple, cored
  • 1 lemon, peeled

Directions

  1. Wash all produce thoroughly, removing all soil from the celery.
  2. Core the green apple and peel the lemon.
  3. Cut the celery stalks, cucumber, apple, and lemon into chunks or smaller pieces if needed.
  4. Add the baby spinach, celery, cucumber, apple, and lemon to the food processor/ blender. Blend on the highest setting until the mixture is smooth. Add a little water if the juice is too thick.
  5. Pour the juice through a cheesecloth or a milk bag. Squeeze it from the top down over the pitcher so the juice drains into it.
  6. Serve the juice immediately over ice.

The flu and cold season has arrived. Increase your body’s chances of fighting them off. Arm yourself with these anti-inflammatory juices, be prepared!

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings❤️