Inflammatory Foods That You Should Watch Out For!

 
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), INFLAMMATION is the clear culprit in many chronic diseases that kill millions of people every year.  Some of these chronic diseases caused by inflammation include both heart disease and cancer.
 
An estimated 17.3 million people died of cardiovascular related disease in 2008 alone, while cancer caused over 7.5 million deaths during the same period.  Not only that, but millions more are diagnosed with debilitating and terminal diseases caused by inflammation each and every year.  The numbers are also increasing when it comes to deaths and diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, which is very scary.  In addition, what many people don’t know is that inflammation at the cellular level is also implicated in such health issues as food allergies, asthma, weight gain and premature ageing.
 
For our readers who are interested in the medical definitions of inflammation (which has changed dramatically even in recent years), you can visit the British Journal of Sports Medicine for some analysis.
 
Recent studies and research have now proven that by living a healthier lifestyle through good nutrition and fitness, we can reduce our risk of inflammatory diseases quite dramatically.  This includes reducing our risk of heart disease, premature ageing and cancer in addition to reducing our allergic responses and even asthma itself.  By eating more foods with anti-inflammatory agents and properties, we can now directly link that to a reduction in our body’s inflammation.  On the other front, by limiting and restricting consumption of inflammatory causing foods, we can also reduce our risk of inflammatory diseases in the same way.
 
Want to learn more about inflammation?  Dr. Joel Kahn, a cardiologist explains here.

 

Here are the 9 inflammatory foods that you should watch out for:

 
 
sugar1
 

Inflammatory Food #1 > Sugar causes severe inflammation

 
Found in most processed and packaged foods and drinks, sugar is everywhere.  Not only does refined sugar increase your risk of weight gain/obesity but it also increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.  Always check labels when purchasing processed or packaged foods as most soft drinks, fruit juices, baking aisle products and candy contain huge amounts of refined sugars.  They are often labeled under different names (not ‘sugar’) that include sucrose, sorghum syrup, maltose, golden syrup, fructose, dextrose and corn syrup.  Instead of consuming packaged products containing dangerous sugar that causes body inflammation, try eating healthy foods with natural sugar (but not too much).  These include various types of berries, fruits, dates and figs.  When cooking, try substituting inflammation causing sugar with molasses, stevia, agave syrup or honey.

 

dairy
 

Inflammatory Foods #2 > Dairy Products

 
More than half of the world’s population cannot digest milk.  Although we grew up believing that milk and other dairy products are extremely healthy, they actually cause inflammation throughout the body.  Dairy produces an inflammatory response to those who are intolerant as well as those that are tolerant to dairy (which many people don’t know) and this includes digestion problems, stomach discomfort, cramps, constipation, diarrhoea, hives, acne, asthma and skin rashes.  Dairy products that cause body inflammation are found in milk, cheese, yoghurt (obviously), but also in many cereals, cream sauces, cakes, crackers and even cookies, so watch out and always read the labels!

 

meat
 

Inflammatory Food #3 > Red Meat and Other Processed Meats

 
A problem for those who are omnivores, red meat and other processed forms of meat cause inflammation.  From steak to lamb and from pork to other red meats, these inflammatory foods contain a molecule called Neu5Gc that stimulates an unwanted immune response after meat consumption.  This molecule triggers a chronic inflammatory response that has been directly linked to both heart disease and cancer.  In addition, both the American Institute for Cancer Research as well as The World Cancer Research Fund warn that any processed meats that have been chemically preserved, salted, cured or smoked can increase your risk of inflammation that causes colon, rectal, lung and oesophageal cancers.  Try limiting your red meat consumption and take out processed meats from your diet completely!

 

alcohol
 

Inflammatory Food #4 > Alcohol

 
Unfortunately for some people, drinking alcohol regularly will increase the inflammation in your body.  This inflammatory response is usually seen in the oesophagus, liver and larynx … which may lead to cancer and tumour growth.  Try reducing your alcohol consumption, and in addition, try drinking green tea and other anti-inflammatory drinks to reduce inflammation.

 

trans-fat
 

Inflammatory Food #5 > Trans Fat

 
Not only does trans fat increase your unhealthy bad cholesterol, but it also promotes inflammation and insulin resistance.  The result?  An increase in heart disease and metabolic syndrome risk right away.  Because foods prepared with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils contain high levels of trans fat, stay away from them!  These inflammatory foods include such things as commercially baked foods, fast food in general, deep fried foods, vegetable oil, vegetable shortening and margarine.  Always read labels!

 

vegetable-oil
 

Inflammatory Food #6 > Vegetable Oils

 
There’s lots of misinformation when it comes to vegetable oils. On one hand, many people believe it is the healthiest form of oil while other say they are cancer causing.  We tend to believe the latter.  The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in our diet can affect the level of inflammation in our body.  If we consume a lot of veggie oils like sunflower, cottonseed, grapeseed or safflower, we will have too much omega-6 fatty acids compared with omega-3 fatty acids.  The result is an increase in inflammation within our bodies.  They are also commonly used in restaurants as well as home cooking.  Replace omega-6 rich oils with types that have a better balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids such as extra virgin olive oil or macadamia nut oil.

 

grains
 

Inflammatory Foods #7 > Refined Grains

 
Just liked refined sugars mentioned above, refined grains also promote the onset of cancer, diabetes and coronary disease caused by inflammation.  Remember that refined grains (versus natural grains) have been completely stripped of many good nutrients such as Vitamins and fiber, so you’re only consuming calories.  Refined grains include white flour, white rice, noodles, white bread, pastas, biscuits and cereals.  Try to reduce these or not even touch them.

 

Inflammatory Foods #8 > Artificial Food Additives

 
Inflammatory response is elevated when we consume foods with artificial additives or artificial coloring.  From MSG (seasoning) to aspartame (sweeteners), artificial food additives are most prevalent in pre-packaged and processed foods.  Try to cut down on these and prepare nutritious and fresh foods yourself.

 

Inflammatory Foods #9 > Feed Lot Farm Animals

 
Just like in vegetable oils, feedlot animals also have a pro-inflammatory high omega-6 to low omega-3 fatty acid ratio.  This is because many animals from feedlots are fed a typical grain, soybean and corn diet that causes inflammation.  Try replacing feedlot animals (if you eat meat) with free range options that contain higher levels of healthier omega-3 fatty acids.

 

As you can see from this list, eating a balanced, nutritious, plant based whole foods diet will help reduce your risk of inflammation.  This will in turn reduce your risk of many diseases including cancer and heart disease.

Boost Your Juice! Check out these 5 new superfoods to add to your morning juice or smoothie…

 
Want to BOOST your morning smoothie or cold pressed juice with some new superfoods? Getting tired of the same flavors and ingredients in your juices? Here are 5 nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost! Click here for SET 3 JUICE BOOSTERS in addition to Click here for SET 2 JUICE BOOSTERS and SET 1 JUICE BOOST INGREDIENTS!

 
 

just add acai health benefits into your juice
 

Top Smoothie Ingredient #16 > Just Add Flax Seeds

 
Flax seeds are a great super food that can be easily added to any juice or smoothie. Some experts name flax as one of the most potent and powerful plant foods on the planet. And there’s early signs that adding flax seeds to juices and smoothies can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and even diabetes. Some of the nutrients found in flax seeds include a high level of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, lignans/phytochemicals and fiber. This top smoothie ingredient booster will also help reduce constipation, inflammation, menopausal symptoms and fighting colds by boosting your immune system. Just add flax seeds into your smoothie or juice will also give you adequate levels of fiber and some protein and they are low in calories. Just add flax seeds today!

 
 
superfood turmeric in smoothies and juices
 

Juice Booster #17 > Just Add Goji Berries

 
Goji berries have been a major component of Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. This exotic deep red berry has become very popular over the past few years, and rightfully so, for it’s healthy load of antioxidants and nutritional value. Just add goji berries into your juice blend or morning smoothie to reap all the benefits of the goji berry. In a recent Swiss study, a 90 day goji berry supplementation plan increased antioxidant levels and offered elderly patients with an edge against muscular degeneration. Not only that, but a recent National Taiwan University conducted a study that found that by just adding goji berries to your diet can help protect diabetics from diabetes related eye deterioration. These findings are just two of many that have been done of this superberry. Just add goji berries into your morning smoothie or blend it into your juice. They are available either dried (preferable) or juiced and can be added to your drinks or eaten as a healthy snack. Organic goji berries will pack in the most amount of nutrients.

 
 
just add sunflower seeds to elevate your juice
 

Juice Boost Ingredient #18 > Just Add Chic Peas

 
A staple of East Indian cuisine and popular in hummus dips, the chic pea is one of the most nutrient dense foods in the world. With a mild yet nutty flavor, you can just add chic peas to your morning smoothie as a juice boost. Chic peas contain a high level of phytoestrogens, which is the plant version of the natural body hormone oestrogen. So when you add chic peas as a juice boost ingredient into your morning smoothie, you can lower your risk of cancers (for women, especially breast cancer). In addition, chic peas have been found to reduce hot flashes. As a juice boost ingredient, chic peas also contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, fiber and protein.

 
 
elevate your smoothie by adding super fruit papaya or papaw
 

Juice Booster #19 > Just Add Amaranth

 
A relative of the ultra superfoods quinoa and buckwheat, amaranth is also a nutritionally packed super food that goes well with different flavors and textures in your morning smoothie or juice. If you add amaranth as a juice booster, you will be adding tonnes of Vitamins (including vitamin A, B6, K, C, folate and riboflavin) into your diet in addition to a healthy level of magnesium, copper, iron, potassium and calcium. Just Add amaranth to your juice or smoothie because it contains lots of PROTEIN. In actual fact, amaranth contains 30 per cent more protein than traditional wheat flower, oats and rice. In addition, just add amaranth is completely GLUTEN-FREE. Some of the juice booster amaranth health benefits include cardiovascular support, treatment of hypertension, strengthening of your immune system and even preventing your hair from turning gray!

 
 
Broccoli super food additions
 

Top Smoothie Ingredient #20 > Just Add Asparagus

 
The asparagus is one of our top vegetables to add to a morning smoothie or cold pressed juice blend. High in folate, the Vitamin B that helps fight heart disease, in addition to fiber (over 4 grams per cup), asparagus has an awesome side-effect as well. Asparagus superfood is high in Vitamin E, which helps stimulate the production of testosterone in men. This serves as a natural aphrodisiac and is therefore, good for your sex life. In addition, one cup of asparagus added to your daily superfood smoothie or juice will add only 27 calories but lots of Vitamin K which helps prevent osteoporosis. Asparagus also has natural de-bloating health benefits, which will make your muscles look more defined for your summer beach body! Bright green asparagus is by far the healthiest type. Just stay away from the bleached white ones that carry little to no nutritional value. Remember that asparagus doesn’t stay fresh for very long, so wrap the ends with a paper towel and store in a cool place like the fridge. Just Add Asparagus!

 

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: flax seeds, goji berries, chic peas, amaranth and asparagus.

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Want to ELEVATE your smoothie? Try Adding These 5 Nutritious Juice Booster Ingredients…

 
Want to ELEVATE your morning smoothie or cold pressed juice?  Getting sick and tired of the same textures, flavors or ingredients in your juices? Here are 5 nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost! Click here for SET 2 JUICE BOOSTERS and SET 1 JUICE BOOST INGREDIENTS!

 
 

just add acai health benefits into your juice
 

Top Juice Booster #11 > Just Add Acai Berry

 
Yes, Just Add Good Stuff is recommending the berry that nobody can pronounce.  Just add acai berries into your smoothie or cold pressed juice blend because they are amazing super berries!  Acai berries are indigenous berries commonly found in the Amazon rain forests.  They are anti-oxidant rich fruits that have been heralded for hundreds of years as an immune stimulating, healing and energy boosting super berry.  As one of our top juice boosters acai berries are easy to find at your local market.  Or you can also opt for powdered acai berry powder but just make sure that it only contains these super berries, no added sugar as comes from an organic source and has never been heated.  Acai berries are amazing for your heart and lowers cholesterol in your blood stream.  In addition, just adding acai berries will boost your immune system and aids in weight loss programs.  The top juice booster also promotes skin health and helps with a an upset stomach, bloating or gas.  Just adding acai berries will also improve your cellular health (high in anthocyanins) and may help fight or even prevent cancer.  Acai berries also contain properties that support normal inflammation that may prevent inflammations due to allergic reactions.  The high levels of phytochemicals also contribute to the ability to slow or reverse typical processes related to aging and cellular oxidative damage, creating anti-aging effects.  The top juice booster also gives you an energy boost, which is great before workouts or physical activity.  Just add acai berries starting today!

 
 
superfood turmeric in smoothies and juices
 

Smoothie Boost Ingredient #12 > Just Add Turmeric

 
Turmeric is one of the new super foods and there are many reasons for this!  Turmeric is a rhizomatous perennial plant that belongs to the ginger family and its native to tropical South Asia.  Turmeric is being thrust into the super foods limelight as there are many health benefits by just adding small amounts of turmeric into your daily diet.  As a smoothie boost ingredient, turmeric super food is one of the best boosters in terms of natural health benefits.  Just add turmeric into your smoothie or juice blend will give you the following health benefits: natural anti-inflammatory agent, natural antibiotic, natural antiseptic, natural analgesic plus turmeric speeds up wound healing and improves digestion.  Other turmeric super food health benefits include: prevention of bloating and gas build-up, lowers cholesterol, heals stomach ulcers, strengthens ligaments, improves asthma, prevents progression of Alzheimer’s, aids in fat metabolism and weight management and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.  Other amazing health benefits of turmeric as a smoothie booster ingredient includes prevention of many types of cancers including breast, prostate, skin, colon, lymphoma, leukemia as well as improving skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and it also slows the progression of MS.  As you can see, just add turmeric today!

 
 
just add sunflower seeds to elevate your juice
 

Top Juice Booster #13 > Just Add Sunflower Seeds

 
Often overlooked, seeds are a perfect addition to any juice or smoothie.  These health promoting seeds will give you a firmer texture and a nuttier flavor.   Sunflower seeds as a top juice booster may be new to you, but contain very high levels of Vitamin E, B1, manganese, copper, tryptophan, magnesium, selenium, Vitamin B6, phosphorous, folate and are low in calories.  Not only that, but just by adding sunflower seeds as a top juice booster ingredient also comes with several health benefits.  Firstly, sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E which is a fat soluble antioxidant.  This aids in our cardiovascular system and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent as well.  The sunflower seeds health benefits continues with the phytosterols which help lower cholesterol levels.  Another great sunflower seeds health benefit includes its high levels of magnesium which help to calm our muscles and nerves and counterbalances calcium, thus helping regulate our blood vessels.  As well, the top juice booster in adding a tablespoon or two of sunflower seeds to your morning smoothie includes its high levels of selenium that aid in detoxification and cancer prevention.  The best way to just add sunflower seeds into your juice blend or morning smoothie is to add shelled sunflower seeds that are organic, raw and unsalted.

 
 
elevate your smoothie by adding super fruit papaya or papaw
 

Juice Boost Ingredient #15 > Just Add Papaya / Papaw 

 
In North America, you may call them papayas but in Australia and South Asia, you may refer to them as papaw.  Other people may call them tree melons… but in the end, papaya, papaw or tree melon are a super fruit!  Cultivated worldwide in the tropics and subtropics, over 7 million tons are now produced globally every year.  Due to the high levels of vitamins and minerals, just adding papaya or papaw into your morning juice blend or smoothie will give you lots of natural health benefits.  This wonder fruit is especially great for digestion and treating digestive problems.  In addition, certain enzymes like papain make papaya or papaw truly unique when it comes to super fruits.  Papaya is also very beneficial for your cardiovascular system.  Rich in provitamin A carotenoids, Vitamin C, folate and dietary fiber, papaw or papaya also contains lots of Vitamin B in the form of folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1 and riboflavin.  The skin, pulp and seeds of the juice booster ingredient papaya or papaw is also nutritious with high levels of phytochemicals including polyphenols and lycopene.  Pectin in papaya is also amazing.  Just add papaya into your smoothies and you’ll also be able to treat arthritis, osteoporosis or any other pain as papaws are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and promotes faster healing.  Also, papaya is used for treating colds throughout the world.  Just add papaya!

 
 
Broccoli super food additions
 

Top Juice Booster #15 > Just Add Broccoli

 
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables in the world and it adds to both the flavor and texture of your cold pressed juice or morning smoothie.  With high levels of minerals, fiber, vitamins and even protein, broccoli is a welcome addition in order to elevate the nutritional value of your smoothies.  Containing powerful antioxidants, there are ongoing studies of how broccoli consumption can prevent and fight cancers.  In addition, your immune system is boosted considerably by just adding broccoli because of its richness in beta carotene, zinc and selenium.  Broccoli is also high in Vitamin C which is an anti-inflammatory and it also contains high levels of magnesium and potassium that help regulate your blood pressure.  Broccoli as a juice booster also helps fight heart disease and prevents strokes and atherosclerosis.  Vitamin K and calcium in broccoli also promote healthy bones and the folic acid prevents birth defects.  Just adding broccoli will create a great nutritional shake before a workout as well.  This top juice booster will add tonnes of protein (as much as corn or rice) but half the calories.  Just Add Broccoli today!

 

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: acai berry, turmeric, sunflower seeds, papaya/papaw and broccoli.

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Juice Booster Ingredients > Want to Elevate Your Smoothie or Juice Blend to the next level?

 
If you are looking for 5 new ingredients to add to your morning smoothie or juice, please read on! These five organic, natural and raw ingredients will pack your drink with lots of nutrition, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and trace elements that will keep you going through the day! If you missed SET 1 – JUICE BOOST INGREDIENTS, click here or our new SET 3 – SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS. Otherwise, here are 5 new nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost!

 

spinach juice booster or smoothie boost in the morning
 

Juice Booster #6 > Just Add Spinach

An easy way to elevate the health benefits and nutritional value of your juice blend, spinach is one of nature’s best superfoods. A cup of spinach has nearly 20% of your daily dietary fiber requirements which will help in your digestive processes and lower your blood pressure. Recent studies also link spinach to fighting prostate and other cancer with its high levels of phytonutrients. Adding spinach as a juice booster also improves your vision, disease immunity, and brain function in addition to maintaining healthy bones and skin. Just adding spinach to your juice or smoothie will also fight inflammation. Spinach is also very high in antioxidants, which help in combating atherosclerosis as well as osteoporosis. You can find organic spinach at any local grocer or farmer’s market or you can easily grow your own. Spinach is one of our favorite juice boost ingredients!

 

superfood hemp seeds are a perfect juice boost for your morning smoothie
 

Smoothie Boost Ingredient #7 > Just Add Hemp Seeds

One of our favourite juice boost ingredients at Just Add Good Stuff is hemp seeds. This is nature’s highest botanical source of essential fatty acids. Hemp Seed as a smoothie booster ingredient will aid as an anti-inflammatory agent, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, there are no known allergies to hemp seeds, so they are completely safe for people who are sensitive to lactose, sugar, gluten or nuts. In addition, food cravings are reduced and therefore, hemp seeds are often added into a weight loss program. A juice boost ingredient like hemp seeds will also help you increase focus and energy levels in addition to reducing stress. Hemp seeds are a superfood and there are several reasons for this. They contain high levels of protein (including 20 amino acids … and all 9 essential amino acids). In addition, the hemp seed juice booster also contains fatty acids, Vitamin E and lots of fiber. They are easy to digest and offer a rich source of natural phytonutrients, the disease protection that will aid in your immunity against diseases and infection. Just Add Hemp Seeds!

 

maca powder is a great addition to a smoothie or juice because of its superfood status
 

Juice Booster #8 > Just Add Maca

Derived from a herbaceous plant that is found on the high plateaus of the Ande’s Mountains in Peru, South America, the maca root vegetable has often been referred to as the ‘Peruvian Ginseng’ because of its many health benefits. Often coming in powder form, adding maca as a juice booster will give you lots of added nutrients and energy. A relative of the turnip and rash, the maca root smells a bit like butterscotch and adding maca to your morning smoothie or as a juice booster will help treat everything from chronic fatigue to anemia. Not only that, but maca in any form when consumed will reduce stress levels, anxiety, depression and help balance your mood. In addition, the maca juice booster can also contribute to clearing acne in a natural way in addition to promoting sexual function in both femals and males. Athletes use maca juice boosters to increase energy. WARNING > DO NOT add maca to your smoothie or juice booster if you are breast feeding or if you are pregnant.

 

lemonhealth benefits are awesome and should be used as a juice boost
 

Smoothie Booster Ingredient #9 > Just Add Lemon

Many of us forget that lemons help us balance our body’s pH levels. Although acidic in taste, once our body metabolizes lemon, they are alkaline which is the key to good health. Just add lemon into your daily smoothie or juice to boost your immune system as lemons are very high in Vitamin C and potassium. In addition, studies have shown that pectin fiber in lemons help curb food cravings and therefore have been an essential ingredient in many weight loss programs. As well, the smoothie booster ingredient also aids our gastrointestinal tract and keeps things moving in our digestive system. Another often overlooked property of lemons is that they hydrate our lymph system which prevents dehydration and adrenal fatigue. The lemon juice boost also decreases blemishes, acne and wrinkles, promoting healthier skin.

 

seaweed superfood is a welcome addition to a smoothie or juice booster ingredient
 

Juice Booster #10 > Just Add Seaweed

Seaweed has been around for centuries and it serves as an ideal choice for any morning juice blend or smoothie if you are looking for more Vitamin A and C as well as magnesium, iodine and calcium. Seaweed doesn’t contain any fat, and a serving only contains 5 to 10 calories, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. The juice booster seaweed includes edible species like Red Dulse, Black Hijiki and Green Kumba, and all are equally nutritious and tasty additions to your smoothie or juice booster. Some of the health benefits of seaweed include aiding your digestive system and lowering your high blood pressure. As well, recent studies have shown that adding seaweed into your diet may have anti-cancer properties. So instead of just having seaweed as part of your sushi roll, try seaweed as a juice booster!

 

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: spinach, hemp seeds, maca, lemons and seaweeds.

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Need a Juice Boost? Try Adding These 5 Nutritious Ingredients For Your Next Juice…

 
Need an ingredient change or addition to your juice routine? Getting tired of the same flavors? Not reaping the benefits of multiple superfoods in your juice? Here are 5 nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost! Click here for SET 2 JUICE BOOSTERS! Or our new SET 3 – SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS

 

kale juice booster or smoothie boost in the morning
 

Juice Boost Ingredient #1 > Just Add Kale

 
Leafy greens have amazing health benefits but there is one leafy green that outshines the rest. You’ve guessed it…. KALE is the #1 superfood when it comes to greens as it contains zero fat, is low in calories and high in fiber. In addition, kale is extremely high in iron, Vitamins A, C and K, calcium and powerful antioxidants. These vitamins and minerals give kale the edge when it comes to anti-inflammatory foods. Not only that, but this juice booster also gives you cardiovascular support and is a great detox superfood as well.

 

superfood chia seeds are a perfect juice boost for your morning smoothie
 

Juice Booster #2 > Just Add Chia Seeds

 
Many people have heard of chia seeds, but not many people add it to their morning smoothie or juice. We recommend adding chia seeds as a juice booster to start your morning off on the right foot. Just a tablespoon of chia seeds will do the trick. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents. It’s fiber cleans out our digestive tract too. Chia seeds as a juice boost also features amazing amounts of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and manganese in addition to being a gluten free addition to your morning smoothie.

 

blueberries are a great addition to a smoothie or juice because of its superfood status
 

Juice Boost Ingredient #3 > Just Add Blueberries

 
Wild blueberries will give you a boost in essential anthocyanins, vitamin A, C, E & B complex in addition to several minerals that will boost your immunity and prevent infections. The high concentration of antioxidants will combat free radicals and lower your risk of heart disease through cardiovascular support. In addition, the blueberry juice booster will also help prevent cancers, improve brain function and aid in your urinary and digestive systems. Now this is a great juice boost for any morning juice or smoothie!

 

spirulina health benefits are awesome and should be used as a juice boost
 

Juice Booster #4 > Just Add Spirulina

 
Not your average juice booster, spirulina is a cyanobacteria (algae) that is rich in health benefits. Incredibly high in protein and nutrients, spirulina is extremely rich in iron, B-12 content, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), omega-3 fatty acids, natural chlorophyll, potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, sodium and zinc just to name a few. As a juice boost spirulina will also give you great amounts of Vitamin B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), C, D, A and E! Not only that, but a spirulina juice boost will also help in preventing allergies and fat burning.

 

Cacao superfood is a welcome addition to a smoothie or juice booster ingredient
 

Juice Boost Ingredient #5 > Just Add Cacao

 
By using raw cacao powder or cacao nibs as a juice boost, you will be adding a healthy supply of potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, iron and copper into your daily diet. Also rich in magnesium and iron, cacao provides healthy doses of antioxidants to fight free radicals in addition to Vitamin E, copper and magnesium that help heart function. Cacao also balances serotonin levels which contribute to feelings of happiness and contentment.

 

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: kale, chia seeds, blueberries, spirulina and cacao.

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The Ultimate SUPERFOOD for Exercise & Training!

If you are looking for a great training superfood, look no further than a common ingredient in smoothies and healthy dishes. GINGER is a great superfood for exercise and training, whether you are in the quest for a winning triathlon or increasing your strength. Often, ginger is the forgotten superfood but here is why you should add ginger to your nutritional diet when embarking on any cardio or weight training routine.

 

CLICK HERE for the Just Add Good Stuff GINGER Infographic with ginger health benefits, interesting facts and nutritional value.

 

The ginger root is actually native to South Asia, but it’s a popular flavor in drinks and foods all across the world. No doubt, ginger is a superfood. But, as an athlete or a fitness addict, you may wonder what the true benefits of ginger are to your health and exercise routine. The ginger root contains many powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that are commonly referred to as gingerols. These anti-inflammatory gingerols in the ginger superfood have been proven to reduce the formation of free radicals including nitric oxide during training and rest periods. So what does that mean to you? The evidence supports that gingerols and other anti-inflammatory agents actually not only prevent inflammation, but also inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds in your body.

 

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As a result of the gingerol ginger superfood properties, athletes and trainers feel less pain when working out. Therefore, the ginger root actually serves as a natural pain reliever through it’s anti-inflammatory agents. This is especially good when considering traditional pain relievers such as Aspirin and Tylenol come with a host of negative side effects. According to Jim White, R.D. and the Journal of Pain, the ginger superfood also delays the onset of muscle soreness during a training period as well as at rest state, thereby promoting better health and results. The latest studies also show that the maximum effect of these gingerols in the ginger superfood occurs about 24 hours AFTER ginger consumption, which is very interesting.

In 2012, the Metabolism Journal which is published at Columbia University also discovered that the ginger superfood can help in weight loss or weight maintenance too. During this study by notable research scientists, people who consumed 2 grams of powdered ginger reported that they felt MORE FULL 3 hours later than those that did not consumer the ginger root. By feeling fuller, those who consumed this amount of ginger superfood were able to maintain their weight better and in some cases, even lose weight during the process.

 

CLICK HERE for the Just Add Good Stuff GINGER Infographic with ginger health benefits, interesting facts and nutritional value.

 

As mentioned above, ginger is native to South Asia (which many people don’t know). However, luckily for all of us, ginger root is available year round throughout the world. Most ginger varieties have a brown skin and yellow flesh, but you can also buy local ginger root with white or red meat. Whatever you choose, the best option is non-GMO organic ginger superfood. This will give you the best and most nutrients. The recommended daily intake is 2-4 grams per day. According to the USDA, one serving of ginger contains only 5 calories and no fat.