Different Types of Juicers: Which one is best for you?

So you decided to purchase a juicer, but how do you know which type of juicer is right for you? Let's take a look at the different kinds:

Manual Juicers:
According to justjuice.org, "As the name applies, manual juicers are operated by hand and require a little elbow grease." Manual juicers are relatively inexpensive and are ideal for juicing citrus fruits or wheatgrass. As a whole, manual juicers are limited to the range of fruits and veggies they can juice.

Benefits: Juices well, does not require electricity, less expensive than other juicers in the market, less cleaning time.

Centrifugal Juicers:
Traditionally, this is the most common type of juicer according to Kristen Aiken of Huffington Post Taste. "These typically utilize a fast spinning metal blade that spins against a mesh filter, separating juice from flesh via centrifugal force. The juice and pulp are then separated into different containers." Although centrifugal juicers are easy to use and clean, the nutrient retention for a centrifugal juicer is not all that great. Because it operates at such a fast speed and creates heat, much of the enzymes found in fruits and vegetables are lost.

Benefits: 

• Affordable and easy to use. Centrifugal juicers are great for beginners and people who are short on juicing time. 
• Easier to clean than electric juicers
• Great for juicing stringy, fibrous veggies (like celery)
• Takes in bigger chunks of fruits and vegetables than any other juicer types. 

Cold Press Juicers (Masticating Juicers)
While masticating juicers are relatively new to the juicing market, they are highly effective in their ability to break down hard, fibrous cell walls of fresh produce and produces a high juice yield and very little dry pulp. Because they don't produce much heat, they keep much of the valuable nutrients your body needs intact.

Benefits:

• Truly versatile: they can juice anything and everything including hard, fibrous vegetables such as celery as well as leafy greens like wheatgrass, and soft fruits like tomatoes. 
• Less waste. Masticating juicers produces a lot of juice and very dry pulp. This means that less of your produce is going to waste. 
• Diverse uses
• Low motor speed, which means that your juice is not being oxidized from the heat during the juicing process. 

In the market for a juicer? Our Total Juicer Pro is now on sale for only $149.99! 

Sources: 

Masticating Juicer Reviews 

Best Manual Juicers

Juicers 101: Different Types of Juicers and How They Measure Up

Juicer Types: The Difference Between Cold Press Juicers vs. Centrifugal Juice Extractors

Juicing the Right Way

As part of a balanced diet, juicing can pose incredible health benefits. For starters, 95% of vitamins and enzymes our bodies need are found in the juice of raw fruits and vegetables. Juicing not only strengthens the immune system, but facilitates weight loss, increases energy levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Many people who incorporate juicing into their diet also report healthier, more radiant skin! But is there a right or a wrong way to juice? How do you ensure you achieve optimal results from juicing?

According to Becky Hand, a licensed and registered Dietitian from Spark People, if you want to have success with juicing, practice the following tips:

1. Turn Yucky into Yummy. 

Are you someone who prefers not to eat certain fruits or vegetables due to texture and taste? Juicing, according to Becky, can be a way to incorporate produce that you might not normally eat. "Beets, kale and spinach tend to be less noticeable when combined with the flavors of fruits and berries." She suggests experimenting with different flavors and produce to achieve a recipe that you will enjoy! 

2. Don't Pitch the Pulp

Don't let the nutrients found in pulp go to waste! Do you know you can add it to soups, stews, grain and rice dishes, pasta sauces and muffins? Don't be afraid to get a little creative in the kitchen! 

3. Try a Juicy Smoothie

This is a wonderful idea for those who are trying to achieve a well balanced meal. Try incorporating your juice with yogurt (as a source of protein) or nut butter or avocado (as a source of healthy fats).

4. The Five-a-Day Challenge: 

If you are struggling to get at least 5-servings-a-day of fruits and veggies, juicing can certainly help you get there! Becky advises that you make sure you are incorporating enough whole fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes and lentils to meet your 25 grams of fiber as well!

5. Rotate and Renew: 

No need to stick to the same recipe. Switch it up time to time and explore the many options available at your local farmers market. Some fruits and veggies are at their peak during a particular season! 

6. Boost Flavor: 

Becky suggests using herbs, such as basil, and spices such as ginger or cayenne, to add flavor to your juice blends and smoothies. 

7. Remember Food Safety:

Before you even get out the juicer, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands and produce. To ensure that your juicer is clean, make sure you follow the manufacturers directions.  Typically, you want to wash your juicer with hot, soapy water. 

8. Drink Now, Not Later! 

According to Becky, "Freshly made juices and smoothies are highly perishable since no preservatives or pasteurization is used." She advises to drink or freeze your mixture shortly after juicing or blending. 

Sources:

The Truth about Juicing and Your Health 

Visit mylifejuicer.com for more details!

Is a Juice Cleanse Right For You?

I recently had a conversation with a co-worker regarding juice cleanses. She had asked me if I had seen "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead." I hadn't, but I was immediately intrigued. She described a man on a journey to transform his health by juicing.  Upon a bit of research I discovered that at 310 lbs, Joe Cross was at the end of his rope. 100 lbs. overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe decided to turn to his only option left, the body's ability to heal itself.

 So how did he do it?

Joe made a vow to nix junk food and replace his meals with fresh juice for 60 days. While it may sound extreme, what emerges, according to his website, "is nothing short of amazing". Joe successfully lost the weight by juicing fruits and vegetables and was able to get off prescription drugs. Even more amazing than the weight loss? Joe proudly proclaims on his blog "I am free of my autoimmune disease. I live a happy and balanced life at a healthy weight and could never imagine returning to my old ways again." 

Joe continues, a simple "reboot" is all you need. "During a reboot, you'll commit to consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a period of time. 3 days, 5 days, 15 days, 30 days? It's your choice. The goal is to help you break a cycle of an unhealthy lifestyle and simply enhance the quality of your diet by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables." 

 A Reboot program, followed by a healthy lifestyle helps you:

• Boost the number of fruit and vegetables you consumer daily
• Break the cycle of unhealthy eating and crave healthy foods
• Jump start a weight loss plan
• Manage a healthy weight
• Lower the risk of life threatening diseases
• Promote longevity
• Decrease aches in pains in joints and muscles
• Boost your immune system
• Release stored toxins
• Increase energy levels
• Promote beautiful & healthy skin, nails and hair
• Ease digestion by accessing digestive enzymes locked away in whole produce.

(Source)

Sounds wonderful, but can everyone handle a juice cleanse?

According to Cynthia Sass, a registered dietitian with a master's degree in both nutrition and science, detoxes and cleanses aren't right for everyone and they can even backfire. "The key to reaping the rewards is finding what works, and doesn't work for you." 

Her top Do's and Don'ts of Juice Cleanses:

1. Don't do it to be trendy:

While many can be successful on a juice cleanse, Cynthia writes that some of her clients experienced intense cravings or obsessive thoughts about food when they learned they had to restrict their diet. This of course, made her clients more prone to binge eating. She continues, "Some people rave about how amazing they feel physically and emotionally during a cleanse, but I've seen others struggle with moodiness, irritability, depression, fatigue, constipation, constant thoughts of food, and rebound overeating." 

Bottom line: "If your body, mind, or both don't react well to limiting your diet, even for three, five, or seven days, don't put yourself through it."

2.  Do Choose a Detox or Cleanse That's Right for You

According to Cynthia, there's no standard definition of a cleanse or detox. "While super strict regimes are incredibly popular, most of my clients feel much more energized and satiated when they include lean protein, and/or raw veggies and fruits they can chew, rather than juices that are gone in a few gulps. It's perfectly "OK to 'cherry pick' from various plans to create a program that feels right for you." (Source)

Marisa Moore, R.D., and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics agrees. "You can eat clean and reset your body and still get the same (if not better) results."

Image Credit: You Beauty: Juicing Dos & Don'ts to Note

3. Don't Pull a Double Whammy and Work Out Too

Trying to exercise on a limited eating plan may have negative side effects including fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Why? A cleanse typically doesn't provide the extra fuel needed for exercise. A cleanse serves as a mean to end unhealthy eating, reboot, and reset your metabolism. Cynthia writes that this is much easier to do when you give your body a break from exercise. 

4. Don't Use a Detox or Cleanse as a Way to Purge

Since cleanses and detoxes have become trendy, Cynthia says that she has "seen numerous people get stuck in a trap of bouncing back and forth between a cleanse or detox and bouts of overindulging." Emotionally, "using cleanses and detoxes this way can become a lot like other methods of purging, including over-exercise, or taking laxatives or diuretics-it can feel like something that you don't want to do, and know isn't healthy, but you feel like you have to do, in order to undo the effects of overeating. 

Simply stated? Like any new diet regimen, you should consult your doctor and discuss your dietary needs. What works for some, may not work for you! Juicing, if done properly, can be extremely beneficial for your health. 

Source (s):

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

Reboot with Joe

About Joe Cross

5 Juice Cleanse Do's and Don'ts

Juicing: Do's and Don'ts to Note

My Life Juicer: What Makes Juicing So Powerful

Over the last couple days, I have highlighted the benefits of juicing as part of a well, balanced diet, but what does it all mean? Why are vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts so powerful, and why are they beneficial ingredients in your juicing recipes? For starters, cells in the body require nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to function optimally. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with these essential vitamins and minerals! A glass of freshly pressed juice contains fiber, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The Life Juicer, as we describe on our website, releases more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients than conventional juicers that rip and tear through foods at 10,000 RPMs. Most juice extractors on the market today chop, shred and strain; a method that wastes the the valuable nutrients in food due to overheating and brute force. With the Life Juicer, you can juice a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables without worrying about losing nutritional value. 

What is in your juice? 

Fiber: 

Fiber is the indigestible portion of plants. Diets high in fiber are associated with lower risks of heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Especially beneficial for women, diets rich in fiber (up to 30 grams a day) can reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

Examples of fiber-rich fruits (perfect for juicing) include:

Fruits: Prunes, Pears, Mangoes, Apples, Raspberries, Raw blackberries, raw strawberries

Phytonutrients:

Phytonutrients are a family of chemicals found only in plants that often give that vibrant color to vegetables. These plant-based chemicals reduce the risk of cancer, prevent diseases and keep your body working properly. 

Examples of important phytonutrients include: 

1. Carotenoids: These powerful antioxidants tackle free radicals that damage tissues throughout the body. More than 600 carotenoids provide yellow, orange, and red colors in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and Veggies loaded with carotenoids ideal for juicing include: carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and kale. 
2. Ellagic Acids: This cancer fighting phytonutrient is found in a number of berries and other plants food. Throw in a few handfuls of strawberries or raspberries in your next juicing recipe and you will help your liver neutralize cancer-causing chemicals in your system. 
3. Flavonoids: According to WebMD, a large number of phytonutrients fall into the flavonoid category.  Examples of flavonoids include: apples, berries, grapes, citrus fruits, and onions. 

Antioxidants: 

Antioxidants keep the immune system strong and can be found in a variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. With so many different antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables to chose from, you can easily create juice recipes that will keep you coming back for more. 

Here is a list of veggies and fruits loaded with antioxidants: beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, mangoes, peaces, spinach, tomatoes, kiwi, oranges, apples, red grapes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and nectarines. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 

Your juicer is not only for fruits and veggies! You can add nuts and soybeans to your recipes! Did you know that flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and soy are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and provide many nutritional benefits. 

Sources: 

Why Juicing Works: A Cardiologist Explains

Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods For Optimal Health 

What are Phytonutrients?

50 Fiber Rich Foods

5 Healthy Juicing Recipes: My Life Juicer

As I was scanning Pinterest, I came across a few healthy juicing recipes that are not only perfect for our new Life Juicer, but our Total Juice Pro, which is now on clearance!

WAS: 199.99 NOW: 149.99

The Viatek Slow Juicer produces more juice and retains up to 60% more vitamins than ordinary juicers. It is designed with an auger mechanism the presses the juice rather than grating or shredding the food. Because it operates at a low speed, vegetables and fruit retain more heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C. 

The Total Juicer Pro Features:

• Healthy: Works with any kind of fruit or vegetable
• Versatile: juices fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, wheat grass, nuts and soybeans
• Dual Stage: Crushes contents before pressing and ejecting pulp. 
• No-Clog Design: Built-in rotary brush cleans as it juices and pulp is automatically separated
• Easy to Clean: Rinse with water between juicing or take it apart easily for effortless cleaning. 

Recipes:

For Vibrant Skin:

12 carrots

Handful of kale

2 cups of cranberry

2 golden apples

Recipe #1:

1/2 cucumber

1 apple

1/2 lemon

1 stalk celery

2 handfuls of spinach 

Recipe #2:

1 handful baby carrots

2 apples

2 handfuls of spinach

Recipe #3

1 cup pineapple

1 stalk celery

1/2 cucumber

1/2 lemon

2 handfuls of spinach

Recipe #4

1 handful strawberries 

1 handful blueberries

1 apple

For more information on the new Life Juicer, please visit mylifejuicer.com

Or to order the Total Juicer Pro, click HERE

image

Recipes: Fitlife.tv

Juicing: How Healthy Is It?

As part of a balanced diet, juicing can be pose incredible health benefits. For starters, 95% of vitamins and enzymes our bodies need are found in the juice of raw fruits and vegetables. Juicing not only strengthens the immune system, but facilitates weight loss, increases energy levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Many people who incorporate juicing into their diet also report healthier, more radiant skin. 

But where do you start? How do you know which Juicer is best for you? 

To maintain optimal health benefits, it is wise to choose a juicer that retains the valuable nutrients found in raw fruits and vegetables. Many juice extractors on the market today chop, shred, and strain; a method that generates low yield and wastes much of the valuable nutrients found in food. The Life Juicer, from Viatek utilizes a masticating and pressing method of extraction, much like that employed by wine makers for thousands of years. 

Known as a "slow juicer", the Life Juicer operates at only 80 RPMs and actually releases more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and photonutrients than conventional juicers that rip and tear through foods at 10,000 RPMs and suck up to 1,500 watts of power. However, names can be deceiving as it actually juices more quickly than high-speed models, eliminates oxidation and separation and expels a dryer pulp for less waste! 

What can you juice?

• Fruit  (berries, bananas, oranges, lemons, apples, pears, mangoes) 
• Vegetables (Carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli)
• Soybeans
• Wheatgrass
• Leafy greens such as spinach and kale 

*Don't be afraid to garnish! According to Darya Rose, a food and health writer, and creator of SummerTomato.com, "A small amount of  a strong flavored item such as ginger, lemon, or mint, can make your juice a real pleasure to drink while adding highly concentrated antioxidants. 

*Balance juice out with protein (almond milk, Greek yogurt, flax seed, or peanut butter) 

Juicing Tips For an Optimal Juicing Experience

1. According to Raw-foods-diet-center.com, Go fresh, go organic. If you can, choose fresh organic vegetables and fruits for your vegetable juicing recipes. Fresh means more nutritional value and tastier juices, and organic means healthier drinks as these weren't sprayed with chemical pesticides. 
2. Leave the skins on your vegetables. Most of the nutritional value found in vegetables is in the skins. 
3. Vary your ingredients. Don't be afraid to get creative with a variety of vegetables and leafy greens. Add a fruit such as a pear to add a bit of sweetness to the concoction. 
4. Drink your juice on an empty stomach. The best time to drink juice is on an empty stomach or an hour before a meal. This maximizes the amount of nutrients absorbed into the body. 

For more information on the Life Juicer from Viatek Consumer Products Group, please visit: 

www.mylifejuicer.com

Total Juicer Pro: Support a Healthier Lifestyle & Fight Disease

There's no denying the supreme health benefits of juicing. Not only will a glass of freshly squeezed juice kick-start your morning, it will improve your overall health and well being. But did you know that juicing can actually prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis? 

The Total Juicer Pro from Viatek Consumer Products Group is a slow juicer that produces more juice and retains up to 60% more vitamins than ordinary juicers. It is designed with an augur mechanism that presses the juice, rather than grating or shredding. Because it operates at a low-speed, vegetables and fresh fruit retain more heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C. A glass of freshly squeezed juice offers an abundance of minerals, enzymes, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that help remove some of the toxins we are exposed to every day.  

The difference between real fruit juice and the juice found in stores: 

The juice that you purchase at the supermarket is combined with artificial flavors and sweeteners. Real fruit juice, on the other hand is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that keep you healthy and fight disease.  

Some antioxidants found in fruits/veggies: 

Polyphenol: 

A powerful antioxidant widely distributed in plant foods. 

Lycopene: 

According to cancer.org, "Lycopene is an antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes and certain other fruits and vegetables their color. It is one of the major carotenoids in the diet of North Americans and Europeans. Furthermore, "lycopene may lower the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, enhance the body's defenses and protect enzymes, DNA, and cellular fats." 

(Source: cancer.org) 

Beta carotene: 

Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoids. Carotenoids are highly pigmented, fat-soluble compounds found in many vegetables including: carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, and green peppers. 

Flavonoid: 

This powerful antioxidant, according to psychologytoday.com, "has antihistamine, antimicrobial, memory, and even mood enhancing properties." Generally speaking, if you are looking for fruits or vegetables with flavonoids, the more deeply-hued the plants, the more flavonoids it contains. Some examples of flavonoids include: Apples, green tea, and pomegranates. (And red wine for you wine lovers out there.) 

Other benefits of juicing include: 

• The mind becomes more alert and creative. Nutrients found in fresh fruit juice help the mind revive.
• Juicing is quick and easy
• Juicing helps you lose weight faster. 
• Juicing is economical. 

To learn more about the Total Juicer Pro, please click HERE.