JUICING

This month, green, amber and red smoothies… all with added benefits. Think of it as a healthy pit stop at the BESTFIT traffic lights.

Block Rockin’ Beets

No doubt you’ve been reading about the benefits of beetroot. Low in fat, it’s high in vitamins B and C, high in fibre and important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. It’s also full of antioxidants, making it a pretty powerful ingredient. It can increase the level of white blood cells and antioxidant enzymes in the body. It’s also rich in glutamaine, an amino acid essential to the health and maintenance of the intestinal tract. When it comes to juicing, make sure you juice the basil and ginger between other ingredients for maximum extraction.

Ingredients

¼ pineapple (chopped)
2 medium carrots
1 bulb raw beetroot
½ inch chopped fresh ginger
Handful fresh basil

The Amber Zinger

Carrot and ginger are like Ant & Dec; a double act that never fails to deliver. Together they produce a decent supply of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A helps the stem cells in your bone marrow develop into white blood cells, while vitamin C helps protect these white blood cells from damage. Moreover, vitamin C can boost the process of collagen production, which helps to keep your skin strong. The combination of ginger and carrot also offers a natural protection from various cancers, and can boost your cardiovascular health. Throw in a palatable apple, and their many vitamins
and minerals, and this one’s a winner.

Ingredients

2 medium apples (chopped)
2 carrots
½ inch chopped fresh ginger
¼ lemon (remove peel to avoid bitterness)

Green Means Go

Kale isn’t just for rabbits. You see, not only is it packed with vitamins, including A, C, K (it’s one of the best for this one, critical for blood clotting) and more, it’s also full of antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol.

It also boasts numerous cancer-fighting properties and a high source of nutrients you often won’t get anywhere else. Put simply, it’s a powerhouse. Add to this the popeye-effects of spinach – it has loads of iron, among other things – and mango’s vitamins A and C, and this drink arms you with the tools you need
to power on.

Ingredients

1 chopped mango
1 handful chopped kale
1 handful chopped spinach
1 apple (chopped)
1/2 cup coconut water