CHRISTMAS is here again and there is going to be a lot of celebrations, a lot of drinking and eating as usual. In the past, nothing else mattered, it had to be a lot of rice and chicken or turkey with countless bottles and packages of carbonated soft drinks and wines, alcoholic and non ' alcoholic types. Some had one kind of soup or the other with pounded yam, eba, akpu or amala. What was usually uppermost in the mind of the individual was to fill the stomach to full capacity.Unknown to us is the fact that the foundation of a lot of the chronic degenerative diseases was laid at times of celebration like Christmas. At best a lot of what was consumed was dead and acidic predisposing the individual to one disease or the other including cancer. This year things could be different. In the midst of all the celebrations, eating and drinking, we should not ignore our health and wellbeing. Indeed we all could change from the tradition Christmas diet to one that will ensure maximum enjoyment and wellness.Beginning this Christmas I want you to be aware that one reason why we eat is to stay well and healthy; to constantly build up the immune system. Beginning today and for the next three weeks we shall be serving you what you will need to eat and drink at this time so as not to contract one disease or the other after all the celebrations at Christmas.We shall be talking about juices this week. These are juices that you will drink daily for your own wellness and also to entertain your guests as they come visiting. First of all, here is a least of vegetables and fruits that will be featuring prominently in our juices. They have been chosen because of the nutrients they contain and their effectiveness in combating different kinds of diseases.Lemon contains Vitamin C, Phytonutients ' limonene & terpenes; and it has anti-cancer effects, immunity boosting, cholesterol lowering. Limes contains the same nutrients as lemon and is used for their anti-inflammatory, cancer effects, immunity boosting.Paw-paw containsBeta-carotene, other carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E; and it has anti-cancer effects (especially of the colon and cervix), immunity boosting.Pineapple contains Vitamin C, potassium, bromelain (enzyme that breaks down protein). It has anti-inflammatory effects, stimulates digestion, alleviates joint pain and sinusitis, breaks down the tumour wall.Melon contains Beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, lycopene. It is immunity boosting, lower blood pressure, diuretic, anti-cancer. Apple contains potassium, pectin [fibre], vitamin C, quercetin [an antioxidant]. It has anti-cancer effects, perfect against stroke, improves bowel function; and cleanses liver and kidney. Avocadoescontains Vitamin E, alphacarotene, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C, monounsaturated fat. It has heart health benefits, lower cholesterol levels, healthy skin, good circulation.Cabbage contains Vitamin C, folic acid, glucosinolates (antioxidants), betacarotene. It has anti-cancer effects, liver function, general detoxification. Carrots contain Betecarotene, potassium, fibre. They have anti-cancer effects, [especially of the lungs], healthy skin and eyesight, boosts immunity.Cucumber contains potassium, betacarotene (in skin). It helps in blood pressure control, reduces water retention. Broccoli is replete with Vitamin C, folic acid, sulphoramine, (a phytonutrient), betacarotene. It has anti-cancer effects, (especially of the bowel, stomach, breast, lungs and kidney).Spinach contains lutein (phytonutrients), iron, Vitamin C, betacarotene, folic acid. It has anti-cancer effects (especially of the colon), antioxidant, bone health, protect against macular degeneration. Tomatoes contain Vitamin C, lycopene [antioxidant], betacarotene. Thdey are replete with anti-cancer effects, [especially of the prostate, colon and stomach] immunity boosting, lowers heart disease risk.Lettuce contains Betacarotene, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, zinc, various flavonoids [phytonutrients]. It has anti-cancer effects, bone health, antioxidant effects, good eyesight. All berries [locally available] are high in vitamin C and ellargic acid [a phytonutrient that fights cancer). They are immunity boosting, anti-cancer effects, antioxidant effects, heart health.Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, flavones [phytonutrients], vitamin E. It reduces heart disease risk, lower cholesterol level and blood pressure, anti-aging, anti-cancer effects. Alkaline water contains alkaline minerals. It is used for rehydration, detoxification, neutralize acid wastes and alkalizes the tissues. Watercress contains Betacarotene, vitamin C, iron, and chlorophyll. It has immunity boosting, heart health, liver detoxification properties.Juice combo for Christmas and healthy livingApple juice, grape juice, tomato juice, pineapple juice, beetroot juice etc. These are all great tasting juices on their own and can be mixed together for more health benefits.Carrot and lettuce2 parts carrot and 1 part lettuce.Carrot and spinach2 parts carrot and 1 part spinach.Carrot and watercress7 parts carrot and 1 part watercress.Classic Detox2 apples and 4 carrots.Watermelon ReviverA quarter of a watermelon, 1 orange [peeled] and 125g of raspberries.Iron boosterA handful of watercress, 225g spinach, 25g parsley, 2 carrots, a quarter of a cucumber.Stress busterA quarter of a cucumber, 125g strawberries, 2 slices cantaloupe melon, 1 kiwi fruit.All these can be produced with a fruit juice extractor.Some other good juices include bitter leaf juice, which is very good in regulating the blood sugar level in diabetics.Next week, we shall be looking at special recipes and more juices for the yuletide.With contributions from Awele Nanna.
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