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Juicing for Diabetics: A Simple Guide for Kids

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Hello there, young explorer! Today, we're going to dive into a topic that might sound a bit complicated at first, but don't worry, we'll make it as fun and easy to understand as possible. We're going to talk about "juicing for diabetics".

What is Diabetes?

First, let's understand what diabetes is. Imagine your body is like a car. To run, a car needs fuel, and for us, that fuel is a type of sugar called glucose. Now, to use this glucose, our body needs a key, and that key is a hormone called insulin. In people with diabetes, there's a problem with this key. Either the body doesn't make enough keys (insulin), or the keys don't work properly. This causes the sugar to build up in the blood, which can lead to health problems.

What is Juicing?

Juicing is like making a special drink using fruits and vegetables. You take your favorite fruits and veggies, put them in a machine called a juicer, and voila! You have a tasty, nutritious drink. See more at the bottom.

Green Apple Beside of Two Clear Glass Jars
Photo by Toni Cuenca

Juicing for Diabetics: The Pros and Cons

Now, let's talk about juicing for people with diabetes. The pros & cons.

The Pros:

  1. **Nutrient Boost:** Juices can be packed with vitamins and minerals. These are like tiny helpers that keep our bodies strong and healthy.
  2. **Hydration:** Juices, being mostly water, can help keep us hydrated.
  3. **Variety:** You can mix different fruits and veggies to create a wide range of flavors.

The Cons:

  1. **Sugar Spike:** Juices, especially fruit juices, can have a lot of sugar. This can cause a quick rise in blood sugar levels, which isn't good for people with diabetes.
  2. **Less Fiber:** When you juice fruits and veggies, you lose most of the fiber. Fiber is like a traffic cop; it slows down how fast sugar enters the bloodstream.
  3. **Calories:** Juices can have more calories than you think. Drinking too much can lead to weight gain, which can make diabetes harder to manage.

FAQs

Yes, but they need to be careful about what kind of juice they drink, how much they drink, and when they drink it. It's best to choose juices with less sugar and more fiber.

Non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, spinach, and celery are great for juicing. For fruits, berries and cherries are a good choice because they have less sugar than many other fruits.

No, juicing can't cure diabetes. But a healthy diet, which can include some juices, can help manage diabetes.

Generally, yes. Eating whole fruits and vegetables gives you more fiber, which is good for managing blood sugar levels.

It varies from person to person. It's best to talk to a doctor or a dietitian to get personalized advice.

Two Woman in Bikini Leaning Over Poolside
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

What is Juicing? A Deeper Dive

Juicing is a process that extracts the liquids from fruits and vegetables, leaving behind the solid parts like the skin and pulp. This liquid, or juice, contains most of the vitamins, minerals, and plant chemicals (phytonutrients) found in the whole fruit. However, it lacks the fiber that whole fruits and vegetables provide.

Imagine you're a chef in a kitchen. You have a basket full of colorful fruits and vegetables - red apples, green spinach, orange carrots, and so on. You put these ingredients into a special machine called a juicer. The juicer acts like a super-strong sieve, separating the juice from the pulp. The juice flows out one side, and the pulp is pushed out the other.

The result? A glass full of juice that's ready to drink! You can mix and match different fruits and vegetables to create a wide variety of flavors. Want a sweet, tropical drink? Try juicing pineapple and mango. Looking for something more refreshing? Cucumber and mint might be your pick. The possibilities are endless!

However, it's important to remember that while juicing can be a fun and easy way to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, it should not replace eating whole fruits and vegetables. These whole foods provide essential fiber and other nutrients that are often lost during the juicing process.

Juicing for Cancer

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There Are Alternative Treatments For Cancer Suppressed By the AMA and FDA!

 

New Way To Treat Cancer

There have been important changes in the treatment and prevention of cancer in recent years. Every day the better medical centers across the country are taking a new look at how diet plays a critical role in cancer treatment.

In these better facilities, patients immediately begin a diet of fresh vegetables, fruits,
and other raw natural foods alongside traditional cancer treatments. This is combined with meditation, yoga and Pilates. The result is a stronger immune system and a heightened sense of hope and emotional well-being proven to significantly boost the healing process.

New Look At the Past

Science is also beginning to take a serious look at several innovative nutritionists and physicians who have not only suggested new methods for the prevention and treatment of cancer, but used these treatments successfully on themselves and their patients for decades.

As early as the 1920’s, one such individual, Johanna Brandt, published a book describing how she cured herself of cancer by drinking juiced grapes. And sure enough, in recent years research has found that grapes, especially the Concord variety, contain particularly effective cancer-killing properties when the fruit is ingested skin, seeds, and all.

Another early researcher Dr. Max Gerson, is famous for developing a successful cancer treatment based upon juiced vegetables, particularly carrots. Since he first introduced his juice therapy in the 1920’s with his book Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases and the Cure of Advanced Cancer, thousands of people have reported dramatic improvement by following his juice protocol. This protocol is freely available on the internet.

Resistance  

Unfortunately most cancer treatment hospitals and oncologists believe that any cancer treatment other than medically approved ones should be avoided. If a new method shows promise, even success, the medical community maintains that these should be disregarded until proven effective. Sadly, behind these warnings is also a ‘vested interest’ particularly among hospitals: they depend upon the money they receive for dispensing proven treatments and receive nothing for trying anything that’s unproven.

The most telling story is that of Harry Hoxsey who’s father discovered a mix of herbs that cured cancer in horses. He subsequently offered it to cancer sufferers with dramatic results. His son opened clinics to provide the treatment to anyone who asked for it regardless of financial means. At one point his clinics were the most popular cancer centers in America! For years he welcomed the FDA and AMA to test the treatment, but sadly instead they waged a constant campaign to discredit him, and finally succeeded in banning the treatment. This is all well documented in a film that is one of the most shocking example of greed and ego suppressing a promising treatment. To this day no clinical trials have ever been done. On a positive note this treatment is still available in Mexico.

New Research  

Epidemiological studies among large groups of people, especially in Russia, China, the Mediterranean, and Africa whose diets are based primarily, if not entirely, on fruits, vegetables, and other natural foods point to a new and exciting way to treat illness. These studies show a significantly lower occurrence of diseases. Most interesting of all, there are no signs of certain cancers such as prostrate and colon cancer, as well as other health problems that are so prevalent in our North American population.

Several recent studies have concluded that a diet rich in fresh, raw veggies, fruits,
nuts, root herbs, and spices have preventative and possibly even curative powers. In particular, studies (including those done by the CDC and the National Cancer Institute) regarding phytonutrients have created quite a stir within the cancer treatment community. Phytonutrients are rich in compounds that not only remove cancer-causing toxins from the body, but may in fact prevent and even treat certain cancers.

Foods That Fight Cancer

There are quite a number of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and even spices that contain cancer fighting nutrients. The vegetables receiving the most attention include leafy greens such as turnip, mustard, kale, and collards. Other veggies under intense study are carrots, jalapeno, onions, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red beets, cauliflower, leeks, bok choy, rutabaga, kohlrabi, and chives. Certain fruits also show exciting promise such as citrus, cantaloupe, apples, pears, apricots, and in particular, Concord grapes. Exciting too are on-going studies on garlic, turmeric, black pepper, and ginger. Other studies, notably one conducted by the Independent Cancer Research Foundation have discovered that special nutrients found particularly in natural uncooked, juiced fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices do in fact contain significant cancer fighting properties.

Research at Oregon State University is focused on broccoli as a strong cancer fighter! One study found that a compound in broccoli and other cruciferous veggies known as “sulforaphane” fights cancer in two ways. It boosts both DNA methylation and HDAC inhibition, which work together to keep your cells safe from cancer, particularly cancers of the prostate and colon.

Another study found the cancer-fighting properties in turmeric are enhanced when combined with black pepper.

In December of 2012, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily it was discovered early in her yearly mammogram. And luckily her surgery and radiation treatments were successful. Her prognosis is so bright that she no longer takes any medication. In addition to the hormone medication she took for 5 years following her radiation treatment, we also juiced every day using the top cancer fighters according to the latest nutritional discoveries. Our favorite cancer-fighting juice recipe is this which makes enough for 2:

5 Carrots
1 Green Apple
2 stalks Celery
1/4 Beet
1″ home grown Wheatgrass
slice of Jalapeno
1 thin slice of fresh Ginger
liberal dash of Turmeric
2 dashes of fresh ground Black Pepper

So if you haven’t started juicing start today not only for the taste but to help prevent cancer and other diseases.

Mint Juice & Smoothie Recipes & Benefits

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Mint Has Strong Antimicrobial, Antiviral and Antitumor Compounds

Historical Highlights

Mint in its variety of forms is so hardy – almost weed-like – it can be found the world over. It’s thought to have originated in the Mediterranean and then spread south and north to Europe and the British Isles and from there to the New World via the first colonists. However, it’s researchers believe that mint has existed in a wild form throughout the world, including America.

Mint is considered by many as one of the oldest cultivated herbs. Ancient plant remains have been discovered in Egyptian tombs dating to 1000 BCE and was referenced not only in the Bible but also in Chinese medical texts centuries previous.

Medicinally, mint has been used for digestion, as a diuretic, and to reduce gastrointestinal distress, fevers and inflammation.

Ancient Romans decorated themselves with mint wreaths, and also believed ingesting it increased intelligence! Mint was carried in the pockets of royal ambassadors as it was believed the sprigs kept others from losing their temper.

In present times, the US is now the producer of nearly 70% of the world’s mint crop!

Amazing Benefits

A naturally occurring herb, mint has no cholesterol and is rich in antioxidants and fiber. Mint is also rich in vitamins A, B, C and E.

Mint juice is an excellent source of the blood clotting vitamin K. It provides calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium. Potassium assists in controlling blood pressure. The antioxidant minerals manganese and copper help cleanse the body and fight the aging process.

Mint contains essential oils such as acetate, menthol and menthone which act as relaxants in the intestinal walls and as anti-spasmodic that counter the effects of irritable bowel syndrome.

Research is currently underway to further study the significant antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor activities found in mint.

My Favorite Mint Juice & Smoothie Recipes

Mint Pineapple
6 cups Pineapple – remove the course pineapple surface.
1/2 Cucumber – skin and all!
10 leaves fresh Mint – stems and all!

Mint Apple & Green Tea
4 Apples – seeds, skin and all!
2 leaves Kale
10 leaves fresh Mint
sprinkle with Green Tea powder or leaves

Mint Orange Parsnip – another remarkable juice combo from my juicing friend Priscilla Kane Hellweg!
2 Oranges – without the rind
1 big Parsnip – skin and all!
1 Grapefruit – without the rind
1 Pear
A clump of Mint
A chunk of Ginger
1/2 Lemon – with the rind

More delicious and powerful recipes can be found in Juicing & Smoothie Recipes That Heal! available here in the box on the right and for Kindle, Nook and iPad users at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks.

Cherry Juice & Smoothie Recipes & Benefits

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Cherries Are Powerful Against Insomnia And Arthritis

Historical Uses

Varieties of the ‘sweet’ cherry have been native to areas throughout the world, from Asia and North Africa, to Northern Europe. Varieties existed in the US, though its sweet relative wasn’t introduced to North America until the eighteenth century. Its consumption dates to prehistoric times, as early as the Stone Age (roughly beginning nearly 3 million years ago!). Anthropologists believe our early ancestors may have appreciated cherries for their antioxidants, although from ancient Greece to modern times, the fruit has been most beloved for its sweet flavor and flowering tree.

Research Update

A recent study shows that runners who drank 2 10-oz glasses of tart cherry juice per day for 1 week before a race reported 67% less pain following exercise than runners who did not drink the cherry juice.

Other Benefits

Both sweet and tart cherries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that help the body fight disease and stress. Special nutrients in tart cherries have been shown to prevent pre-diabetes, neurological disease, cancers, and aging.

Sour cherries are particularly good for insomnia! In a recent study, participants drank eight ounces of tart cherry juice in the morning, and again in the evening for two weeks. All participants reported better sleep. All cherries are naturally high in melatonin, a compound that makes us sleepy.

Cherry juice is an excellent source of copper, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc which are all key components of heart health. Anti-oxidants beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin fight aging and certain cancers. Yet another anti-oxidant, melatonin, especially concentrated in cherries, diminishes stress, headaches and insomnia.

While low in calories, cherries are exceptionally high in polyphenolic flavonoid compounds termed ‘anthocyanin glycosides.’  These compounds are concentrated in the fruit skin, and act as strong anti-oxidants, helping remove harmful free radicals which cause aging. By blocking certain enzymes (cycloxygenase-1 and 2), this anthocyanin has exceptional anti-inflammatory qualities which are believed to help relieve painful chronic diseases such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout.

Cherry Juice & Smoothie Recipes

Cherry Julep
25 Cherries – keep the skin but not the pits
1/2 Cucumber, peeled
4 leaves Mint Cherry Apple Juice
10 Cherries – without pits
2 Apples – seeds, core, skin and all!
2 spears Broccoli

More delicious and powerful recipes can be found in Juicing & Smoothie Recipes That Heal! available here in the box on the right and for Kindle, Nook and iPad users at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks.

Grapefruit Juice & Smoothie Recipes & Benefits

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Grapefruit Juice and Smoothies Contain Proven Nutrients That Protect Your Skin

Historical Highlights

Often described as a ‘youngster’ among fruiting cultivars, grapefruit appeared on the scene only 300 years ago!

Either by accident of nature or hybridization, the modern grapefruit descended from the Asian pomelo and the Jamaican sweet orange. Its name stems from the small grape-like fruit that follows flowering. The entire grapefruit is utilized including the flower, fruit, peel (candied) and oil derived from the seeds. The essential oil of grapefruit is used today as an aroma therapy to remedy emotional imbalance, stress and exhaustion.

Amazing Benefits

Grapefruit juice is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins A, B-complex and C, flavonoids, minerals – including calcium, iron, phosphorus and copper – and antioxidants. Fiber in grapefruit, in the form of pectin, defends the colon from cancer-causing substances and other toxins. Vitamin A promotes healthy skin and mucus membranes. Vitamin A in combination with the flavonoids in grapefruit improve vision and defend the body from oral and lung cancers.

Lycopene, an abundant flavonoid in grapefruit, is considered the most powerful antioxidant, and shields the skin from harmful UV rays, thus defending against aging and cancer. Lycopene also plays a role in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer. B-complex nutrients are very high in grapefruit juice. Vitamin C is especially high and an exceptionally potent antioxidant which shields the body from infection and helps remove free radicals. Vitamin C not only helps maintain healthy connective tissue and the healing of skin wounds, but also assists the body’s absorption of iron which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Grapefruit is high in iron, calcium, copper, and phosphorus, but is exceptionally abundant in potassium which helps to control blood pressure.

Juicing & Smoothie Recipes for Grapefruit

Grapefruit Apple Spice
1 Grapefruit – remove rind
2 Apples – core, skin and all!
1 thumb Ginger
Now I just love to add some greens to my juice and smoothie recipes for a nutritional punch since all greens and sprouts are superfoods. So add a handful of your favorite green such as Collards, Beet Greens, Kale or Baby Spinach.Wheatgrass is my absolute favorite.

Grapefruit Carrot Delight
1 Grapefruit – remove rind
2 Carrots with skin
1″ Wheatgrass

More delicious and powerful recipes can be found in Juicing & Smoothie Recipes That Heal! available here in the box on the right and for Kindle, Nook and iPad users at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks.