From Smoothies to Snacks: Harnessing the Mighty Benefits of Blueberries

Keeping up a balanced diet is one of the best ways to live a healthy lifestyle. The more nutritious foods you include in your daily life, the more distinct benefits you can see from these foods and how they support your vitality.

Many people think of healthy foods as less tasty than their unhealthy counterparts. For example, when it comes to flavor, most people would choose a cheeseburger over a head of broccoli.

However, the distinction between healthy and tasty isn’t always true. In fact, some of the most delicious, naturally occurring foods are chock-full of nutrients and could even be considered “superfoods.”

Blueberries are an excellent example of this. These berries are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet can have many significant health benefits.

On top of that, their sweet and slightly tangy flavor makes them easy to enjoy in a smoothie, acai bowl, fruit salad, or all by themselves. The benefits of blueberries are truly endless, and this superfood is readily available in juice shops and supermarkets all over the country.

Curious about all the delicious possibilities and benefits of blueberries? Support your health and enjoy a delicious treat at the same time with smoothies and bowls featuring blueberries from Clean Juice.

Table of contents:

• A Brief Overview of Blueberries
• What Is the Historical Significance of Blueberries?
• Benefits of Blueberries: Positive Health Effects
• How to Include More Benefits of Blueberry in Your Diet
• Benefits of Blueberries and So Much More at Clean Juice

A Brief Overview of Blueberries

Blueberries are often considered to be a superfood for their high nutrient content, but that doesn’t mean they are an exotic food. Most people have tried blueberries at one time or another, whether having them fresh in a bowl of fruit, baked into a pastry, or sprinkled on top of a smoothie bowl.

Blueberries first became a popular crop in the U.S. in the late 1800s. What started as small plants cultivated on family farms became a nationwide sensation in the early 20th century.

While the first commercial sale of a blueberry crop occurred in 1916, the “blueberry boom” didn’t occur until the 1940s. From then on, blueberries continued to rise in popularity until the present day. Now, they’re considered to be a staple at any grocery store or farmer’s market.

Throughout the early 2000s and beyond, more studies have been conducted by nutrition scientists to determine the exact benefits of eating blueberries. As more studies have occurred, more positive health changes have been observed in people who regularly include this superfood in their diet.

What Is the Historical Significance of Blueberries?

Before American farmers discovered the blueberry crop and fostered it on their own land, blueberries were used and enjoyed by a variety of Native American tribes.

Not only did Native Americans enjoy the benefits of blueberries, but they also utilized blueberries for medicinal needs. Additionally, they used blueberry juice to flavor other foods.

Today, blueberry bushes can thrive in many different locations. A total of 26 U.S. states grow blueberry crops, but over 98% of the country’s blueberry production occurs in 10 of those states.

Blueberries can also thrive in some other countries and continents, including South America, New Zealand, and Australia. However, since blueberries grow so well in several U.S. regions, this berry doesn’t need to be imported for Americans to enjoy it on a regular basis.

Benefits of Blueberries: Positive Health Effects

As you can see, the blueberry has a long history in U.S. agriculture and shows no signs of losing its popularity. Now it’s time to learn a bit more about the benefits of blueberries and why you should include this superfood in a healthy, balanced diet.

At Clean Juice, we help people support their health and longevity with consciously crafted smoothies, bowls, sandwiches, juice shots, and much more. Try out all of our blueberry creations and find your next favorite health fix today! Our fave at the moment? The Youthful One. It’s so good and refreshing on a hot summer’s day!

Cognitive Health

There are many reasons to maintain a balanced diet full of nutritious foods, but brain function is one huge benefit many overlook. When you are on a healthy eating journey, you may focus on the immediate physical results that nutritious meals can create. But the health of your mind long-term is a significant part of overall wellness and should be prioritized.

Thanks to the high antioxidant content in blueberries, eating this superfood can help to reduce oxidative stress in the body and brain. This type of stress tends to lead to brain aging, which can eventually cause diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Regularly eating blueberries can help support your neurons, especially as you age. Early studies already show their value as a strong supporter of brain function in older adults. If these results can be determined in a matter of weeks, imagine how much the blueberries in your diet could support your cognitive health after eating them for years!

Great Source of Antioxidants

Antioxidants in foods can help improve brain health over time, but this powerful compound can do even more.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemical compounds that fight the effects of oxidative stress within the body, which is caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can generate on their own through your metabolism, but habits like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can increase their production.

When left unchecked, free radicals can cause serious damage to healthy cells, leading to various illnesses and conditions. Antioxidants are compounds that fight off free radicals. While they also occur naturally in the body, eating foods like blueberries which are full of anthocyanins, can help boost antioxidant production.

Elevated levels of free radicals are linked to conditions like autoimmune disease, inflammation, and cancer. With more than 9,000 antioxidants present in a single cup of blueberries, this tasty fruit is an easy way to increase the antioxidants in your body and help to prevent disease.

Healthy Heart

Without a healthy heart, many other bodily processes can become weakened or disrupted, leading to serious health consequences. That’s why supporting heart health with the benefits of blueberries is recommended for people of all ages.

Some studies have linked blueberries with reduced blood pressure, especially with individuals who already struggle with high blood pressure. Adding the benefits of blueberries to your diet could help to decrease your risk factors for heart disease.

Lower Cholesterol

In addition to blood pressure regulation, keeping your cholesterol at a reasonable level is another important aspect of heart health. Every person has both “good” and “bad” cholesterol, and the levels of both have to be kept in check in order to prevent disease.

Without proper antioxidants in your diet, “bad” cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, can become oxidized by free radicals. This process is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. Eating blueberries and other foods high in antioxidants can help to decrease oxidized LDL cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of heart problems.

Smooth Digestion

Did you know that your digestive health plays a big role in your overall wellness? Improper digestion can lead to many different health complications. Additionally, when your digestion isn’t on track, it can simply cause a great deal of discomfort, making your day-to-day life more difficult.

One of the benefits of blueberry consumption is the superfood’s high fiber content. Fiber is an essential part of healthy and regular digestion. When you eat enough fiber in your diet and pair it with plenty of water, your digestion will be smoother, and you are less likely to experience uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating or constipation.

One cup of fresh blueberries includes nearly four grams of dietary fiber with less than 100 calories. Unlike some other sources of fiber that might be more calorically dense, blueberries are low in calories, not overly filling, and still support better digestion with ease.

Reduced Inflammation

Free radicals can cause all kinds of issues in the body, and one of the root causes of those issues is inflammation. When tissue becomes inflamed, the healthy cells within can become damaged. This is the source of many autoimmune diseases and serious illnesses.

In addition to its illness risk, inflammation on a smaller scale can cause discomfort or even pain. Some individuals can experience serious swelling or soreness after exercise or even during their day-to-day life caused by oxidative stress in the muscles.

The benefits of blueberry for inflammation can include decreased muscle soreness after exercise as well as reduced risk of inflammation-related disease. This means positive effects in the short and long term, especially if you have an active job or exercise often. 

Healthy Skin

Many people want their skin to be as smooth and luminous as it is healthy. (We are all familiar with the “skincare” craze currently happening.) There are many ways to support the appearance and health of your skin from the outside, but doing so from the inside is just as important and effective.

You can create strong, healthy skin by including plenty of vitamins in your diet. Vitamin C, in particular, is essential for boosting collagen production, the most important compound for skin elasticity. Eating a single cup of blueberries could boost your vitamin C intake by more than 20%.

To make your skin as healthy and youthful as possible, make sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen on a regular basis, and avoid smoking. You’ll be well on your way to your best skin ever.

Strong Bones

Keeping your bones strong is important for multiple reasons. It will keep you feeling capable and mobile in your daily life now and reduce your risk of arthritis or brittle bones as you age.

In order to keep your bones strong, there are a variety of natural compounds that are essential to your diet. Some of these include:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Phosphorous
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Vitamin K

These vitamins and minerals help support bone density and are present in blueberries. The more consistent you are with your micronutrients, the faster you’ll be able to heal in the event of a broken or fractured bone.

These nutrients also support your joints and muscles, which support your bones and keep them properly cushioned. This means that by including blueberries in your diet, you could help to prevent painful bone damage in the future.

Low in Calories

Calories are an important metric to pay attention to when it comes to your diet. If you eat more calories than you need to support your activity level and bodily functions, you could put your body at risk of the many issues associated with excess fat gain.

Like many fruits and vegetables, one of the benefits of blueberries is the low-calorie count. A single cup of this superfood is roughly 80 calories and provides your body with so many much-needed nutrients. Choosing foods like this over foods with high-calorie counts but low nutrient content is always the better option when it comes to your health.

How to Include More Benefits of Blueberry in Your Diet

There are many ways to introduce more blueberries into your diet. These tasty berries are great as a snack on their own. They also make delicious toppings for cereal, yogurt, and acai bowls.

Prefer to drink your blueberries? Try blending them into a nutrient-packed smoothie or refreshing juice. With organic almond butter, almond milk, banana, chia seeds, lemon, and blueberries The Wild One from Clean Juice is a delicious choice.

Benefits of Blueberries and So Much More at Clean Juice

The benefits of blueberries go way beyond their delicious taste. At Clean Juice, we know firsthand how much some fresh blueberries can elevate the taste of a smoothie, juice, or bowl while also increasing the nutrient profile and supporting good health.

Looking to enjoy the benefits of blueberry while staying cool this summer? Try our brand-new Blueberry Lemonade, a refreshing treat only here for a limited time. Enjoy the flavorful combination of freshly-pressed lemon and apple juice blended with blueberries, honey, and coconut water for some extra tasty hydration on a hot summer day. This will quench your thirst for sure.
This and many other healthy and delicious offerings are available now on our $6 Summer Item menu. Check it out while supplies last at a Clean Juice near you!

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic
• WebMD
• Cleveland Clinic
• PubMed
• PubMed
• U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
• Frontiers

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether blueberries would be a healthy choice for you, ask your doctor.

Summer’s Sweet Secret: The Amazing Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon. The most quintessential summer fruit. At least in our opinion.

Summer is the best time to enjoy watermelon for two main reasons. The first is that watermelon is in season in the summer, which means that the juiciest and most delicious watermelons are available then. The second reason is that watermelon is refreshing and hydrating, which are two much-needed benefits during the summertime when people spend long hours outdoors.

If you enjoy watermelon for nothing else but its incredible flavor and texture, know that you are not alone. There’s a reason this fruit is so popular among people of all ages and lifestyles. However, it offers far more than just its sweet taste.

In fact, you can experience a variety of health benefits from watermelon that make this delectable summer treat even more valuable. At Clean Juice, we make it easy to enjoy the benefits through a variety of delicious and healthy concoctions, including juices, smoothies, bowls, and more. But our watermelon menu items are limited time offers only through the 8th of August! Order now at your nearest Clean Juice location.

Table of contents:

• An Intro to Watermelon
• Taste, Texture, and Serving Sizes
• Best Ways to Enjoy Watermelon
• Health Benefits of Watermelon
• Enjoy Your Summer to the Fullest at Clean Juice

An Intro to Watermelon

Watermelon has been a staple in the diets of many human cultures for thousands of years. The first known harvest of a watermelon crop occurred in Egypt almost 5,000 years ago. Many early African cultures reaped the benefits of watermelon, with explorers often using the fruit’s husk as a canteen during their travels.

Since then, watermelon has made its way all around the world. Depending on where it’s grown, it comes in many different shapes and sizes.

Some watermelons are a deep green when ripe, while others are light yellow in color. While some batches are smaller and closer to perfect spheres, some are larger and more oblong. Japanese scientists even perfected a technique for growing the fruit in a square shape.

In the U.S. today, over $500 million worth of watermelon is grown and sold every year. Georgia is the number one U.S. state for growing the fruit.

Taste, Texture, and Serving Sizes

At peak ripeness, watermelon has a sweet, refreshing taste. It is eaten by either cutting it into slices or chopping the entire melon in half and removing the flesh inside. The rind isn’t typically eaten, though it can be pickled and used for other purposes. Just like the rind comes in multiple different colors, watermelon flesh also ranges from deep red to yellow.

If a watermelon is at its ideal ripeness, the flesh inside the rind is crisp yet easy to chew. When watermelons are past ripe, their flesh can become mushy, soggy, and overly sweet.

A typical serving size for watermelon is one cup. This serving size contains roughly 45 calories, just over 11 grams of carbohydrates, and about 170 milligrams of potassium, among other vitamins and minerals. The benefits of the fruit can also be enjoyed in liquid form, as its juice provides a nutritional value similar to a serving of whole watermelon.

Though watermelon is a healthy food low in calories, you should try to consume no more than a serving at a time. This is because watermelon is a high-FODMAP food. This means it is made of short-chain sugar fibers that cause digestive issues in certain people. Additionally, excessive fruit consumption can pose risks to those with diabetes or a limited carbohydrate diet.

Best Ways to Enjoy Watermelon

There are so many ways to enjoy the benefits of watermelon during the summertime (or any time). Thanks to its sweet and refreshing flavor, watermelon can be enjoyed on its own in slices or chunks. To save time, you could even simply grab half a watermelon and a spoon.

The team at Clean Juice loves the benefits of watermelon just as much as you do, which is why our menu features multiple delicious and healthy treats featuring this incredible fruit. If you’re looking for a summertime pick-me-up with mocktail vibes, try The Hydrating One, a juice made of watermelon, pineapple and mint that’s just as refreshing as it is health-boosting.

Another great option for a summertime sip is The Strawberry Watermelon One, which begins with a sweet and tangy blend of watermelon and lemon juices. strawberries, honey, and coconut water are added to the blender as well to create a thick and scrumptious healthy summer beverage.

Are you looking for something even more filling and nutrient-dense to satisfy your craving? The Watermelon Bowl is a unique take on your typical acai bowl. The base is made from frozen acai and is combined with watermelon, banana, pineapple, maca, and strawberry. After adding this tasty concoction to a bowl, we top it with crunchy granola, fresh pineapple and watermelon, chia seeds, and coconut chips for extra flavor and texture.

Your healthiest summer starts now with Clean Juice. Find your nearest Clean Juice location to discover the benefits of watermelon and your next favorite summer treat while still supporting your health goals.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

So why exactly is watermelon such an important addition to any healthy diet? The benefits of watermelon span many categories, and its refreshing, sweet flavor makes this fruit feel more like a dessert than a healthy food. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant benefits of watermelon for your health.

Great Source of Antioxidants

If you’re a health-conscious individual, you are probably familiar with antioxidants, what they do, and why they’re important. Antioxidants are disease-fighting compounds that occur naturally in the body but can be supplemented by your diet. Specifically, antioxidants combat free radicals, which can cause a variety of health issues due to oxidation.

One of the great benefits of watermelon is its high content of lycopene, a known antioxidant. In fact, watermelon has more lycopene than many other fruits and vegetables, with nearly 7,000 micrograms per one-cup serving. Including plenty of lycopene in your diet has been linked to decreased risk of diseases, including diabetes and cancer.

Keep in mind that some watermelon types are richer in lycopene than others. To maximize your antioxidant intake — and in turn the benefits of this fruit — choose watermelons that are bright red on the inside rather than orange or yellow. Lycopene is the compound that gives watermelon flesh its bright red color.

Reduced Inflammation

One of the most common issues caused by free radicals and oxidation within the body is inflammation, which can lead to multiple diseases. However, even without a larger issue, inflammation alone can create discomfort that makes day-to-day tasks difficult.

Among the best benefits of watermelon is its ability to help decrease inflammation. If you experience symptoms of chronic inflammation like swelling and flushed skin, including watermelon in your diet on a regular basis could help ease your discomfort. Not only could this habit help reduce inflammation, but it could also reduce your risk of developing inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Better Digestion

Maintaining healthy digestion is a key part of good health. That’s why increased efficiency in your digestive system is one of the important benefits of watermelon. If you regularly experience symptoms of improper digestion, such as bloating or constipation, consuming more of this fruit could help ease your discomfort.

Watermelon has a very high water content. Indeed, this fruit is mostly made up of water, which is why it has such a juicy and refreshing taste and texture. Many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day to keep their body as hydrated as it needs to be for smooth digestion. Eating watermelon is almost like a cheat code to get more hydrated and help your digestive system work more effectively.

Additionally, like most fruits and vegetables, every serving of watermelon contains a small amount of fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient in the digestive process, helping to support regular bowel movements.

An increase in your fiber intake, in addition to plenty of hydration, will help your system move waste through your digestive tract more smoothly. This means that less bloating, fewer instances of constipation, and an overall healthier digestive system are all typical benefits of watermelon consumption.

Increased Heart Health

Did you know that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world? While genetic factors can affect your likelihood of developing it, lifestyle choices can also make a huge difference in your everyday and long-term health markers. 

When it comes to preventing heart disease, your blood pressure and cholesterol are two of the most important details to pay attention to. Studies have shown that high lycopene content, one of the known health benefits of watermelon, could help to keep both cholesterol and blood pressure in healthy zones. 

And if your body has already experienced oxidative stress due to high cholesterol, consuming plenty of lycopene could help reverse some of that damage. Watermelon is much higher in lycopene than the vast majority of fruits and vegetables, making this delicious fruit the best option in order to include this essential nutrient in your diet. 

Aside from its high levels of lycopene, watermelon is also packed with numerous other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support a healthy heart. Some of these include citrulline, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamins A, C, and B6.

Healthier Skin and Hair

There are many rules of thumb to follow to keep your skin and hair as healthy as possible. To achieve supple hair, you should avoid too much heat styling and harmful dyes. And for luminous skin, you should wear sunscreen regularly, drink lots of water, and use clean skin care products.

But what about supporting healthy skin and hair from the inside? The more health-boosting vitamins and minerals you include in your diet on a daily basis, the healthier your entire body will feel, which includes both your hair and your skin.

The first step to getting your best skin and hair is to drink plenty of water. If you aren’t properly hydrated, all of the water your body gets will be put to the essentials, such as making sure that your internal organs are functioning properly.

When you drink enough water throughout the day, there will be enough hydration left over to support glowing skin and strong, healthy hair. And always remember that increased hydration is one of the major benefits of watermelon.

Every serving of watermelon also contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C. Vitamin C in particular is essential in the production of collagen, the protein known for keeping skin youthful and keeping hair thick and strong. Vitamin A works to repair damaged skin cells and create new ones, which is another essential process for attaining beautiful skin.

Boost of Hydration

As this guide has shown, watermelon is packed with health-boosting nutrients that are essential for any balanced diet. In addition to all the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids present in every serving of the fruit, the overarching effects of increased hydration can’t be overstated. It makes total sense that the word “water” is one half of the word “watermelon.”

• Staying hydrated is essential for all kinds of bodily functions, including the following:
• Maintaining a healthy internal temperature
• Delivering nutrients to cells
• Ensuring effective organ function
• Keeping energy levels high

The more watermelon and watermelon juice you include in your diet, the easier it will be to hydrate your body and feel your best.
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Enjoy Your Summer to the Fullest at Clean Juice

Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t mean having to eat foods that are boring or tasteless. In fact, it can be exactly the opposite. When you browse our varied menu of fresh pressed juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and bowls, you’ll see just how delicious healthy living can be.

Enjoy our limited-time, seasonal watermelon bowl or smoothies like The Hydrating One or The Strawberry Watermelon One!

Ready to visit a Clean Juice near you? Find your nearest location and stop by in person or simply order your healthy and delicious meals straight to your door.

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic
• Mayo Clinic
• Northwestern Health Sciences
• Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal
• National Library of Medicine

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether a watermelon is right for you, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make watermelon unsafe for you.

Spice Up Your Life: How Cayenne Pepper Benefits Your Health and Heart

Making sure your diet is filled with a whole litany of fresh, nutritious, whole foods is the key to setting yourself up for a happy, healthy life. In many regards, what you eat dictates a lot of what you do and how you feel. There are so many crazy benefits to eating food that isn’t processed and Clean Juice is a big advocate of this. Now, we can’t speak for every health ailment as we aren’t doctors, but eating a balanced diet can be a solution for a lot of health issues many may be facing.

Though other factors, such as physical activity, stress, and pre existing medical conditions, also play a huge role in your overall health, it is difficult to maintain good energy levels, a healthy weight, and properly functioning bodily systems without paying close attention to your daily food intake and what exactly you are consuming. “You are what you eat.” We know you have heard that once or twice before. 

Most people know about the importance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats in your diet. However, there is so much more to a nutritious, varied diet than just the major macronutrients. Foods packed with micronutrients can be extremely effective for proper bodily function and keep you feeling your best each day. 

One example of these foods is cayenne pepper, a relatively well-known spice that may have more health value than expected. And cayenne peppers, well peppers in general are definitely having their moment. Check out this cutie Macho Pepper plant you can purchase at your local Trader Joe’s. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways cayenne pepper benefits health, wellness, and longevity when included as a regular part of your diet. And just as an aside, although some people can handle eating a cayenne pepper by itself, we’d suggest trying it in a few other forms and with a few other food options. If you are feeling like your diet is pretty bland, cayenne, in any form, is a great one to add into the rotation. More on it’s spice level later . . .

Table of contents:

• The Basics of Cayenne Pepper Benefits: Size, Taste, Texture, and Nutrition
• Where Does Cayenne Pepper Come From?
• What Are the Cayenne Pepper Benefits for Health?
• Ways to Include Cayenne Pepper Benefits in Your Daily Routine
• Best Superfoods to Pair with Cayenne Pepper
  
• Experience How Cayenne Pepper Benefits Your Health with Clean Juice

The Basics of Cayenne Pepper Benefits: Size, Taste, Texture, and Nutrition

Even if you’ve seen powdered cayenne pepper in a spice drawer before, you may never have thought about where this household spice comes from. 

Cayenne peppers, in their most natural form, are long, thin, bright red peppers, and their scientific name is Capsicum Annum. In fact, cayenne peppers are included in the same plant family as tomatoes, which can explain their nearly identical color. 

One of the key compounds found in cayenne peppers is capsaicin, which gives the pepper its hot, spicy flavor. In addition to capsaicin, cayenne pepper contains a long list of health-boosting nutrients, including vitamins C, E, B, and A, as well as antioxidants and minerals like manganese and potassium. 

Cayenne peppers, in their whole form, are usually between 4 and 10 inches long and provide a slightly sweet and smoky taste underneath the spiciness when eaten raw. When ripe, the cayenne pepper should feel smooth but firm to the touch and have a crunchy texture when bitten. 

Though cayenne pepper is spicy, it’s not the hottest pepper you can find. On the Scoville scale, which measures the spiciness of substances, cayenne peppers rank between 30,000 and 50,000 SHU (Scoville heat units). That puts it near the lower middle when ranking all known chili peppers from around the world against one another. 

Generally, a tablespoon is considered to be the proper serving size for cayenne pepper, though if you’re eating it in its whole form, your serving size may be larger. 

One tablespoon of cayenne pepper benefits your body with a huge variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, multiple B vitamins, iron, and more, at around 17 calories. Additionally, a serving of cayenne pepper contains small amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Where Does Cayenne Pepper Come From?

Cayenne pepper originated in the Cayenne region of French Guiana. Today, the pepper grows around the world in multiple countries, including India, eastern Africa, Central and South America, and some parts of the United States. Cayenne peppers grow on a specific type of shrub that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. 

Historically, cayenne pepper was used as a remedy for several ailments, such as heart disease, respiratory problems, arthritis, indigestion, and more. 

Though this pepper has been used and consumed in many different forms throughout North, Central, and South America for thousands of years, cayenne pepper benefits came to Europe later. 

The pepper was reported to have been originally brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century, as it doesn’t naturally grow in most European climates.

Different Forms of Cayenne Pepper

If you want to enjoy the many cayenne pepper benefits as well as its sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor palate, there are many ways to do so. Whole fresh cayenne peppers can often be found at your local grocery or health food store, especially if you live in or near an area where the climate is right for the growth of these peppers. Or if you’re feeling bold and want to quickly add it into your system, you can always take a hot shot (there is turmeric in this one, too!) to boost your overall daily wellness.

Whole dried cayenne peppers are readily available throughout the United States and beyond since they can be transported quite a distance from their growing site without sacrificing the quality of taste and nutrition. 

One of the most common forms of cayenne pepper is its ground form, which is, by far, the most accessible. The vast majority of major grocery store chains carry ground cayenne pepper no matter how far from a growing site they might be located, as this spice is easily stored and transported without losing freshness and potency.

How to Store Cayenne Pepper

Storing methods for cayenne pepper will depend on whether your pepper is fresh or dried and whole or ground. 

Fresh cayenne pepper should be stored inside of a plastic bag in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable or crisper drawer for optimal freshness. Aim to consume your fresh cayenne pepper within a few days of purchasing. If it loses its tight texture and starts to become soft or mushy, it may be past ripe. Most people are pretty familiar with the firmness of a pepper so if your gut is telling you it’s not a good idea to consume it, you are probably right.

Dried and ground cayenne pepper can both be stored in the pantry or another cool, dry place. While ground cayenne pepper should come in its own container, you may need to allocate a glass jar, Tupperware, or similar container for your whole dried cayenne peppers to keep them fresh and protected from mold. 

Dried cayenne pepper can also last for several months in the freezer when stored in a freezer-safe container.

Are There Any Cayenne Pepper Side Effects?

The many cayenne pepper benefits make it a desirable food to include in your diet, and this pepper is generally safe for consumption by the general population. However, there are a few features of cayenne pepper to keep in mind before you consume it regularly or in large quantities. 

Capsaicin, the compound that gives cayenne pepper and other peppers their spice and heat, should be consumed with care. Capsaicin causes irritation and a burning sensation in any tissue it comes into contact with, which is why foods containing this compound give the sensation of heat and spiciness. 

Though your tissue isn’t actually being burned, eating too much cayenne pepper at once can cause extreme discomfort and even pain in the mouth and throat. 

Additionally, some preexisting conditions may not combine very well with cayenne pepper benefits. Those with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, should use caution when consuming cayenne pepper. The high capsaicin content in this pepper can cause painful flare-ups for people that suffer from IBS or other digestive concerns. 

Allergies to cayenne pepper are not typical. However, if you consume cayenne pepper and notice any skin breakouts, abnormal coughing, or swelling, make sure to contact a physician right away.

What Are the Cayenne Pepper Benefits for Health?

You may be wondering about the specific cayenne pepper benefits that can be seen when including this powerful food in your diet regularly. Here are just a few of the ways in which cayenne pepper benefits health and makes an impact on your well-being. And if you are curious of the actual nutritional breakdown, Mike at Chili Pepper Madness provides an awesome visualization.

Packed with Antioxidants

One of the best cayenne pepper benefits is the food’s high antioxidant content in all its forms. Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemicals that help neutralize free radicals in the body. 

Free radicals damage our internal organs and tissues through oxidative stress. The more antioxidants you consume in your diet, the better your body will be equipped to fight against these harmful compounds. Essentially, these antioxidants can help fight against illnesses

Aid in Digestion

Cayenne pepper benefits the digestive system using its primary compound, capsaicin. This compound can help increase the rate at which your digestive organs secrete gastric juices, making the digestion process occur more smoothly and preventing bloating in the gut. 

Capsaicin also helps to reduce gut inflammation and decrease the risk of developing metabolic disease. Additionally, the vitamin B content in every serving of cayenne pepper also aids digestion and increases the metabolism by helping break down sugars and fats in the system.

Pain Relieving Properties

Though capsaicin can cause a hot, burning sensation when consumed in the form of peppers, the compound can also help stimulate the body’s natural pain receptors when applied topically. 

If you struggle with chronic pain or arthritis, a topical cayenne pepper solution might help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Just make sure to ask your doctor if this option is right for you.

Better Heart Health

There are many ways that cayenne pepper benefits your heart health. Capsaicin has vasodilatory properties, which means that it helps keep your blood vessels wide so that blood can flow in and out of your heart with ease and your blood pressure remains in a healthy range. 

Additionally, the potassium found in cayenne pepper benefits your heart by helping regulate your heartbeat. Regular ingestion of capsaicin can also aid in keeping your levels of bad cholesterol at a low range and prevent harmful blood clotting, which reduces the risk of having a stroke.

Helps Decrease Congestion

If your sinuses are congested due to a cold or flu, taking cayenne pepper can help clear your nose and throat and decrease congestion. It’s an awesome home remedy, as is ginger and horseradish. The capsaicin found in cayenne pepper benefits your sinuses and nasal pathways by thinning mucous, which makes your coughs and nose blowings more productive and decreases the length of your symptoms. Besides thinning mucus and keep your from feeling so stuffy, the pepper can alleviate any sinus pressure that you may be feeling and can reduce inflammation. Just add a little dash to some hot water or tea. There is also scientific evidence that says that snorting cayenne pepper (in moderation, of course) or running a Q-tip with cayenne around the nostrils can help, too. This wouldn’t be our preferred method at Clean Juice, but if it helps!

Supports Tooth and Bone Health

Two of the most important minerals for dental and bone health are magnesium and calcium, which are both found in every serving of cayenne pepper. 

Not only are these minerals effective for strengthening your bones and teeth, but capsaicin also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms.

Strong Immune System

Strong immunity is important to most people, and cayenne pepper benefits your immune system directly due to the pepper’s ability to restrict disease-carrying microbes from entering your body when ingested. 

Additionally, the proteins found in cayenne pepper can help stimulate antibody synthesis, which strengthens the body’s immune response when pathogens are present. Vitamin C is also abundant in cayenne pepper, and it is well known to support the functionality of the immune system as well as many other internal systems. Thinking that cayenne pepper might be a good addition to your diet but wanting to start slowly? Our “Yellow” cold-pressed juice may be the way to start. While it has cayenne, it also includes pure maple syrup to create a harmonious balance.

Ways to Include Cayenne Pepper Benefits in Your Daily Routine

Cayenne pepper benefits are easy to incorporate into your daily meals, especially if you like the taste of spicy foods. You can add a hint of cayenne pepper to pasta dishes, on top of baked chicken or salmon, or even sprinkle it over some roasted sweet potatoes. 

If you’re feeling congested, adding some cayenne pepper to your tea, along with some ginger and lemon, is a great way to help clear your sinuses and relieve your symptoms.

Best Superfoods to Pair with Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper benefits can combine with the health-boosting properties of other superfoods in order to have an even greater effect on your overall well-being. The pepper can add a delicious kick of flavor and heat to any tasty beverage or meal, such as beet juice, celery juice, and even a blended acai bowl. 

When consuming cayenne pepper in its powdered form, this spice mixes very well with cinnamon to elevate the taste and nutritional profile of your meal. 

The sweet, earthy flavor of cinnamon and the smoky spice of cayenne pepper complement each other well and can be enjoyed in a variety of foods, including soups, stews, juices, and baked vegetables.

Experience How Cayenne Pepper Benefits Your Health with Clean Juice

Eating for great health can (and should!) be delicious, easy, and enjoyable. With Clean Juice, you can take advantage of all the best cayenne pepper benefits and other superfood benefits with fresh juices, acai bowls, sandwiches, and so much more. 

Additionally, you can get your nutritious meals delivered right to your door to make getting healthy more convenient! 

Ready to get started on your health journey with Clean Juice? Boosting your health has never been so easy — or so tasty. Order now from one of our many locations across the U.S.

Sources:

• Micronutrients
• Cayenne Peppers
• Capsaicin
• Cleveland Clinic

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications. 

If you’re unsure whether cayenne pepper would be a healthy addition to your wellness routine, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make cayenne pepper unsafe for you.

What Is the History of Juice Cleanses and Their Rise to Popularity?

You’ve probably heard about juice cleanses before, either from a friend or an acquaintance who has touted their benefits and experiences. Perhaps you’ve considered doing one for yourself. With a little research, you can discover the many great experiences others have had with a variety of juice cleanses.

Before you make any decision regarding your diet or health, however, you should be as informed as possible about the topic. It’s also good practice to discuss with your general physician or family doctor.

Different juice cleanses can be used for a wide range of wellness goals, which means the right cleanse for someone else might not be the right one for you. And if you’ve never tried a juice cleanse before, you should be ready for some of the changes your body will experience.

Let’s take a deep dive into the world of juice cleanses and the history of juice cleanses, exploring how this unique wellness strategy could make a significant difference in your day-to-day or even long-term health.

Table of contents:

• What Is a Juice Cleanse?
•  Early History of Juice Cleanses
• Juice Cleansing for Religious Reasons
• Juice Cleanses in Modern Day
• How Fresh Juice is Made
• Today’s Health-Focused Juice Cleanses
• Should You Try a Juice Cleanse?

What Is a Juice Cleanse?

A juice cleanse is a short-term change in diet in which you either consume juice exclusively or consume mostly juice, along with some solid food. Juice cleanses can range from 8 hours to 10 days or more. Partial day cleanses exist too including Clean Juice’s Juice ‘Til Dinner cleanse, which is only 4 bottled juices.

Most juice-only cleanses will be shorter, while longer cleanses will often include some solid food (we recommend organic food, of course). However, some more extreme juice-only cleanses last for multiple days at a time – like a 5 day juice cleanse (that’s 30 bottled juices!). These types of cleanses are usually prescribed for a specific purpose and monitored by a medical professional.

Most people who use juice cleanses will remain on the plan for one to three days. While some use juice cleanses primarily for the physical effects, it’s common to get a great deal of value out of the mental effects as well.

Some of the most common physical benefits that people experience during and after juice cleanses include:

• Improved digestion
• Weight loss
• Clearer skin
• Increased energy
• Enhanced focus

The goal of most juice cleanses is to clear the body of toxins and give the digestive system a break. This process causes many of the positive health effects of the cleanse. Specific effects will depend on the type and length of the juice cleanse, but these physical results are the primary reasons that juice cleanses are so popular.

Juice cleanses can also have a significant impact on mental and even spiritual well-being. Some of the mental benefits can include:

• Reduced stress
• Better focus
• Increased connection to self
• Mood stability support
• Better sleep

With this impressive combination of physical and mental benefits, it’s clear why people are drawn to juice cleanses.

A juice cleanse can be especially effective if you’ve been consuming large amounts of processed food and have been seeing and feeling the effects of these food choices, such as low energy, acne breakouts, brain fog, and poor sleep quality.

During your juice cleanse, you’ll give your system some time away from processed food and feed it only high-quality nutrients, which will leave you feeling so much healthier inside and out.

Are you interested in learning more about Clean Juice cleanses? Check out our page dedicated to such so you can become an expert before you begin cleansing.

Early History of Juice Cleanses

Juice cleanses have risen in popularity in the last few decades. In fact, this diet strategy is more accessible than it has ever been. However, the concept of a juice cleanse is not new.

One of the earliest instances of drinking juice for health reasons may date back when a tribe near modern-day Israel known as the Essenes mashed figs and pomegranates to access the health-boosting juices within these fruits.

Since then, the concept of juicing has come a long way within the medical field as well as the worldwide community of health enthusiasts.

In the 1920s, the German-American physician Max Gerson created one of the first health-focused diets based on consuming fruits and vegetables. At the time, this diet aimed to treat patients battling cancer and other chronic diseases. However, it was adopted by many for its general health-boosting and disease-preventing properties.

Throughout the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, juicing veggies and fruits became one of the most popular ways to consume these essential nutrient-dense foods. The first commercial juicers were created, making it possible to enjoy fresh juice from the comfort of one’s home.

Wheatgrass, a commonly known health-boosting juice today, was popularized by health food guru Ann Wigmore in the 1960s. And since the 1970s, juice cleansing has continued to gain traction. In the 1980s and ’90s, celebrities started to endorse juice cleanses, boosting their popularity even further.

While it started as a way for the small community of health food enthusiasts to consume more of their favorite foods, juice cleanses gradually made their way into the mainstream.

Juice Cleansing for Religious Reasons

Cleanses and fasts can be found in the common practices of many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. One made popular recently by actor Chris Pratt, is the Daniel Fast.

During a religious fast or cleanse, the focus is generally on the spiritual and mental benefits rather than the physical effects. Many devout people use periods of fasting or cleansing to feel more connected to their faith or gain greater mental clarity.

In some religious fasts, no food or drink is allowed for a period of time, sometimes even including water. However, some religious fasts allow certain beverages, including fruit or vegetable juice, that contain nutrients to help keep fasters energized and alert. This allows them to fully participate in the religious significance of the fast without feeling faint or fatigued.

Make sure that you have the support of a medical professional before embarking on a fast or extended juice cleanse, whether for religious or personal reasons.

Juice Cleanses in the Modern Day

Throughout the history of juice cleanses, this wellness tool has evolved a great deal from its humble beginnings in 150 B.C.

Juice cleanses are no longer a rare fad that only health fanatics take part in. Today, most people have tried or at least heard of juice cleanses and understand the positive health effects they can have when done properly.

Not only are juice cleanses at the height of their popularity, but they’re also more accessible than ever before.

Plenty of affordable at-home juicers are available for purchase anywhere kitchen appliances are sold. This means you can follow a predetermined juicing plan from home or simply create your own delicious and healthy concoctions out of your favorite fruits and vegetables.

Brands like Clean Juice are making it more convenient than ever has been in the history of juice cleanses to get everything you need for the perfect juice cleanse delivered right to your door. Learn more and then join our Cleanse Club to get involved in the Clean Juice community!

How Fresh Juice Is Made

Creating healthy and tasty juices is easier than it’s ever been. That’s because there are so many different types of juices you can purchase.

Throughout the history of juice cleanses, most commercial machines have created juice by pushing pieces of fruit and vegetables through a series of sharp blades. The blades move extremely fast, allowing the machine to extract the juice within seconds.

But in the last several years, cold-pressed juice has become a very popular way to consume this healthy beverage, especially during juice cleanses.

Some standard methods of juicing might reduce the nutritional value of whole fruits and vegetables. That’s because most standard juicers separate the pulp from the juice, which is often one of the most nutrient-dense parts of a vegetable or fruit.

Another common reason nutrients are removed during the juicing process is the application of heat.

Standard hydraulic juicers that use blades to extract juice can apply heat to the fruits and vegetables being juiced. This heat can damage the nutritional content of the foods. That’s why many juice-making companies are now using the cold pressing method.

The cold pressing method of juicing uses a specialized hydraulic press that turns whole fruits and vegetables into juice without removing any of the nutrients. No heat is ever applied, which means the nutritional value of your juice remains intact throughout the whole process. That’s why it’s very important to juice cleanse with cold-pressed juices.

Additionally, cold pressing usually extracts a larger quantity of juice from the same amount of fruit and veggies than a hydraulic juicer.

Today’s Health-Focused Juice Cleanses

The history of juice cleanses has included so many different strategies, including changes and innovations in juice ingredients, meal timings, and length of the cleanse.

While some common cleanses in past decades have been more focused on a quick fix for weight loss than their health benefits, many of today’s most popular cleanses are geared toward boosting health above all.

Weight loss might be typical after a juice cleanse, but the best cleanses to try are those that are designed to make you feel your best on the inside through improved digestion, higher energy, and better moods.

Fresh cold-pressed juice is such a delicious way to get all of your essential nutrients in and give your body a much-needed rest from heavy or processed foods. Juice cleanses can even be an effective way to prevent or fight disease.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people gained a new awareness of their health goals and needs. Relying on the health-boosting power of juice can be an effective way to strengthen your immune system and give your body better tools to either prevent disease or make sickness shorter and milder. Our most popular Clean Juice Cleanses include:

• The Super Greens Cleanse
• The Beginner Cleanse
• The Energy Cleanse
• The Original Cleanse
• The Immunity Cleanse
• The Anti-Inflammatory Cleanse.

We have a lot of options to suit every person so make sure to read their descriptions in full to see what might be best for you.

Should You Try a Juice Cleanse?

Are you wondering if a juice cleanse is right for you? There are so many different types of juice cleanses out there that you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking for more energy throughout the day, a stronger immune system, or an anti-inflammatory boost in your diet, you can find a juice cleanse that will support your goals.

At Clean Juice, we offer six distinct juice cleanses that are each designed with a different goal in mind. By browsing our various juice cleanses, you can learn more about the different types of juices we offer, what they can do for your health, and what cleansing plan is best for you.

We’ll also explain exactly what you can expect while on your juice cleanse, how to prepare for it, and what your next steps should be.

Ready to learn more? The ideal juice cleanse to boost your health and make you feel great is waiting for you at Clean Juice. Order now and get everything you need for your cleanse conveniently delivered to your home. Make sure to try our other delicious and nutritious offerings, including smoothies, bowls, sandwiches, and more!

Sources:

• Broke Bank Vegan
• Gerson Institute
• Refinery29
• Simply Healthy Vegan

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether a juice cleanse is right for you, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make a cleanse unsafe for you.

Sour Power: Unleashing the Health Benefits of Lemon Juice

Lemons are one of the world’s most commonly consumed citrus fruits. Unlike some citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines, however, lemons are not often eaten plain. That’s because lemons have a much more sour taste than many of their relatives in the citrus family. They’ll cause your mouth to pucker with their sourness!

However, lemons and lemon juice are essential to many favorite beverages and foods, including lemonade, lemon meringue pie, and chicken or fish baked with lemon slices. While this natural food has a unique, tangy flavor that elevates many dishes, lemon can offer so much more than that.

Many positive health effects are associated with lemons and lemon juice. In fact, including lemons in your everyday diet could help boost your wellness in multiple ways, in both the short term and the long term.

Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to fit lemon juice into your diet? With Clean Juice, you can enjoy all of the benefits and tangy flavors of lemon alongside many other tasty and nutritious natural foods. Find your nearest Clean Juice location and order now to get fresh, healthy foods and beverages delivered right to your door!

Table of contents:

• Lemons and Lemon Juice History
• Lemon Nutrition and Taste
• Ways to Enjoy Lemons
• Lemon and Lemon Juice Health Benefits
• Clean Juice Products with Sour Power

Lemons and Lemon Juice History

Lemons are easy to find at just about any grocery store, whether you live in a big city or a rural area. But where did lemons originate?

The first lemon trees likely grew in South Asia and Northeast India and slowly spread throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Lemon trees didn’t come to the Americas until the Spanish conquest in the mid-1700s, when lemon seeds were spread throughout much of the land that would become the United States.

California and Florida have become hot spots for many different types of citrus, including lemons. A huge amount of the continent’s lemons are grown in these places. In addition to these states’ millions of acres of citrus groves, it’s common for property owners in both California and Florida to have their own citrus trees.

Historically, lemon has been used in many medicinal ways over the centuries. One of the most significant roles that lemon juice and lemons have played was in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was used to cure sailors who developed scurvy while at sea.

James Lind, an 18th-century Scottish doctor, performed some of the first trials on sailors with scurvy and found that giving them lemon juice helped to improve their conditions.

Today, lemons are primarily used for their nutritional value and their bright, sour taste. However, lemons and lemon juice are still highly regarded as a natural remedy for the common cold or sore throat, as their high vitamin C content can help to fight the early symptoms of these conditions.

Lemons and lemon juice can even be used as an all-natural cleaning agent. Lemon juice is high in citric acid, which can disinfect many surfaces and remove stains. The fresh scent of lemon also helps to make any space smell and feel cleaner, which is another reason many cleaning agents contain lemon extract.

Lemon Nutrition and Taste

What nutritional value do lemons and lemon juice have to offer? Lemons are very low in calories, which means that adding a lemon slice or a serving of lemon juice to a beverage or meal is an extremely low-calorie way to add some flavor and zest.

A single lemon contains roughly 17 calories and 1 milligram each of sodium, protein, calcium, and sugar. Lemons are free of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.

The most important vitamin found in lemons is vitamin C, and eating one whole lemon can provide you with roughly half of your daily intake of this essential nutrient. Lemons also contain a small amount of fiber, which supports gut health and digestion.

Never eaten a lemon on its own? You’re not alone. While most citrus fruits have a bright and tangy taste, lemons are among the sourest citrus fruits, along with limes.

Lemons are extremely tart because the fruit contains high levels of citric acid. While some people who enjoy sour tastes can eat lemons plain, most prefer to strategically use the citrusy tang of lemons or lemon juice to enhance the flavors of other beverages and foods.

Ways to Enjoy Lemons

There are so many ways to get creative with lemons and lemon juice to fit them into your diet. One of the most basic methods is to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice into your morning glass of water. This is a fresh and delicious way to start your day and could even help set you up for better digestion.

Since sugar counterbalances the sour taste of lemon and brings out its other flavors, lemon is a popular ingredient in many desserts and sweet drinks. These include lemonade (or perhaps our “The Wakeup One” that combines ginger and lemon and orange), lemon bars, lemon sorbet, and lemon meringue pie, among many others.

While sugar should be consumed in moderation, desserts made with fresh lemon could still provide some of the fruit’s health benefits.

Lemon is also commonly used as a flavorful addition to savory recipes. The next time you prepare baked chicken or fish, try splashing some lemon juice over the top or even placing lemon slices over the meat before placing the tray in the oven. This is a nutritious and low-calorie way to bring out the natural flavors of the meat and keep it tender and juicy as it bakes.

One of the easiest ways to get more lemon juice into your daily diet is by drinking it in a cold-pressed juice or smoothie. At Clean Juice, we’ve found so many delicious ways to mix lemon with other nutrient-dense foods in our nourishing and tasty juices and smoothies. Order now to try out your next favorite Clean Juice product, or start a cleanse to boost your wellness!

Lemons and Lemon Juice Health Benefits

Now that you understand a bit more about where lemons came from, what they’ve been used for historically, and what role they play today, it’s important to know the specific benefits that you can receive from including lemons in your daily diet.

Full of Vitamin C

One of the most well-known health facts about lemons is their high vitamin C content, which they share with most citrus fruits. Including a single lemon in your daily diet could boost your vitamin C intake by a significant amount and have noticeable effects on your wellness.

Vitamin C supports health at the cellular level with many different functions. It helps to create a strong and protective immune system, and it can even make your body absorb iron from other foods more effectively. Vitamin C is also a well-known antioxidant.

Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that work within the body to prevent harmful cellular oxidation. Specifically, antioxidants fight off free radicals, which are harmful substances created when the food you consume gets converted into energy. Free radicals can cause all kinds of health issues, from inflammation to serious diseases.

The more antioxidants you have in your diet, the better your body will be equipped to fight free radicals and keep your cells healthy and properly functioning. Vitamin C is the most powerful antioxidant found in lemons, but this fruit also contains ascorbic acid, limonoids, and flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties as well.

The benefits of a high-antioxidant diet could include a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other serious health conditions. Also, consuming plenty of antioxidants may reduce inflammation, a common symptom of many autoimmune diseases that can cause daily discomfort.

Aids in Digestion

Soluble fiber is one of the most important players in a healthy digestive system, and lemons contain this crucial compound. When you regularly consume soluble fiber, your body will digest sugar and starch more slowly and effectively.

These nutrients are often digested too quickly, which can cause gastrointestinal issues and fluctuations in blood sugar. When your blood sugar rises or drops too drastically, you might feel unwanted swings in your daily energy levels or experience even more serious issues like fainting and severe fatigue.

Keep in mind that the soluble fiber in lemon is found in the pulp. While lemon juice contains many of the fruit’s positive health effects, you’ll have to include the lemon pulp in order to reap the benefits of a fiber-rich diet.

Supports Skin Health

While vitamin C plays a major role in your health as an antioxidant, it also has other positive health effects when you consume the proper amount every day. One of these effects is brighter, younger-looking skin thanks to this vitamin’s ability to increase collagen production.

This effect of vitamin C is a primary reason many beauty brands use lemon extract and lemon juice in facial products designed to boost skin elasticity. Including lemon in your diet as well as your beauty routine could lead to even more noticeable results!

Can Help with Weight Management

Lemon may be a useful tool for those looking to maintain or lose weight for a few reasons. One of these is lemon’s soluble fiber content, which helps support proper digestion while also causing you to feel fuller for longer. This can aid in reducing your overall calorie intake, which is the most effective way to lose weight.

Some studies have also shown that lemon extract may help to prevent weight gain. This study was performed on mice, which means the efficacy in humans is still unknown.

However, the study found that mice who ate a diet of fattening foods maintained or even lost weight when they also consumed polyphenols extracted from lemon peel.

If you’re looking for weight management strategies, consuming more lemon in your diet could be helpful. It’s important to find what works for you and remember that your overall daily calorie intake will make the most difference in your efforts.

Prevents Kidney Stones

Regularly consuming lemons and lemon juice may be an effective method to prevent kidney stones. Kidney stones are formed when waste particles in the kidneys crystallize and form tiny lumps. Eliminating these stones can be very painful, depending on the amount of waste in your kidneys.

Citric acid helps increase the pH of urine, which makes the environment in your kidneys much less optimal for forming kidney stones. Lemons and lemon juice are very high in citric acid. You could also consider taking a shot of lemon juice like with our Immune Booster shot. It contains lemon, carrot, and ginger. If you’re not into the shot, the “Yellow” juice might be another great option. Interested in ordering now? Go for it!

If you want to prevent more kidney stones from developing in the future or have never had one but want to avoid them, including more lemon juice in your diet could help. However, more studies are needed to prove the connection between citric acid consumption and kidney stones.

Supports Low Cholesterol and a Healthy Heart

Many compounds found in lemons and lemon juice could support a healthier heart. One of the most important is the fruit’s vitamin C content, which is known to contribute to heart health when consumed on a regular basis.

Soluble fiber is also present in lemon juice and lemons, as are two plant compounds called diosmin and hesperidin. Diosmin, hesperidin, and soluble fiber are all known to help keep cholesterol low. This means that multiple compounds are working to lower your cholesterol each time you consume a serving of lemons or lemon juice.

The lower your cholesterol is, the more likely you are to avoid heart disease and stroke. This means that including plenty of lemons and lemon juice in your diet could have positive long-term effects on your health. Just make sure to pair your lemon consumption with other healthy foods like leafy greens, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.

Clean Juice Products with Sour Power

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention some of our other absolute favorite products that contain lemon juice, one of those being our Blue Cold-Pressed juice. It gives off those tropical vibes and contains lemon juice, agave, pineapple, and blue spirulina (hence the blue color.)

A few other faves worthy of mentioning are “The Blueberry Lemonade One” made with lemon juice, apple, coconut water, honey, and blueberries and “The Hot Pink Summer One” which blends lemon juice with pineapple and dragon fruit. These are both part of our $6 summer menu so if you have two hands available, it would be worth trying both! Order this way.

Our inclusion of lemon doesn’t stop at drinks, either. We also whip up a delicious Avocado toast, our best seller in fact, that has a squeeze of lemon juice right on top.

Looking for even MORE products that contain lemon? You are in luck as we really do LOVE lemons over here at Clean Juice. There’s the ”Dragon Fruit Lemonade Refresher” to keep you hydrated and our “Immunity 2.0” immunity shot. So many options to choose from! Almost all of our cold-pressed juices contain some amount of lemon, too!

Create Lifelong Healthy Habits that Taste Great with Clean Juice

Supporting your health isn’t hard when you trust the pros at Clean Juice. You’ll be amazed at how delicious a nutrient-dense and balanced diet can be when you order our smoothies, juices, bowls, sandwiches, and more. Check out our specials or simply order now to get your favorite Clean Juice products delivered to you!

Sources:

• Medical News Today
• WebMD
• PubMed
• Tastes of History

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether lemons would be a healthy choice for you, ask your doctor.

Organic Iced Coffee Reimagined: A Delicious Route to Better Health

It’s no secret that coffee is a very popular drink among people of all ages and lifestyles. Many people don’t go a single day without their coffee because they need the caffeine boost, they love the taste, or a mixture of both. Some people like fresh-brewed hot coffee, while others prefer it over ice. Have you ever heard that saying, “No coffee before talkie?”

If you’re a health-conscious person, you may wonder if a coffee habit is healthy. You’ve probably heard people warn against consuming too much caffeine at some point in your life. Like many foods, coffee can cause health issues if consumed in excess. However, a moderate coffee intake can be a regular part of any healthy diet. Additionally, coffee itself might have some particular health benefits. 

Interested in how iced coffee could contribute to better health? Let’s take a look at organic iced coffee’s history and the properties present in this popular drink (needing some right now to get through this blog? Order here!) that could be just as health-boosting as they are delicious.

Table of contents:

• A Brief History of Iced Coffee
• Organic Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew Coffee: What’s the Difference?
• Why Did Cold Brew Get So Popular?
• Organic Iced Coffee vs. Hot Coffee Taste Differences
• Organic Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Health Benefits
• Are There Long-Term Health Effects of Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?
• Introduce Cold Brew into Your Health Routine with Clean Juice

A Brief History of Iced Coffee

Coffee has been around for centuries and has been enjoyed in countless cultures and nations. One of the first known instances was when Japanese sailors in the 17th century drank their coffee cold to avoid any fire hazards while onboard ships.
Another early instance of iced coffee occurred in Algeria during the Battle of Mazagran when tired soldiers craved a hit of caffeine that was cold and refreshing while also boosting their energy.

This concoction was named Mazagran after its historical context, and soldiers and families from both sides of the battle started to enjoy this cold beverage. In some places, it was served plain, and in others, it was mixed with syrup for a bit of sweetness.

When the French soldiers in Algeria returned to France, they brought this unique coffee drink with them and encouraged their local cafes to create their own version.

This concoction has taken on many different forms over the generations as it has spread throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S. The Austrian version of a Mazagran includes a shot of rum, and in Vietnam, iced coffee is mixed with sweetened condensed milk for a rich and satisfying flavor.

In America today, iced coffee is generally thought of simply as the chilled counterpart to regular hot coffee. In many coffee shops, this is exactly how iced coffee is made. Brewed coffee is allowed to chill to room temperature or refrigerator temperature and poured on ice.

In recent years, however, the brewing process for iced coffee has received a serious upgrade — the cold brewing method. Cold brew coffee is now widely available in most coffee shops, so iced coffee lovers can have easy access to this upgraded version of their favorite drink.

Organic Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew Coffee

How exactly are traditional iced coffee and cold brew different? Traditional organic iced coffee is made with cooled hot-brewed coffee, a brewing process that uses hot water to draw out the caffeine and flavor of the ground coffee beans.

By the time this coffee has cooled down and is served over ice, it’s no longer at peak freshness and can develop some bitterness.

On the contrary, cold brew coffee never uses hot water during the brewing process. To create a cold brew, the ground coffee is steeped in cold water for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. The longer the grounds steep in the water, the more flavorful and rich the cold brew will be.

Why Did Cold Brew Get So Popular?

Why has cold brew seemingly popped up all over coffee shops and restaurants over the past several years? Cold brew coffee has existed for many years, but it’s experiencing a huge increase in popularity.

Since cold brew is designed to be served cold and never heated, it tends to have less bitterness than organic iced coffee or even hot coffee served fresh. Additionally, cold brew tends to have higher levels of caffeine and a bolder flavor than traditional organic iced coffee.

This is why many organic iced coffee lovers tend to prefer cold brew when it’s available.

Additionally, for those who like to brew their own coffee at home, cold brew coffee is now just as accessible as hot coffee. Individuals can buy their own cold brew coffee kits that make it easy to create this delicious beverage at home.

Cold brew is present in many healthy beverages and dishes, making these items even more delicious and optimal for wellness. At Clean Juice, we love the way cold brew increases the flavor profile of our smoothies, bowls, and bottled juices. Order now! 

Organic Iced Coffee vs. Hot Coffee Taste Differences

Are you a hot coffee drinker who’s curious about switching over to organic iced coffee or cold brew? You may be wondering what the differences in taste tend to be, and that all depends on the type of hot coffee you usually drink.

Light roast coffees tend to be bright and acidic, while dark roast coffees are earthy and robust. Medium roast usually has a mixture of both, making it the most similar to the taste of cold brew coffee. You will likely notice that cold brew is less acidic than many hot coffee blends and has a more smooth flavor overall.

Additionally, cold brew is typically made in a concentrated form and mixed with water. That means the less water is mixed with cold brew concentrate, the stronger your cold brew coffee will taste.

Drinking plain cold brew concentrate isn’t recommended, as the taste will be too rich for most people’s liking, and the caffeine content could create unwanted effects.

If you simply prefer a hot beverage over a cold one most of the time, it may be difficult to switch to cold brew from hot coffee. However, cold brew can be a refreshing treat on a particularly hot day.

Just keep in mind that cold brew is served without ice in many coffee shops, which can actually be a benefit as it prevents your beverage from becoming watered down over time.

Organic Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Health Benefits

Organic iced coffee and cold brew are more than just a tasty pick-me-up. These beverages have many potential health benefits that can be enjoyed with regular consumption.

Many of these benefits are similar to those you can take advantage of with hot coffee, but you may prefer cold brew for any number of reasons, and it is easier to mix with other things, while hot coffee is generally consumed on its own.

More Energy for Daily Tasks

Most people know that coffee gives them a boost of energy thanks to its caffeine content. Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance in coffee beans that stimulates the nervous system, increasing your sense of alertness and possibly even increasing performance at work, at school, or during physical activity.

If you’re feeling tired during your day and need a boost to get things done, a cup of organic iced coffee or cold brew can give you that quick boost of energy you need. Just make sure you don’t drink too much, as excessive caffeine intake can create unwanted symptoms like anxiety, headaches, and restlessness.

Great Source of Antioxidants

Did you know that all coffee drinks are great sources of antioxidants? These naturally-occurring substances are found in many different plants, including coffee beans. Antioxidants work to prevent a bodily process called oxidation, which can create damage in the body and put you at higher risk for many different types of diseases.

Antioxidants also help sweep up harmful agents known as free radicals in the body, which may contribute to many diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. That’s why consuming foods like coffee that have high levels of antioxidants is such a good decision for your health.

Are There Long-Term Health Effects of Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?

Including organic iced coffee and cold brew in your daily life can have some great short-term effects, but what about the long-term? When you make iced coffee part of your daily life, you could be making a great choice for your health for the long haul while also reaping the benefits in the short term.

Are you looking for an easy way to combine cold brew with other nutrients? Boost your health the tasty way with Clean Juice. We have a ton of coffee-friendly options available right now like our “The Coffee One” or “The Iced Latte One” or if you want some chocolate in your life, “The Mocha One.” Order now!

Decreased Risk of Heart Failure

Heart failure is one of the most common causes of death in the U.S. The best way to avoid heart failure is to decrease your risk of developing heart disease, and regular servings of coffee are a convenient way to help keep your heart healthy.

Studies show that a few cups of coffee per day could decrease your risk of heart disease by as much as 15% compared to those who don’t drink any coffee. If you have high blood pressure, consult with your doctor about your caffeine intake.

Decreased Chance of Developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

When you drink coffee, the caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, which includes your brain. In this way, drinking organic iced coffee regularly could help protect your brain from developing neurodegenerative diseases. That’s because regular mental stimulation helps keep your brain function strong.

Some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, which have many symptoms in common, including memory loss and disorientation. Alzheimer’s tends to affect the brain and memory more significantly, while Parkinson’s mostly creates physical symptoms like tremors.

These conditions can come along with decreased quality of life and many significant health consequences of their own. By including organic iced coffee in your daily routine, you could reduce your risk of developing these conditions later in life.

Reduced Stroke Risk

The high levels of antioxidants in iced coffee and cold brew can work to prevent many unwanted health conditions. One such condition is stroke, which can occur due to an artery blockage or blood vessel bursting. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of early death in women in the U.S.

When you consume iced coffee regularly, you can support good heart health, which will help reduce your chance of stroke later in life. This is mostly due to the high antioxidant content in coffee.

Lessened Odds of Developing Colon Cancer

Cancer is never good news, and colon cancer can be one of the toughest to treat. However, drinking iced coffee and cold brew might be a helpful way to reduce your odds of developing this type of cancer.

According to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, coffee drinkers are about 26% less likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer during their lifetime. This study found that the benefits of drinking coffee to prevent colon cancer were the same with regular coffee drinkers and decaf coffee drinkers.

Helps the Body Properly Process Glucose

According to some studies, people who drink iced coffee or cold brew regularly (or perhaps you’d rather eat it, like in our “Cold Brew Bowl”) might have an advantage with their body’s ability to process glucose. This means a reduced risk of developing minor conditions like anemia or major conditions like type 2 diabetes. However, the research on this topic is still in the early stages.

Introduce Cold Brew into Your Health Routine with Clean Juice

Our team at Clean Juice knows just how delicious and health-boosting cold brew coffee can be. That’s why we offer multiple products that feature several ways to consume this amazing healthy food. We have “The Iced Latte One,” “The Mocha One,” and “The Coffee One,” which as you guessed it, contain coffee.

Drink your coffee in a bottled smoothie or juice, or enjoy it in bites in bowl form! There’s no wrong way to add cold brew to your daily diet, and you’ll love the rich taste that fresh cold brew adds to our nutritious products.

Order now to get your favorite Clean Juice products delivered right to your door for a fresh, nutritious meal on your timeline.

Sources:

• Perfect Daily Grind
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institutes of Health

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether iced coffee would be a healthy choice for you, ask your doctor.

How to Care for Your Body During a Clean Juice Cleanse

If you are considering a clean juice cleanse, you are likely curious about what benefits a cleanse can offer you. A clean juice cleanse can help you rid your body of harmful toxins, among other advantages.

To get the most out of your cleanse, however, it’s important to know how to care for your body before, during, and after a clean juice cleanse.

Here is everything you need to know about what a juice cleanse is, the benefits it can offer, and what steps you can take to ensure yours is successful.

Table of contents:

• What Is a Clean Juice Cleanse?
• What Are The Benefits of a Juice Cleanse?
• What Should You Consider Before Starting a Juice Cleanse?
• How Should You Care for Your Body During a Juice Cleanse?
• What Care Does Your Body Need After a Juice Cleanse?
• Ready to Start Your Cleanse? Contact Clean Juice Today

What Is a Clean Juice Cleanse

A clean juice cleanse is essentially a detox diet where you consume vegetable and fruit juice over a specific period of time. Clean juice cleanses usually only last for a couple of days and can potentially benefit the body by ridding it of toxins and other waste. However, it is important to closely monitor your health during this period of time.

What Are the Benefits of a Juice Cleanse?

Juice cleanses have several benefits. One of the most significant advantages is their effect on the gut. Juice cleanses are thought to promote a healthy gut biome due to their fermentable fiber. If you have cleansed in the past, you likely know that a healthy gut biome can help prevent you from contracting certain illnesses.

Another benefit of a juice cleanse is due to the effects that fasting has on the body. When fasting, your body will use and deplete its glycogen reserves, which allows the body to clean out damaged cells and replace them with healthy ones.

Juice cleanses are also thought to jump start weight loss. This is due to the fact that, during the cleanse, you are restricting your caloric intake.

What Should You Consider Before Starting a Juice Cleanse?

Juice cleanses are not without risks, which is why it is important for anyone undergoing one to consider what your goals are and how to achieve them safely. With that in mind, here are some considerations to take into account before starting your clean juice cleanse.

The Importance of Preparation

It is essential to prepare your body before a juice cleanse. First, try implementing a daily juice into your current routine. This will allow your body to get used to the effects. From there, make sure you maintain healthy levels of hydration and get plenty of sleep. Both are important for keeping your body healthy throughout the process.

What to Eliminate

When it comes to eliminating specific foods from your diet before a cleanse, two of the foods you should focus on are coffee and junk food.

Coffee is a stimulant that can prevent your body from experiencing the full effects of a juice cleanse. Beyond this, withdrawing from caffeine can have a host of nasty side effects that can be detrimental to the overall goal of a cleanse.

When it comes to junk food, you want to make sure your body is digesting optimally. This is difficult when ingesting foods that are high in sugar and carbs, which are two of the primary characteristics of most junk foods.

Even before your cleanse, you can find acai bowls and healthy alternatives on our menu. Order now!

When to Increase

Before the cleanse, increasing your intake of alkalising foods can help your digestive system prepare for the effects of the cleanse.

Your Exercise Regimen

Modifying your exercise regimen will enable you to keep your body safe and healthy during the cleanse.

Your Sleep Regimen

Increasing your sleep regimen will help you get the rest you need so that you can replenish your mind and body during the cleanse.

How Should You Care for Your Body During a Juice Cleanse?

Juice cleanses can take a physical toll on the body. Here are some considerations to take during a cleanse.

When to Drink Your Juice

Once you have begun your cleanse, drink your first juice when you wake up and time each subsequent juice at two-hour intervals after that.

Looking for the perfect source for your juice cleanse? Look over our selection and order now!

How Water Can Help

Drinking water throughout your cleanse will keep your body hydrated and help you expel waste more quickly.

Exercise Considerations

During your cleanse, you might want to switch to low-intensity workouts that will still benefit your body without causing too much stress. Make sure to move in the morning and incorporate stretching into your routine.

Monitoring Your Sleep Regimen

Many people claim that their quality of sleep improves during a juice cleanse. Conversely, others report erratic sleep and general fatigue. Regardless, always make sure you are allotting at least eight hours of sleep per night.

Watching Out for These Side Effects

Since juice cleanses can reduce your calorie intake, they can result in headaches, dizziness, and general fatigue. You may also get cravings for other foods.

What Care Does Your Body Need After a Juice Cleanse?

Proper care after a clean juice cleanse is essential. Here are some physical considerations you should consider after a cleanse.

Diet Transition

Once your juice cleanse is over, try to consume whole foods instead of processed foods. Start with whole fruits and vegetables and gradually integrate other solid foods back into your diet.

Foods like acai bowls and salads can help you come off of a juice cleanse and continue feeling healthy. Order one of these delicious items from our menu here.

Easing into Exercise

After you’ve completed your cleanse, you might want to wait until you have been able to resume your regular diet before leaning into the high-intensity workouts.

Sleep Changes

Your sleep may still be somewhat disrupted after a cleanse. However, you should reach equilibrium once your eating and exercise patterns are more aligned.

Ready to Start Your Cleanse? Contact Clean Juice Today

A juice cleanse can be a great way to improve your gut biome and help your body get rid of toxins. However, it’s important to make sure you take proper care of your body before, during, and after your cleanse. By monitoring things like your diet and your activity level, you can ensure you get the most out of your clean juice cleanse.
If you are ready to start your cleanse, contact Clean Juice today.

Sources:

• Clean Eating Kitchen

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether a cleanse would be a healthy choice for you, ask your doctor.

The Superfood You’re Overlooking: 5 Healthy Cherry Benefits

No matter how you like to eat them, cherries are a powerful super fruit that can be integrated into just about any diet. (Hence why they are a main ingredient in our “The Chocolate Cherry Smoothie and our “Don’t Worry” Acai Bowl)! In addition to being low in calories and full of fiber, cherries contain a wealth of incredible benefits that should make the most health-conscious people consider them as a daily addition to their diets.

Low calories and fibrous content aside, cherries contain all of the following benefits:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Antioxidants
• Beta Carotene
• Choline

All of these ingredients are great for the body and complement a healthy lifestyle. If that’s news to you, read on. This post will list 5 healthy cherry benefits and explain why they’re the superfood you’ve been overlooking.

Table of contents:

• What Are Cherries?
•  5 Surprising Health Benefits of Cherries
• 1. Antioxidants to Reduce Oxidative Stress and Other Issues
• 2. Melatonin to Promote Better Sleep
• 3. Potassium for Boosting Heart Health
• 4. Fiber for Gut Health
• 5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
• Can Cherry Benefits Extend to Other Major Health Concerns Like Gout?
• Delicious Options for Cherry Benefits
• Other Ways to Enjoy Cherry Benefits
• Ready to Harness the Full Power of Cherries?

What Are Cherries?

Research shows that all the nutrients contained in cherries are good for humans. This knowledge has given them a hearty reputation among health experts and dietary aficionados. However, more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Furthermore, one would need to consume a very high number of cherries to get many of the purported benefits. More specifically, people would need to eat between 40 and 280 cherries every day to see the greatest results. However, that doesn’t mean certain cherry benefits can’t be achieved by consuming them in concentrated amounts.

Taste and Texture

The diameter of the average cherry is between two and four centimeters. They feature an oval shape and a smooth surface. They contain soft red flesh just underneath the surface, which surrounds a pit that is located in the center of each cherry.

In terms of flavor, cherries have a range of possible tastes. What they taste like depends on what type of cherry they are and how high their sugar and acid contents are. Sour cherries feature a high acid content that gives them a tangy, tart flavor. On the other hand, sweet cherries are more balanced in their tartness and have fruitier notes.

Sweet cherries sounding good to you? You can enjoy them with the goodness of chocolate in our The Chocolate Cherry One. Order it here!

Nutritional Value

Cherries are a fantastic source of anthocyanins. These antioxidant-rich flavonoids are present in many fruits and vegetables and protect cells against the damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, anthocyanins can reduce inflammation.

Since cherries are also high in vitamins A and C, they have the potential to boost the immune system. Beyond that, their high potassium content means they can balance the body’s fluid levels. Finally, cherries also contain iron, fiber, and calcium, which provide a host of other benefits.

5 Surprising Health Benefits of Cherries

The potential health benefits of cherries cannot be overstated. Since they are rich in so many essential nutrients, they have many potential applications that can prove useful for a wide variety of people from all walks of life. This section will look more closely at their potential health benefits.

1. Antioxidants to Reduce Oxidative Stress and Other Issues

Cherries feature a high concentration of plant compounds, including anthocyanins and quercetin. Anthocyanins are known for their antimicrobial properties, while quercetin could potentially guard against toxin-induced tissue injuries. In addition to these compounds, cherries contain varying amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Antioxidants are thought to reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to premature aging and chronic diseases. One review found that 11 out of 16 studies demonstrated a positive reduction in inflammation. This same review found that eating cherries reduced signs of oxidative stress in 8 out of 10 studies.

Cherries also feature a high concentration of polyphenols, which are thought to promote general health, reduce inflammation, and potentially prevent cell damage. Studies have shown that diets containing high amounts of polyphenols could potentially help with the following chronic conditions:

• Heart disease
• Mental reduction
• Various types of cancer

The anthocyanins present in cherries can also potentially help with diabetes. While some people believe they cause a spike in sugar levels, this is only partially true. Furthermore, the sugar present does not outweigh the potential of anthocyanins to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve insulin resistance. However, it is important for anyone considering dietary changes to consult their doctor before implementing anything new.

2. Melatonin to Promote Better Sleep

Cherries contain melatonin, which means that eating them or drinking cherry juice can potentially help people achieve a higher quality of sleep. Melatonin is known for helping humans regulate their sleep-wake cycle.

One study revealed that 20 individuals who drank cherry juice for seven days exhibited higher melatonin levels than another group who received a placebo. In addition to melatonin levels, these individuals also exhibited better sleep quality and longer sleep duration.

Similarly, another study found that adults who drank one cup of cherry juice before they went to sleep extended their sleep time by an average of 84 minutes. While these results are undoubtedly promising, it should be noted that they utilized concentrated cherry products rather than the fruit itself. This is why more research is necessary.

3. Potassium for Boosting Heart Health

Cherries could potentially improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. That’s because cherries contain polyphenol antioxidants, potassium, and other nutrients thought to boost heart health. Studies have shown that potassium has the potential to regulate blood pressure by reducing sodium levels.

Research has shown that individuals who maintain diets high in potassium are at a decreased risk of a heart attack or stroke. Combine this with the fact that cherries contain polyphenol antioxidants, which help fight against inflammation and cellular damage, and it’s easy to see how they could make for a healthier heart.

4. Fiber for Gut Health

Gut health is directly impacted by microbiomes, tiny bacteria and microbes that live in the intestinal tracts of human beings. When the gut microbiome is healthy, it can potentially prevent disease and boost immunity.

If there’s one thing microbiomes love, it’s fiber and plant compounds, which is great news for cherry lovers. That’s because cherries contain polyphenols, which are thought to stimulate the growth of benevolent gut bacteria.

Several studies have shown a positive correlation between a healthy gut and a diet rich in cherries. However, due to the complexity of the human gut, more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cherries are thought to aid in bodily recovery due to their high number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This is good news for those who exercise frequently, as cherry benefits extend to inflammation, muscle pain, and muscle damage. These properties are thought to apply more to tart cherries than their sweet counterparts.

Cherries have also been purported to help with overall stamina while exercising. However, many of the studies that led to these theories were conducted using trained athletes. More research is needed to determine how tart cherries can benefit non-athletes in this regard.

Another important point is that these studies were conducted using concentrated cherry juice rather than the fruit itself. At the present moment, it is unknown how many cherries one would need to consume to yield similar results.

Can Cherry Benefits Extend to Other Major Health Concerns Like Gout?

Because cherries contain so many beneficial elements, it stands to reason that they could potentially help with a number of other major health concerns. One specific health issue that researchers believe cherries could help with is gout, thanks to their ability to reduce uric acid.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a specific type of arthritis characterized by a sudden and rapid onset of pain and inflammation in the joints. Many people afflicted with this condition treat it with medication, natural health remedies, and changes to their diet.

Gout typically manifests in all of the following areas:

• Big toe
• Other toes
• Feet
• Heels
• Knees

Gout can affect other areas in addition to the body parts listed above. However, these instances are not as common.

What Causes a Gout Attack?

Gout attacks are initiated by an increase of uric acid in the bloodstream. This type of acid is produced when the body digests specific foods and as a byproduct of waste. High levels of uric acid can result in the formation of crystals along the joints, which is what causes inflammation and pain.

When uric acid crystallizes, the body isn’t able to remove it as efficiently as its liquid form. However, changes in diet, particularly to diets rich in anti-inflammatories, have shown promise in some individuals struggling with gout. As noted, cherries contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, their ability to reduce uric acid levels makes them a good choice for people wanting to decrease the risk of gout.

Delicious Options for Cherry Benefits

Clean Juice is proud to provide some delicious options designed to harness the full power of cherry benefits. Each of these items is beloved by our customers and contains its own unique presentations, so you can mix and match what you want to order depending on the nutrients you need that day.

And don’t forget that you can add the powerful benefits of cherries to other health products, resulting in a powerful, tasty combination. For example, consuming cherries with foods containing hemp and whey proteins can help with maintaining one’s overall health as well as provide an energy boost after a good workout.

The Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

Our Chocolate Cherry Smoothie contains organic cherries, bananas, and cacao blended into a sea of organic vanilla, organic maple syrup, and organic almond milk. With only 320 calories, this is the perfect drink for an energy boost alongside some cherry benefits. Needing it now? Order now!

Acai Bowls

Clean Juice has a comprehensive selection of acai bowls, with one harnessing the full power of cherry benefits.

Don’t Worry Bowl

Our Don’t Worry Bowl contains all of the following ingredients:

• Organic acai
• Organic banana
• Organic cherries
• Organic cacao
• Organic maple syrup
• Organic coconut oil
• Organic almond milk
• Organic chia pudding
• Organic granola topping
• Organic cherry topping
• Organic coconut topping
• Organic cacao nibs topping
• Your choice of drizzle

The Don’t Worry Bowl is a great way to mobilize the power of cherry benefits with some additional energizing supplements. The chia pudding can help with digestion, and the cacao nibs can provide an additional boost of energy. Tempted yet? Order now!

Other Ways to Enjoy Cherry Benefits

Cherries are easy to integrate into just about anything. These versatile fruits pair well with many foods, and given that they come in sweet and tart varieties, they can be expertly incorporated into various recipes.

If you are looking for some ways to add cherries to your diet, try any of the following:

• Eat raw, fresh cherries
• Cut a few cherries in half, pit them, and include them in a salad
• Dry the cherries and put them in trail mix
• Add tart cherry juice to sparkling water for some extra flavor and an energy boost
• Make a smoothie using frozen cherries
• Dry the cherries and bake them in your favorite bread

These are only a few of the array of options cherries provide. Feel free to experiment and discover what works best for your palate.

Ready to Harness the Full Power of Cherries? Contact Clean Juice today

If you are ready to see what cherries might be able to do for your daily routine, or if you are looking for a place to get some delicious cherry-centric snacks, contact Clean Juice today. In addition to two delicious cherry-imbued items, we have a comprehensive selection of some of the healthiest foods around.

Whether your goal is to get in shape, maintain your health, or both, the best way to start is by eating a healthy diet. At Clean Juice, we understand what is required to yield those results. Contact us today or stop by one of our locations for more information.

Sources:

• NCBI
• Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology New
• Frontiers
• Specialty Produce

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether cherries would be a healthy addition to your wellness routine, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make cherries unsafe for you.

Sleep Music and Juice Cleansing: A Match Made in Detox Heaven

Sleep music and juice cleansing make quite the combo. If you have never personally tried either, fear not. This post will explain what they are, why they integrate so well, and how using them together could potentially help you achieve much better sleep during your juice cleanse.

Table of contents:

• Juice Cleansing in Theory and Practice
  
• Sleep Music 101
  
• The Science Behind Sleep Music
• Types of Sleep Music
• The Importance of Sleep During a Juice Cleanse
• How Sleep Music Can Help
  
• Tips for Incorporating Sleep Music into Your Juice Cleanse
• Sleep Music Bedtime Routine
• Want to Learn More? Clean Juice Can Help

Juice Cleansing in Theory and Practice

Juice cleansing is a dietary detox regimen where the person undergoing the cleanse abstains from solid foods and only consumes juice for a short period of time. It is typically used in alternative medicine treatments and detoxification practices.

When cleansing, the person will drink their juice at specific intervals throughout the day. This will allow them to achieve many of the benefits of fasting while still yielding essential nutrients from the juices. If you want to get a taste for delicious organic juices, you can incorporate into your next juice cleanse, you can order from our menu here!

Sleep Music 101

Sleep music is a collection of specific sounds and arrangements designed to help the listener fall asleep and stay asleep for longer. While sleeping, sleep music is designed to help the listener achieve deeper, more restful sleep. There are several different types of sleep music, which will be explored in more detail later in this post.

The Science Behind Sleep Music

In general, sleep music has psychoacoustic properties that can lull the brain into a deeper state of relaxation. In turn, the rest of the body will slowly follow suit. Once relaxed, listeners may be able to sleep deeper and for longer periods.

Types of Sleep Music

There are a few different types of sleep music. This section will briefly explore the most popular ones.

Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are a fantastic example of the psychoacoustic properties of sleep music. A binaural beat is a perception of sound that is created in the brain. It presents two tones at different frequencies, with each tone sent to only one ear. When this happens, the brain makes up for the difference by creating an additional tone at a frequency between the two primary tones that the listener is able to perceive.

White Noise

White noise is a consistent tone that contains all perceivable frequencies across the auditory spectrum in equal measure. The result is a random signal with equal intensity distributed across different frequencies. White noise is great for tuning out external noise. Additionally, its consistent tonality is calming and ideal for meditation and falling asleep.

White noise is particularly beneficial if you live in an apartment or another area where noisy neighbors could potentially disrupt your sleep. Because it contains all perceivable frequencies, the white noise will block out the outside sounds and give you something calming and consistent to focus on. Just make sure the track you are listening to is long enough to allow you to fall asleep. Otherwise, you may have to get up to restart it.

Instrumental Music

Instrumental music is the type of sleep music most people are probably familiar with. That’s because it is essentially regular music without vocals. Instrumental music can be from any genre, though people trying to sleep most often prefer classical or ambient styles of music since those styles tend to have organic changes organized around a musical idea that appeals to the brain without perpetrating anything erratic or obtrusive.

The Importance of Sleep During a Juice Cleanse

Sleep is crucial during a juice cleanse because it gives the body time to recharge and heal. It also provides ample time for detoxification. Since a cleanse deprives the body of many of its normal nutrients, sleeping allows the glymphatic system to clear the body of excess waste. Unfortunately, a lack of nutrients can make falling asleep more difficult. This is where sleep music can help.

How Sleep Music Can Help

By now, it should be no secret that sleep music can help improve an individual’s sleep quality during a juice cleanse. The types of sleep music best suited for relaxation and stress relief are white noise, binaural beats, and calming instrumental music. Simply turn the music on before you go to bed, shut your eyes, and let the sounds take you on a journey. If all goes according to plan, you should be asleep before you know it.

Tips for Incorporating Sleep Music into Your Juice Cleanse

Besides selecting quality organic juices, sleeping is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your cleanse yields the desired results. The first objective you can achieve easily; simply order from Clean Juice’s extensive menu here.

But if sleeping is proving difficult, we have tips for that too. By incorporating sleep music into your bedtime routine, you will likely fall asleep easily.

Sleep Music Bedtime Routine

The first step to any sleep music bedtime routine is to create a relaxing environment for yourself. You’ll need your bedroom to be dark with no distracting lights or sounds. Make sure the speakers you are using are functional and appropriately placed. Additionally, if you are sensitive to smells, consider using incense or oils to imbue the air with your favorite relaxing scent.

Once your environment is ready, consider putting your phone on the charger somewhere out of sight so it does not distract you. As far as electronics are concerned, using them too much before bed can lead to restless sleep.

You can also try meditating and deep breathing, which are great ways to regulate your nervous system and get your breathing in alignment. If you still aren’t feeling relaxed, consider taking a warm bath before bed. Warm baths calm the mind and regulate body temperature, facilitating easier relaxation.

Want to Learn More? Clean Juice Can Help

If you want to learn more about the benefits of sleep music and juice cleaning, contact Clean Juice or stop by one of our locations today. We have a collection of quality juices and other health-conscious food products that can help with your diet, whether you are preparing for a cleanse, undergoing a cleanse, or recovering from a cleanse. Order your favorites here!

Sources:

• WebMD

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.

If you’re unsure whether a cleanse would be a healthy choice for you, ask your doctor.