Health Benefits of Watermelons

watermelons

Health Benefits of Watermelons

Watermelons are a summer favourite for almost everyone. Sweet and delicious! Did you know that beyond being a delicious indulgence, watermelons are a nutritional powerhouse with numerous health benefits? Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, watermelons offer a range of advantages for your overall well-being. Let’s dive into the science-backed health benefits of watermelons, making it clear why this vibrant fruit deserves a place in your daily diet.

1. Hydration: With its high water content of approximately 92%, watermelon stands tall as a natural hydrator. Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining bodily functions, supporting digestion, and keeping your skin glowing. Make a splash this summer with watermelon slices to keep dehydration at bay.

(Source: Medical News Today)

2. Cardiovascular Health: Watermelon is rich in heart-loving compounds like citrulline, which helps relax blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow. This can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and related conditions.

(Source: NCBI)

3. Nutrient Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, watermelons offer a vibrant mix of nutrients. These play crucial roles in supporting immunity, eye health, nerve function, and muscle health.

(Source: USDA FoodData Central)

4. Antioxidant Boost: Watermelons contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as certain cancers and cardiovascular conditions. Antioxidants in watermelons help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, supporting overall well-being and radiant skin.

(Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)

5. Weight Management: Considering a calorie-conscious diet? Watermelon is your friend! While delightfully sweet, this fruit is low in calories and virtually fat-free, making it a satisfying and guilt-free addition to your weight management plan.

(Source: Healthline)

6. Muscle Recovery: Another one of the health benefits of watermelons: Rich in potassium, watermelon helps prevent muscle cramps and aids in post-workout muscle recovery. Whether you’re a gym enthusiast or an occasional exerciser, watermelon can help your muscles bounce back faster.

(Source: International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism)

7. Skin Health: Health benefits of watermelons don’t stop there! Also a great source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants in watermelons which play a role in maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Enjoy this fruit to promote collagen production, fight signs of aging, and combat skin damage caused by environmental factors.

(Source: Oregon State University)

8. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Support: Watermelon has gained attention for its potential impact on men’s sexual health. It contains citrulline, which the body converts into arginine, an amino acid that helps increase blood flow. Improved blood flow can be beneficial for men dealing with mild cases of erectile dysfunction, potentially enhancing their sexual performance and satisfaction.

(Source: International Journal of Impotence Research)

While watermelon and its components may offer potential benefits for some men dealing with mild cases of erectile dysfunction, it is essential to remember that individual results may vary. For personalized advice and treatment options, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Looking to try out watermelon in juice form? Try out our Watermelon Lime that will bring your taste buds to life!

The Ultimate Green Juice for Kids to Enjoy.

kids drinking green juice

As parents, ensuring our children receive the best nutrition is a top priority. However, enticing kids to embrace healthy greens can sometimes be a challenge. It’s almost like they know. Show them a cup of green juice versus orange juice and they may likely choose the orange one. We can help change mindset. Although they might not change their minds entirely, this will hopefully encourage them to add greens into their diet and start to enjoy them. Today we’re sharing a delightful and kid-approved green juice recipe that will have your little ones asking for more. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this tasty concoction is sure to make their taste buds dance with joy!

The Green Juice Recipe Kids Will Love

Ingredients:

  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 apples (any variety your child prefers)
  • A handful of collard greens (can substitute with spinach or kale)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 ripe pear

Why Kids Will Adore This Green Juice:

  1. Deliciously Sweet: The natural sweetness of apples and pears in this green juice masks the taste of greens, making it appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
  2. Packed with Essential Nutrients: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron from the greens and fruits, this juice boosts their growing bodies.
  3. Supports Healthy Digestion: Cucumber aids digestion, while the fiber-rich fruits help keep their tummies happy and healthy.
  4. Keeps Them Hydrated: With its high water content, cucumber and pear help keep kids hydrated, especially during active play.
  5. Strengthens Their Immune System: The vitamin C from apples and lemon juice bolsters their immune system, protecting them from seasonal illnesses.

How to Incorporate Green Juice into Your Kids’ Diet:

  1. Create a Fun Name: Give the juice a playful name like “Superhero Juice” or “Dinosaur Magic Elixir” to get kids excited about drinking it. This might be key so try to name it something that your child loves.
  2. Involve Them in the Process: Let your kids participate in making the juice. They can help wash the produce, press the button on the juicer (under adult supervision), and even mix the ingredients together.
  3. Serve in Colorful Cups: Present the green juice in vibrant and appealing cups or glasses to make it visually enticing.
  4. Pair with Snacks: Offer the green juice alongside their favourite healthy snacks, such as whole-grain crackers, apple slices, or carrot sticks.
  5. Make it a Routine: Establish a daily or weekly routine for enjoying the green juice together as a family. This way, it becomes a cherished tradition.

Healthy eating can indeed be fun and enjoyable for kids with this green juice recipe. Packed with essential nutrients and disguised by the natural sweetness of fruits, this kid-friendly green juice will nourish their growing bodies and put a smile on their faces. Embrace this nutritious addition to their diet and watch your little ones flourish with every sip!

Don’t have a juicer but want to try a green juice for your kids? We recommend mixing one of our green juices with either our pure orange juice or our pineapple concoction Island Breeze. Mix 2 parts of green juice with 1 part of orange juice or pineapple juice. To read on juicing for kids more we recommend visiting All About Juicing where they discuss a few more recipes your kids may like. Cheers to happy little tummies and a brighter future for your kids!

10 Amazing Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil that you need to know about.

10 Amazing Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Your Health and Wellness

Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet and has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. It’s rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet. Here are 10 amazing health benefits that you should know about.

  1. Promotes heart health: According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. (Source: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1200303)
  2. Reduces inflammation: A review published in the journal Nutrients suggests that the phenolic compounds in olive oil have anti-inflammatory properties. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/)
  3. Lowers blood pressure: According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil can lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. (Source: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/101/3/505/4564383)
  4. Helps with weight loss: A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil was associated with reduced body weight and waist circumference in overweight individuals. (Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2010200)
  5. Protects against Alzheimer’s: According to a study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, the consumption of extra virgin olive oil may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. (Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acn3.380)
  6. Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. (Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026156141730034X)
  7. May improve bone health: According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the consumption of olive oil may improve bone turnover markers and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. (Source: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/92/4/1181/2597349)
  8. Fights against cancer: According to a study published in BMC Cancer, the bitter principle in olive oil can reverse acquired resistance to trastuzumab, a medication used to treat HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. (Source: https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-020-07564-6)
  9. Protects skin from damage: According to a review published in Nutrients, the phenolic compounds in olive oil may protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073482/)
  10. May improve fertility: According to a study published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, a high-monounsaturated fatty acid diet, which includes olive oil, may improve clinical pregnancy rates in subfertile women undergoing IVF. A cross-sectional study published in Human Reproduction found that consuming more than two servings of olive oil per week was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving pregnancy through IVF. (Sources: https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12958-019-0505-5 and https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/32/5/1018/2916571)

Extra virgin olive oil is a powerful ingredient that can improve your health and wellness in numerous ways. By incorporating it into your diet, you can enjoy its delicious flavor and reap the benefits of its many health properties. So go ahead and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to your salad or use it for cooking to experience its amazing benefits for yourself!

Is Cold Pressed Juice Good For you?

Cold pressed juice has gained popularity in recent years due to its health benefits. There are cold pressed juice bars popping up all over the city. Many people start off by trying a 3 day juice cleanse or 3 day juice fast, but many others just incorporate it into their daily diet as a form of extra veggies into their diet. We’re here to discuss the benefits of cold pressed juice and why you should consider adding it to your diet.

What is Cold Pressed Juice?

Cold pressed juice is made by using a hydraulic press to extract the juice from fruits and vegetables. Unlike traditional juicing methods, which use high-speed centrifugal force to extract juice, cold pressed juice is made at a much slower pace, which helps to preserve more of the nutrients in the juice. Cold pressed juices can include up to 3-5 times more the vitamins and nutrients than any other juicing method.

Benefits of Cold Pressed Juice

  1. High in Nutrients: Cold pressed juice is packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. By drinking cold pressed juice, you can get all the benefits of fruits and vegetables in a single glass.
  2. Promotes Weight Loss: Many people have reported that drinking cold pressed juice has helped them to lose weight. The high nutrient content of the juice helps to keep you feeling full, so you are less likely to snack on unhealthy foods.
  3. Boosts Immunity: Cold pressed juice is rich in antioxidants, which help to strengthen the immune system. Drinking cold pressed juice regularly can help to reduce the risk of getting sick and may help to speed up recovery time.
  4. Improves Digestion: Cold pressed juice is easy to digest, and the nutrients in the juice are quickly absorbed by the body. This can help to improve digestion and may even help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
  5. Helps to Detoxify the Body: Cold pressed juice is a great way to detoxify the body. The high nutrient content of the juice helps to support the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for removing toxins from the body.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences found that cold pressed juice had significantly higher levels of vitamin C, folate, and phenolic compounds than traditional juice. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that drinking cold pressed juice helped to reduce inflammation in the body and may have potential therapeutic benefits for certain health conditions.

Incorporating cold pressed juice into your diet can have numerous health benefits. From boosting immunity to promoting weight loss, there are plenty of reasons to give cold pressed juice a try. Just be sure to choose a high-quality juice that is made from fresh, organic ingredients.

An important factor that can affect the nutritional content of cold pressed juice is the process of pasteurization. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that is used to kill harmful bacteria in the juice. However, this process can also destroy some of the beneficial nutrients and enzymes in the juice.

Many commercial brands of cold pressed juice use high-pressure processing (HPP) as an alternative to pasteurization. HPP uses high pressure to kill harmful bacteria while preserving the nutritional content of the juice. This process has been shown to be effective at reducing harmful bacteria while maintaining the nutritional value of the juice.

Not all cold pressed juices are created equal. When choosing a cold pressed juice, it’s important to look for brands that use glass bottles and high-pressure processing to preserve the nutritional content of the juice. By choosing a high-quality cold pressed juice, you can ensure that you are getting all the health benefits that cold pressed juice has to offer.

At Green Press, our juices are made with only certified ingredients and pressed daily. We press daily and get them delivered to our customers the very next day. We bottle the cold pressed juice in glass so you don’t have to worry about any chemicals leaching out into your juice from plastic bottles. You can also feel great about consuming it because you aren’t adding any junk to the current land fills! We also have a bottle recycling program that allows you to bring back your clean bottles and collect points $$ to be used for future purchases.

  1. Kamiloglu, S., et al. “Comparison of Nutrient Composition of Fresh Juice and Cold-Pressed Juice of Fruits and Vegetables.” Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, vol. 7, no. 6, 2017, doi: 10.4172/2155-9600.1000655.

Link: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/comparison-of-nutrient-composition-of-fresh-juice-and-coldpressed-juice-of-fruits-and-vegetables-2155-9600-1000655.pdf

  1. Effenberger-Neidnicht, K., et al. “Cold-pressed Juice as a Potential Source of Beneficial Effects on Human Health: A Critical Review.” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 23, no. 1, 2020, doi: 10.1089/jmf.2019.4521.

Link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jmf.2019.4521

Why Acai Bowls are Good for you?

Açaí bowls are a popular breakfast or snack option that has gained popularity in recent years due to their numerous health benefits. For those unfamiliar with Açaí bowls, they are made with a base of frozen Açaí berries, a fruit native to Central and South America, which are then topped with a variety of ingredients such as fresh fruit, granola, and nut butter.

So, why are Açaí bowls considered healthy? First and foremost, Açaí berries are packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from free radical damage and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Açaí berries are also high in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, and are a good source of healthy fats.
In addition to the benefits of Açaí berries, the toppings used in Açaí bowls can also contribute to their overall healthfulness. Fresh fruit, for example, is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and granola can provide a boost of energy due to its high carbohydrate content. Nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, can add a source of protein and healthy fats to the bowl.

Acai berries may also improve cholesterol levels and may have a possible anti-cancer effect.

At Green Press we make our Acai bowls with unsweetened acai berry, blueberries, strawberries, banana and almond milk. You get to choose 4 toppings from a variety of various superfoods like granola, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, goji berries, almonds, berries in season, banana, mango, honey, peanut butter, or almond butter.

Let us know if you’ve had any of our bowls and how you like them!
Oh, by the way! It’s pronounced AH-Sigh-EE 😉

Cheers to good health!

Benefits of drinking Cold Pressed Celery Juice

Celery juice has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. One form of celery juice that has particularly caught the attention of health enthusiasts is cold pressed celery juice. Cold pressed juice is a method of juicing that involves using a hydraulic press to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. This method retains more of the nutrients and enzymes in the produce compared to other juicing methods. Here are some potential benefits of drinking cold pressed celery juice:

  1. May improve digestion: Celery is a natural diuretic and can help to flush out excess water and toxins from the body. This can help to improve digestion and prevent constipation.
  2. May reduce inflammation: Celery is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis or asthma.
  3. May improve heart health: Celery contains compounds called phthalides, which can help to lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health.
  4. May boost the immune system: Celery is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Cold pressed celery juice may be an easy way to get a concentrated dose of vitamin C, helping to keep your immune system functioning properly.
  5. May improve skin health: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in celery may help to improve skin health and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

It’s important to note that as with any dietary change, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding cold pressed celery juice to your diet.

READ MORE ABOUT CELERY JUICE CLEANSE

How to Boost your Immune System

Well isn’t this the topic of the season with all the germs going around?!  Scientists are still researching on how one can actually boost or improve their immune system to avoid getting sick.  There are still things you can do to improve your chances of not getting sick, or AS sick!  According to Harvard here are a few things you can do to ensure you have a strong and healthy immune system.

  1. Sleep well! Make sure you are getting restful sleep with 7-8 hours of sleep per night.  There are many things you can do that involve actually getting restful sleep which include but are not limited to avoiding too much screen time right before bed and trying to meditate for a few minutes before bed.
  2. Exercise.  Try to get at least 30 min of exercise in everyday, even if this is only a 30 min walk. Bundle up for cold temperatures and try to get that heart rate going!
  3. Don’t smoke!  Seems like this one is a given right?
  4. Minimize stress.  We all have some sort of stress going on in our lives.  Try to find coping mechanisms so that this does not get into the way of your daily routine of life and start to negatively affect your mental health.  Coping mechanisms may include: yoga, gardening, walking, other forms of exercise, reading, painting, colouring (yea this helps! it’s actually so satisfying).
  5. Ensure you are eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.  These are essential for your body’s growth, maintenance and repair.  Remember your body was designed to try to heal itself.  By incorporating healthy food into your diet and staying away from processed food you are allowing it to do just that.  Heal itself.  Famous quote that says “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food” is what we like to live by!

Remember, the immune system is a system.  So its not a single entity and needs balance and harmony to function properly.

Benefits of Lemon Juice

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! Or just squeeze them and keep the lemon juice for the many health benefits.  Lemon juice is so versatile and you can do so much with it.  Here’s why we love it so much!

How to use lemon juice:

  • Add a splash to some warm water and drink on an empty stomach every morning.
  • Use to remove stains on white clothing
  • Make home made salad dressing.  Olive oil, lemon juice, salt.  For some added flavour you can add some herbs like dried mint leaves.  Thank us later!
  • Add a splash of lemon into some warm water, add a splash of ginger, pour some hot water, and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious antibacterial ginger lemon tea.

Benefits of lemon juice:

  • Source of iron.  Lemon juice can help your body absorb iron more efficiently from other food sources, thus helping to prevent anemia.
  • Liver detox and cleansing
  • Helps to reduce bloating.  Lemon juice helps with hydrochloric acid (HCL – the acid that breaks down the food in your stomach) thus helping to improve digestion.  If you find that you are experiencing heart burn try drinking some lemon water 20 minutes before your meal.  This will stimulate your stomach to create HCL which helps to improve breakdown of food in your stomach.
  • Contains antioxidants.  Helps to neutralize free radicals in your body that create inflammation and harm.
  • Leaves an alkaline ash in your body helping to balance your body’s pH.  We consume a regularly acidic diet.  Disease thrives in acidic environments.  Consuming alkalizing foods in your diet helps to offset this acidity.
  • May help with skin appearance and reducing skin blemishes.
  • May aid in your weight loss journey by incorporating warm lemon water to your morning routine.
  • Lemons have natural diuretic properties.   They can assist in the detox process and assist with fat burning.

With so many health benefits and ease of use, lemon juice is always a staple found in our fridge!

How to Cook Dandelion

Ever see dandelion at the grocery store and wonder what on earth could you possibly make with this?  When you hear about the benefits of dandelion you all of a sudden want to include it into your daily diet!  We’ve got a delicious recipe for you to try out.

Middle Eastern Inspired Dandelion: “Hindbeh”

You’ll need:

  • 2 bunches of dandelion
  • Olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • Himalayan salt (or other salt)

Instructions:

  1.  Wash 2 bunches of dandelion leaves.
  2. Chop up leaves and stems and boil for approx 20-25 min.
  3. As your dandelion is boiling, dice the onion into either small cubes or you can also slice into slivers.
  4. Sauté the onions until slightly caramelized
  5. Once the dandelion has boiled you need to strain the water.  Grab small amounts of dandelion at a time and squeeze out the water and keep aside until you’ve done this to the entire batch.
  6. Add some olive oil to a pan and sauté the dandelion for a few minutes.
  7. Add the sautéed onions to the dandelion and mix well together on medium heat for a minute or so.
  8. After this you’re ready to serve this on a plate.  Squeeze some lemon on top, sprinkle some salt and voila!

If you have a whole wheat pita bread, traditionally this is eaten with bread as an appetizer.  Let us know what you think!

 

Benefits of Dandelion

A stubborn weed, yes but dandelion stands as a true powerhouse.  This pesky little weed is a great source of vitamins and many health benefits.  You can find it in our Fine and Dandy cold pressed juice.

Nutrition Profile:

  • Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.
  • Contains vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of B vitamins
  • dandelion root contains inulin, which is a type of soluble fibre that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria.

Benefits:

  • Has many medicinal properties
  • Loaded with antioxidants
  • Can help fight inflammation
  • May help with blood sugar management
  • May reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  • May help lower blood pressure
  • Helps to promote liver health
  • May have anticancer effects
  • Helps to support a strong and healthy immune system

 

Excited to start incorporating dandelion into your diet?  You can find dandelion in our green Fine and Dandy juice, you find dandelion tea at a local health food store, as well as in supplement form.

Check out this delicious dandelion salad recipe if you are wondering how you can cook and eat dandelion.