Juicing is a fun way to get essential nutrients while keeping the body hydrated! Whether you are making your own juice or buying them from the store, we have some key ingredients you should definitely try out. In our list below, we share with you some of our favorite secret ingredients. While we are at it, we’ll share some delish recipes too. Woo hoo!
1. Khīrā
Did you know cucumber is one of the most hydrating foods for our body? Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?! Their outer skin is actually an amazing source of silica. Silica helps our connective tissue stay strong and improves complexion. When you juice your khira, make sure to scrub the skin vigorously to make sure any pesticides have been removed. If you have any pieces of khira remaining, use them to make refreshing eye masks after a hot day out.
Cooling and Refreshing:
½ medium cucumber (with skin)
3 red apples
3 stalks celery
1 bunch of kale
Add mint leaves for garnish (like I did in the pic above)
2. Mosambi
Our all-time juicing favorite, mosambi, has tons of Vitamin C. It wasn’t dubbed one of the best foods for skin for no reason. It is known to be a natural aid for weight loss and for boosting immunity. Yup, you heard correctly. Why put the peel to waste? Did you know if you grind up the peel and apply it as spot treatment, it’ll actually help get rid of acne and even areas of increased pigmentation. Before you go on a mosambi binge, go ahead and finish reading the rest of our list!
Super Vitamin C:
¾ cup pineapple
1 large mosambi
2 medium oranges, peeled
3. Gājar
Bet you didn’t know that carrot juice is often referred to as the golden juice of healing. It is wonderful for cleansing the liver (and a great home remedy for hangovers!). Not only that, but it can provide us with tons of vitamin B and folate too! I’m sure you’ve heard that carrots are good for the eyes. Well, that’s no myth! While taking care of your eyes, they also help alleviate any dryness of the hair and skin. Now that’s what we call a super food. I’ll share a secret just for you…if you mix grated carrots with some honey, you’ll get the world’s least expensive and most productive facial mask.
Carrot Dreamsicle:
*you may want to blend the coconut instead of directly juicing
1 fresh coconut, water and meat
1 large carrot
4. Anār
Not only do these add palate pleasing taste, but they are also packed with tons of antioxidants. Bet you didn’t know that anar have been found to lower blood pressure and purify the blood. It also is excellent for preventing hair loss, and helps those stubborn scars to heal faster. If you suffer from joint pain or cartilage problems, anar may be your go to ingredient for juicing!
Instant Energy:
1 pear
1 spinach bunch
1/2 small beet
1 anar
Add cilantro for garnish
5. Nīmbū
For an energizing zing add nimbu to your drinks! They are especially wonderful in the morning, because they have uplifting effects. Couldn’t all of us use some of that? Neutralizing our body fluids, nimbu aids in digestion and fat break down! They are wonderful additions to bitter juices, because they help balance out the taste. If you don’t have time to juice in the morning, squeezing nimbu juice into your water bottle is a wonderful elixir for sipping throughout the day. You’ll even notice a new glow in your skin and will notice your fried-snack-craving-munchies are disappearing!
Detoxified:
5 medium carrots
¼ medium cucumber
1 inch fresh gingerroot, peeled
3 nimbus, peeled
What are you waiting for? Enjoy your juices like never before. Carpe Diem, folks. Share your favorite ingredients for juicing below. Happy Juicing!
Pictures: Kanika Monga for MissMalini