Farnoosh’s note: this blog post is courtesy of our wonderful friend Gabriel Both, from Ultimate Juicing Formula!
To have beautiful, glowing skin and look years younger, you can juice these 10 different fruits and vegetables. Juicing for health is about cleansing from the inside out: your skin is a mirror to what is happening inside of your body.
What causes ageing?
Ageing is a natural process caused by gradual breaking down of the tissues and cells in the body. The good news is that it can be slowed down. How? By increasing your intake of natural anti-oxidants.
Anti-oxidants are molecules that stop the oxidation process of other molecules. Oxidation occurs when a substance loses electrons and increases its oxidation state which produces “free radicals“. You’ve seen apples go brown, right? That’s oxidation in action.
These free radicals start chain reactions in the body, tissues, and cells and causes cell damage or death.
Anti-oxidants do exactly what they say – they combat and neutralize these chain reactions by absorbing the free radicals and becoming oxidized themselves.
Anti-oxidant foods are measured by the ORAC scale or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. The higher the number, the more powerful they are.
Let’s explore 10 of the best plants to juice for maximum anti-ageing and skin benefits.
1. Blueberries
ORAC 13427 (wild) 9019 (cultivated)
Blueberries are incredibly high in antioxidants and phytochemicals which help to neutralize free radicals in your body. They are excellent sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and fiber. Blueberries have the potential to improve many skin conditions, such as broken capillaries, splotchy skin and acne. When juicing blueberries, use a masticating or slow juicer (see how to choose the best juicer) to maximize the juice you extract and make sure you buy organic, because they are often heavily sprayed with pesticides.
2. Cranberries
ORAC 8983
These tart berries are great sources of anthocyanin flavonoids, sianidin, peonidin, quercetin, tannins, and salicylic acid. They have high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamin C, B3 and B5 which help to slow down skin ageing. Cranberries also helps with oily skin due to its acidic nature. The antiseptic properties of this berry is very effective for treating acne as it is rich in resveratrol.
3. Blackberries
ORAC 7701
Blackberries are rich sources of vitamin A and C and the dark color signifies that it is packed full of antioxidants such as anthocyanocides and polyphenols. The high water content (85%) helps to hydrate your skin as well. Organic blackberries are the best and using a slow juicer will allow you to reap the most benefits from this super fruit.
4. Raspberries
ORAC 6058
Raspberries prevent cell membrane damage and reduces fungal and bacterial growth in the body. They contain anthocyanins – the anti-oxidants which are essential for maintaining youthful skin and beautiful complexion. The high levels of vitamin C helps absorb a lot of free radicals in your body. It’s best to use a slow juicer for these, or blend them in with your juice.
5. Strawberries
ORAC 5938
High in vitamin C and other antioxidants, strawberries have so many skin benefits. Its cleansing properties are why its extracts are often used in skin cleansers, bubble baths, face washes and face masks. The salicylic acid contained in these berries help remove dead cell from skin while at the same time tightening the pores. The ellagic acid combats skin damage and protects it against the sun’s harmful UV rays which damage the skin and accelerate ageing. The skin lightening properties of strawberries are effective in eliminating spots and freckles. Strawberries are one of the most heavily pesticide sprayed produce, so make sure you buy organic!
6. Apples
ORAC 5900 (Red Delicious)
Apples are one of the few fruits you can juice with pretty much anything and still have your juice taste good. They add a sweet aroma and it also have some amazing skin benefits as well. Apples have the potential to lighten and bring a youthful glow to your skin due to its very high levels of collagen which is essential for keeping your skin young and supple. They are also a great for skin hydration and have a high level of vitamin C and vitamin A. Always wash apples and remove the seeds before juicing as they contain small amounts of cyanide, which is harmful to ingest.
7. Black Plums
ORAC 4844
Plums come in different shades of color, the darker ones having a higher antioxidant level than the lighter ones. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and E. Vitamin E and A both help to protect the fatty acids and cell membranes from free radicals in the body, keeping your skin elastic and smooth. You may want to juice plums on their own to avoid flavor conflicts with other produce.
8. Broccoli
ORAC 3083
Broccoli is commonly known to to have anti-cancer benefits, but it also can make you look younger and improve the health of your skin. It’s actually used in many skincare products already by using the extracts from the more potent broccoli sprouts which contain super high concentrations of sulforaphane which is known to protect and detoxify skin cells. It also contains a high level of vitamin C (150% recommended daily intake in just a 100 gram serving). Throw a few florets of broccoli in your green juice recipes (https://www.prolificjuicing.com/green-juice-recipes/) to boost your skin health.
9. Red Grapes
ORAC 1788
Red grapes and their seeds contain powerful antioxidants that reduce skin inflammation and conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. They also have natural antihistamines which curbs the effects of allergic reactions. The high antioxidant level reduces wrinkles and leads to younger-looking and healthier skin. You can add red grapes to your juice for flavour or juice them on their own. Adding a 20:80 ratio of red grape juice to water maximizes the water absorption of your cells.
10. Beetroot
ORAC 1767
Beets juice well with carrots and/or apples for best taste. They are high in folic acid and manganese. These root vegetables are beneficial for fighting wrinkles and skin conditions with their folate content and help to prevent skin degeneration with vitamin A and carotenoids. Beets contains a colour pigment called betalain which is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and detoxifier. Betalains are found in the entire beetroot plant – flower petals, fruits, leaves, steams and of course the roots. I would definitely recommend juicing the beet greens as well which are high in vitamin A, C, K as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and magnesium, sulfur, silica and choline.
BONUS: Acai
ORAC 102,700
If you can get your hands on these super berries raw, you’re in luck! These purple fruits are one of the world’s most potent forms of antioxidants (more than all the above combined!). They help to flush out toxins and free radicals in your body and will make your skin look years younger. If you’re not able to get them in berry-form, then your nearest health food shop or online natural foods retailer will offer concentrated juices, powders or tablets. Always make sure it’s natural and free from additives, preservatives or artificial sugars.
Now that you know the top 10 plants to juice for anti-ageing, put this information into action and do it regularly. That’s the only way you’ll start seeing tangible results. Start with the plants that are seasonally available, then experiment the other ones if your budget allows for it.
Happy Juicing!
Gabriel Both
Juicing Expert & Creator of the Ultimate Juicing Formula
My name is Gabriel Both, and I love Juicing, but was sick and tired with all the confusing messages and poor quality juicing programs and products out there. So I created the “Ultimate Juicing Formula“… that allows me to teach people like you how to lose weight, detoxify your body, overcome illnesses and increase your energy & vitality levels quickly.
After experiencing a severe health issue, I discovered this amazing way of healing myself. I’ve been juicing ever since for over 2 years and have helped hundreds of people to improve their lives & health through the miracle of juicing.
