Review: Great, quick-read summary of the benefits of juicing
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 12, 2012
I know the power of juice diets, also known as juice feasting (as opposed to water fasting), as I even wrote a book with chapters on this topic. But I needed to get motivated, seriously focused, on doing an extended fast.  I was most impressed by the photo of the author, who looks 20 years younger than his age--which prompted my reading and reviewing this book.The author offers a 1-paragraph summary: "A juicing machine extracts the maximum nutrients from healthy fruits and vegetables. It delivers them in the easiest form to digest ‒ liquid. So you get MORE healthy NUTRITION in the healthiest possible FORM. It's no wonder that the health benefits claimed by users border on the unbelievable."The book includes a "12 Big Picture Health Benefits of Fresh Juicing" with simple, quick-read point to get you to consider a 21-day commitment. One striking example is, "The strengthened immune system will seek and destroy any new threats it finds, perhaps a tumor will be stopped in its tracks." Another is obvious from the author's photo: "Even externally, the skin will begin to tighten and improve."There are also three big reasons to juice. I have heard many real-life testimonials of reason 3, which is to prevent disease. I have also experienced the faster's high which he summarizes: "Juicing will get your body into a pleasant state. This is going to make you happy and better able to deal with work and relationships in a positive light, instead of instinctively pulling out the boxing gloves. Just knowing the glass is half-full is going to make your life something you bounce out of bed in the morning for, rather than hit the snooze button."This book is a really great, quick-read summary of the benefits of juicing. Benefits of juicing are explained, such as, "A juicing machine easily turns pure foods into a pre-digested form, which is perfect for the human body to absorb fully ‒ a juice. Gulping down this powerhouse juice quickly, while the enzymes are at maximum potency is important in yielding a huge nutritional boost to the stomach. Because it is predigested, the stomach can use it immediately 'as is.'" He explains that juices lose much of their potency after 20 minutes. He compares juicing to "an oil change. It cleans out the system and eliminates the toxic sludge, leaving you feeling even better. Blood flows with less hindrance and you will immediately notice more energy. Remember WAY back to when you were a kid? Energy was never an issue. The more you ran around playing, the more you wanted to? Using energy created more energy. And so it will again, once you are "fine-tuned." He adds: "Sleep issues will dissipate. No more counting sheep. Aesthetically, your skin will smooth out, breakouts will diminish and disappear. Just like you see on those commercials. Believe it or not, invigorating juicing will help you gain physical endurance and stamina by giving your body the energy it needs to build muscle and burn fat.It will actually increase your happiness level. Juicing will also clear your head. This will help you make better decisions in life and that's all good."The book includes info on which fruits or vegetables combine nicely for digestion, the equipment to buy, the basics of juicing, how to get an alkaline body, how to get started, different types of juicing drinks (such as cocktails, smoothies, punches, and frozen treats in addition to simple juice combos), and 30 recipes. The resource section includes books, websites, potential hazards, and advice to people with special issues (pregnancy, cancer, diabetes, low blood pressure). There is also a glossary.I recommend this book if you want a quick, easy read which summarizes the benefits of juicing and includes enticing recipes.Susan Schenck, author of The Live Food Factor: The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & PlanetandBeyond Broccoli, Creating a Biologically Balanced Diet When a Vegetarian Diet Doesn't Work