Review: Everything you wanted to know about fruit juices
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 28, 2012
Years ago, I read a book by a nutritionist who espoused the value of raw produce and fresh fruit and vegetable juices for good health (a fairly new idea in the 1960s). It was an interesting idea, but I never really pursued it. In the early 1990s, my wife and I saw some TV infomercials by a fellow calling himself the Juiceman. We were interested enough to buy a juice extractor, which we used for a while, then it fell into disuse, and we sold it.Recently, I've read three books on juicing and the health benefits that the authors claim for drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Juicing Joy by Oran Kangas is the latest one. The book focuses on fruit juices. The author states that fresh juices nourish your system with life-giving enzymes and whole, unprocessed nutrients. He lists twelve benefits of juicing, including increased energy, healing, stronger immune system, detoxification, and improved mood and sense of wellbeing.The book explains why fresh juices consumed immediately have more nutrition than store-bought juices (it has to do with enzyme loss, pasteurization, and additives). It also makes a case for using organically grown produce whenever possible.The book includes a buying guide that describes the different types of juicing machines and the positives and negatives of each type. It also covers the use and maintenance of each type, and suggests some useful accessories.There are thirty sample juicing recipes, each one with detailed nutritional information, including calories. The recipes use combinations of fruits, berries, and melons, plus various spices and flavorings.The book also includes other resources (books and websites) and a comprehensive glossary.Overall, Juicing Joy is a comprehensive book touting the benefits of consuming fresh fruit juices, and giving the reader the information they need to get started on a juicing regimen.********************************Please note that my review and my rating do not constitute an endorsement of juices as a mainstay of one's diet. The author did make a compelling case for juicing, and he did address my two main issues - the loss of fiber, and the impact of fruit juices on diabetics. I maintain a healthy skepticism concerning these two issues. Diabetes was not overlooked - the author mentions the effects of fruit juice on blood sugar, and urges juicers to consider glycemic index and glycemic load in adjusting portion sizes, which is sensible. He also mentions that diabetics should reduce their consumption of fruit juice and lean more on lower-sugar vegetable juices. I'm also a bit skeptical about discarding all of the fruit fiber. The author addresses this concern by recommending that some of your daily juice be replaced with smoothies, which are made with a blender that retains the plant fiber, or by using some of the fiber in homemade popsicles or frozen drinks.