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Cruciferous Vegetables and Health Benefits

yes1Let’s talk cruciferous vegetables and why we love them and use them daily here at Raw Juice Guru, these are some of the cruciferous vegetables:

ARUGULA
-Cancer-fighting properties from phytochemicals
-Vitamins A, B-6, C, K, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, which help with everything from bone formation, neurological health + detoxification
-Metabolism-controlling minerals such as copper and iron

BOK CHOY
-Omega-3s for brain function and anti-inflammatory properties
-High levels of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin known for bone health and lowering inflammation
-Zinc, which helps to regulate hormones
Antioxidant support from vitamins A and C and flavonoids

BROCCOLI
-fiber content for digestive support + cholesterol-lowering benefits
-Anti-inflammatory, pro-detox + antioxidant benefits for cancer-fighting
-B complex vitamins linked to cardiovascular health

BRUSSELS SPROUTS
-Fiber content contributes to digestive support + cholesterol-lowering benefits
-High in detoxifying + cancer-fighting glucosinolates phytonutrients
-Elements in sprouts linked to improved DNA stability

CAULIFLOWER
-Detoxifying phytonutrients + antioxidant benefits from vitamin C + manganese, lower chronic stress + risk of cancer
-Excellent source of anti-inflammatory vitamin K
-High fiber content for digestive support

COLLARD GREENS
-Best of the cruciferous for cholesterol-lowering benefits by binding bile in digestive track, making it easier to exit the body
-Cancer-fighting glucosinolates support detox + anti-inflammatory systems

KALE
– b vitamin folate is key for brain development
-fiber + protein content manage hunger + satiate
-Lutein + zeaxanthin, nutrients protect against macular degeneration

MUSTARD GREENS
-High-fiber for gut health
-Vitamin K for bone development + limiting neuronal brain damage
-Indoles inhibit cancer-cell growth

RADISHES
-This detoxifying diuretic increases urine production
-High levels of vitamin C and anthocyanins may inhibit cancer-cell growth
– B + C vitamins, zinc, phosphorus + high water content benefit the skin health + appearance

TURNIPS
– B vitamins help promote healthy liver, skin, eyes + hair
-Calcium for bone, muscle + nervous system health
-Indoles inhibit cancer-cell growth

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Vitamin D and its Importance to Your Health

558895_510625919044559_1673957776_nVitamin D is Actually a Hormone: Here’s Why You Need It

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin (technically a hormone) that is generally produced by special cells in our skin, in conjunction with cholesterol. When the sun hits your skin, it sets off a series of chemical reactions that produce each of the phases of Vitamin D.

This Vitamin D3 is then transported to your liver where it is converted into the usable form of vitamin D, and then goes about doing all the wonderful things vitamin D does for us. Did you know that one of the roles of vitamin D is helping us to better absorb and utilize calcium & phosphorus? That is one of the reasons why many calcium supplements come with vitamin D included.

Boost your body’s ability to utilize these bone, teeth and nail building minerals by getting your daily dose of vitamin D through 15-30 minutes of bare skin sun exposure 3-5 times per week (longer exposure needed the darker tone your skin is and where you live in relation to the equator), beating foods high in naturally occurring vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), and
supplementing with very effective and inexpensive vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) oils which can be readily found in a health food store near you.

If you can only afford one supplement for your health, the wide array of health enhancing and disease preventative benefits that healthy levels of Vitamin D3 provides makes this the one.