Perhaps, everyone heard about what fresh and how useful they are. This name originates from the English word fresh (fresh) and means freshly squeezed juice. With a glass of such a drink it is pleasant to quench your thirst at sultry noon, finish breakfast or just feast between meals. Thanks to the concentration of nutrients, fresh is able to improve our well-being, cheer up and energize.
How did the fashion for fresh?
These drinks were distributed in the territory of the former Union in the 90s of the twentieth century. At this time, a craze came to us from the West to cleanse the body of toxins, which were considered the cause of many diseases. So, the use of raw plant products, including in the form of juices, was one of the main tenets of detoxification. True, then few compatriots knew what fresh juices were - they were usually called freshly squeezed or natural juices. Since then, many of us have managed to appreciate and love a delicious refreshing drink, endowed with a mass of healing properties.
Recently, in the scientific world, the need to combat “slagging” has been called into question, and panacea laurels are no longer assigned to juice. Nevertheless, many gurus of good nutrition, nutritionists, gastroenterologists and other doctors recognize that fresh is a drink that, if used properly, can bring significant benefits to the body.
Popular health drink
Today, the trend is a healthy lifestyle, and freshly squeezed juices do not lose their relevance. With the advent of modern household appliances into our homes, their use has gained a new breath. Natural drinks are available on the menus of many cafes and restaurants, and islets are organized in shopping centers where you can enjoy them. A few years ago, even a new type of catering establishments called “fresh bar” appeared, gaining momentum among supporters of proper nutrition. Here you can taste delicious cocktails made from natural ingredients, as well as other healthy dishes, often vegetarian.
What are they made of?
Natural juices are prepared not only from fruits - berries, vegetables, herbs, roots and herbs are used. A drink may consist of one component or a mixture of several - the recipe is limited only by the imagination of the author. For a brighter taste, such fresh cocktails are often supplemented with seasonings and spices, and fruit drinks are sweetened with honey.
The leader among sweet freshly squeezed juices is citrus, as these fruits are the most juicy. Also, pineapple, apples and a variety of berries are often found as an ingredient in fresh juices. Of the vegetables, the most popular are tomato, carrot, cucumber and celery juices. Shredded greens - spinach, leafy salads, cilantro, parsley, dill, diversifies their taste.
What is the use?
The beneficial properties of natural juices directly depend on the composition of those products that are used for their manufacture. After all, in fact, what are fresh? This is the quintessence of those substances found in vegetables and fruits. And these are vitamins A, C, K, PP and group B, as well as digestion-improving pectins and fiber (in juice with pulp). In addition, plant foods, especially leafy vegetables and herbs, are rich in certain trace elements - potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and others. Drinking a glass of freshly prepared drink, a person immediately receives many of these necessary substances. For example, fresh orange can provide us with a daily dose of vitamin C, a significant amount of vitamin A, as well as partially cover the need for vitamins B, K, E, calcium and some amino acids.
In addition, natural juices are a delicacy that any fan of a low-calorie diet will appreciate. True, in this case, preference should still be given to vegetable drinks, since fruit has a lot of easily digestible carbohydrates.
Is there any harm?
Despite the ability to beneficially influence the body, it is worth remembering that nevertheless fresh is juice, that is, a food product, and not a medicine that can relieve ailments. Recently, the euphoria about the unconditional benefits of this drink has subsided a bit. Today it is generally accepted that the uncontrolled use of natural juices can cause negative consequences. Their harm is associated with an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the digestive system, from gastritis to pancreatitis, which can develop due to an increase in the acidity of the stomach. For the same reason - due to the effects of acids - teeth can also be affected. This sins orange juice - it reduces the hardness of enamel and can cause tooth decay. In addition, sweet fruit juices contain too much glucose, which is absorbed instantly, causing an increase in blood sugar and insulin release, which increases the risk of diabetes.
However, all this is no reason to abandon the use of fresh. The main thing is to do it wisely!
Cooking rules
If instead of visiting a fresh bar and treating yourself to a fragrant cocktail, you decide to make it yourself, remember a few rules. Freshly squeezed juice should be prepared from high-quality ripe vegetables and fruits without rot, “stale” sides, bruises and other imperfections. They must be thoroughly washed and stalks, seeds and seeds removed. Ideally, it would be nice to make sure that the selected raw materials do not contain harmful chemicals that could be used during cultivation or storage. Otherwise, you risk taking a portion of nitrates and pesticides instead of vitamins.
Fresh should be cooked strictly before use, since the beneficial substances contained in it decompose quickly under the influence of oxygen. And pathogenic bacteria, on the contrary, multiply! It is also necessary to minimize the time that the fruits come in contact with the metal parts of the juicer - this destroys many vitamins.
Recommendations for use
So, we figured out what are fresh, what are their advantages and disadvantages. To avoid harm and get the most benefit from their use, this must be done correctly.
It is better to start taking natural juices with a couple of tablespoons, and then gradually increase the volume. Drinking fresh juices should be 30–40 minutes before the next meal, but not on an empty stomach. Do not do this also during a meal, as a full stomach will contribute to poor absorption of the drink, which may result in bloating. It is perfectly acceptable to mix juices, including fruit and berry juices with vegetables, and also to dilute with water. To avoid prolonged exposure to acid on tooth enamel, it is better to drink fresh juice through a straw, and after drinking, rinse your mouth with water. If you have chronic diseases of the digestive system, it is better not to start taking natural juices without consulting a doctor. Also, do not give these drinks to children under the age of one year.
Perhaps this is all you need to know about freshly squeezed juices. Now you can safely go to the store for the ingredients to prepare a tasty, healthy and refreshing natural drink.