With so many trends in health beverages, it is hard for the health conscious to sift through which drinks are truly healthy. From teas, infused water, kombucha, immunity shots, juices and smoothies, Guide is here to help break down why drinking fruits and vegetables is a good idea and where to find them locally.
Benefits of Healthy Drinks
Aid digestion
Healthy liquid beverages provide the body easier digestion to absorb nutrients. This gives the stomach a break from working as hard, helping the intestines pull out necessary nutrients, minerals and vitamins necessary for cellular health.
Detoxification
Healthy drinks help the body detox from harmful toxins, helping to energize and rejuvenate the body. They can provide necessary antioxidants, liver-cleansing and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Many of these special ingredients are bitters. Examples of these include dandelion, lemon and stinging nettle. Bitters stimulate gastric juices that promote better absorption, digestion and transporting toxins out of the body.
Protect teeth and gums
Sailors knew that keeping citrus on hand prevented scurvy, a disease of bleeding gums. This is because humans lack an enzyme called, L-glucono-gamma lactone oxidase. This enzyme is required to synthesize vitamin C. Ingredients like berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, papaya and strawberries contain this vital vitamin.
Replenish vitamins and minerals
Healthy beverages provide the body with electrolytes and minerals that need to get replenished especially during times of illness, stress and strenuous exercise.
Skin care
Like an apple turning brown, skin needs vitamin C to help keep it from oxidizing and aging. Antioxidants are readily available in these nutritive beverages.
Difference between Juicing and Smoothies
When out to a favorite juice and smoothie cafe, or creating delicious concoctions at home, there are several things to consider when getting the recommended daily allowance of fruit and vegetables.
It is important to note whether making juices and smoothies at home or purchasing them in a cafe or grocery store, checking on the freshness of the ingredients will give maximum benefits in nutrient content.
Cold-pressed
This process refers to fruits and vegetables pressed between two plates after it has been chopped or macerated into pulp. Juicing at home is a great way to create custom blends that give maximum results since the fruits and veggies will be at their peak freshness.
Smoothies
Smoothies keeping the fruit or vegetables fiber intact. this makes them more satiating drinks than juice, which is why some people prefer them. Smoothies are blends of several of the following:
- Dairy products
- Herbs
- Juices
- Nut milks
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Spices
- Soy milk
- Sweeteners
Juice and Smoothies Cafes in Greater Gainesville
- Nutritious acai bowls
- Juices and smoothies
- Former Navy Chef, Chef Anthony brings only organic produce to his customers
- Extensive juice offering made from local Florida fruits
- Found at Union Street Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Haile Village Farmers Market on Saturdays
- Organically sourced and cold-pressed
- Offers shots of wheatgrass, wower or ginger shots
- Smoothies made with frozen fruit not added ice
- 100% natural ingredients
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Juices and smoothies
- Protein shakes
- Health food shop with a juice and smoothie bar
- Teas with add-ons and shakes
- Collagen and protein additions
- Community commitment to healthy foods
The J-Bar
- Found at Gainesville Health and Fitness
- Complete juices and smoothies with protein add-ons
- Acai bowls
- Energy drinks
- Smoothies made from 100% fruit and can be made vegan
- Customizable smoothies to meet customers’ nutritional and lifestyle needs like slimming the waistline, build muscle, boost immune system or destress
- Paleo, keto and various protein choices
- Organic whole-food ingredients, cold-pressed juices and shots
- Homemade protein
- Local honey
- Supports Brazilian farmers with 100% organic and fair-trade acai
- Detox waters
- Kombucha
- Izzy Natural Sodas
By Deborah Holmén, M. Ed., NBCT.