Michael Van Straten

This is an excellent book on juicing. The colourful pages – in all the colours of the rainbow – made it exceedingly attractive to read.

Each juice recipe has a snappy title, and there are chapters on power, cleansing, vitality, aphrodisiac, pick-me-up, protective and booze juices, together with shakes and smoothies.

Vitamin and mineral content is indicated for each recipe together with the benefit accrued from drinking the juice. For example, the recipe called “high flyer” which is made from spinach, carrots, apple and beetroot increases brain power, concentration and memory. “Instant energizer” is made from carrots, apple, kiwi fruit and parsley. It is full of antioxidants which protect against heart disease and some cancers.

At the back of the book there is a comprehensive alphabetic list of various conditions, and it is indicated which superjuices are effective to treat them.

For example, “Doctor Garlic” is effective against bronchitis, and has an antibacterial, immune boosting and expectorant effect. 2 glasses daily should be drunk during infection.

The book also includes a list of various drug categories indicating their negative effects and providing advice on how to counter these. For example, as regards oral contraceptives – “The Pill is a major factor in nutritional status. It adversely affects folic acid, vitamins C and E and B-complex vitamins.”

There’s also a list of vitamins and minerals stating what they’re needed for, and in which foods to find them. A list of various raw ingredients indicates what nutrients these contain.

I’ve tried several of the juices – they tasted good and I enjoyed them.

I wasn’t thrilled by the chapter on “booze juices” since I don’t find these healthy, but I’m sure this chapter may be of interest to some. Neither did the juices containing soy milk interest me, since recent research has shown that soy, apart from fermented soy products, may be harmful.

However, if you’re interested in juicing/a healthy life style, I would highly recommend this book.… (meer)