If you’re working on improving your health, you may want to consider adding a glass of fresh carrot juice to your daily routine. Carrot juice boasts an impressive list of health benefits, which is why it is often called the “miracle juice.” It is loaded with live enzymes and antioxidant compounds called carotenes, of which beta-carotene is the most abundant. Just one 8-ounce glass of carrot juice contains a whopping 45,000 IU of vitamin A (from beta carotene) in a highly absorbable, non-toxic form. That’s nearly 30 times the recommended daily intake!

CAROTENE POWER

In addition to beta-carotene, carrot juice is loaded with other carotenes, including lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Together, these antioxidants are a powerhouse for strengthening the optic system—improving eyesight and protecting against astigmatism, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.   But the power of this sweet juice goes far beyond improving eyesight.

Carotenes are also known for fighting cancer and cleansing toxins from the liver and digestive tract.  They also prevent the formation of kidney stones and scrub away cholesterol-laden plaque build-up on the walls of coronary arteries. Carrot juice also helps the body build resistance to germs, viruses, bacteria, and infections, making it an excellent immune system booster.

Vitamin A as beta-carotene is also important for healthy skin and the proper functioning of the thyroid, adrenal glands and the reproductive system. Conditions such as acne and psoriasis often clear up with a healthy diet supplemented by daily doses of carrot juice.

CARROTS JUICE BUILDS BONES AND BLOOD

Carrot juice is also an excellent source of vitamins C, E, K, and most of the B vitamins.  It is also rich in the alkaline forming mineral calcium, which helps to strengthen the bones and teeth. And perhaps one of the most intriguing properties of carrot juice is its molecules—when viewed under a high powered microscope, carrot juice molecules are analogous to human blood molecules (hemoglobin), making carrot juice a tremendous blood builder and immune system booster.

STRONG LIVER CLEANSER-GREAT FOR EVERYDAY DETOX

One thing to note about carrot juice—it is a strong liver-cleansing food that breaks down toxins in the liver and releases them quickly into the intestines and kidneys to be eliminated. Consuming carrot juice every day is a great way to cleanse the liver, but high quantities (two pints or more a day) may result in a condition called carotenosis, which is a harmless condition where the skin turns an orange tint.

Carotenosis occurs when high levels of beta-carotene build up in the bloodstream and the excess beta-carotene is stored in the fat under the skin. The yellow-orange pigmentation of the skin will appear most prominently on the nose, the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Carotenosis caused by drinking excessive carrot juice or eating large amounts of yellow/orange vegetables is harmless and is easily remedied by cutting back.

 

EASY ORGANIC CARROT JUICE RECIPE

5 to 7 large organic carrots (makes approximately 8 ounce of juice)

Carrot juice can be made with a juicer or a high-powered blender. See below to view my recommended juicers.

Wash carrots thoroughly using a stiff vegetable brush and rinse under cold running water. Cut off the ends and green tops, but do not peel, as valuable vitamins and minerals lie close to the surface of the skins. Run the carrots through your juicer and collect the juice in a bowl or glass.

If using a blender, cut the carrots into small pieces and add a half cup of pure water to the blender to help liquefy the carrots. Blend on high until pureed, adding more water if necessary.  Strain the juice using a hand strainer, cheesecloth or nut milk bag, squeezing to extract as much juice as possible from the pulp.  Save the pulp for other uses, or discard.  Drink the juice immediately.

DEE’S RECOMMENDED JUICERS:

 

Dee McCaffrey, DCN, MS
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Dee McCaffrey is an organic chemist turned nutritionist and weight loss expert. She is an internationally acclaimed author who lost 100 pounds and has kept the weight off for over three decades. Dee frequently conducts nutrition lectures and cooking classes at venues throughout the United States. She has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows throughout the U.S. including National Public Radio (WNPR), The Doctors, Better TV, The List, and The Dr. Steve Show. Dee and her husband Michael McCaffrey are the founders of Processed-Free America, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing a global awareness of the effect processed foods have on our health, and the healing properties of natural whole foods. In addition to her published books, Dee has developed an award-winning nutrition curriculum for children, and a certification program for adults to who want to teach the Processed-Free lifestyle to people in their communities. Dee holds a doctoral degree in Human Clinical Nutrition and Integrative Health, and is an adjunct faculty member at several colleges. She a professional member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), The American Nutrition Association (ANA) and the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC). She lives in Tempe, Arizona with her husband and two cats.