SPINACH
Spinacia oleracea

Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and salts. It contains vitamins C, E and B6, folic acid, oxalic acid, and vital salts such as iron and calcium.

The best way to utilize spinach is to drink the raw juice as this ensures that the body receives the maximum possible nourishment from it. Spinach plays an important role in regenerating blood cells and revitalizing the constitution.

It is also helpful in aiding the recovery of convalescents.

TOMATO
Lycopersicum esculentum

The tomato plant originated in Peru and was brought back to Europe during the conquest of the New World. In less than a hundred years, this plant has spread throughout the world.

Tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin C, carotene, and manganese. The best tomatoes are the ones that are ripe and freshly plucked.

Tomato juice helps in aiding digestion and is also beneficial for the blood. It is also an ideal children’s health drink. A mixture of tomato, spinach and carrot juice is used to treat anemia.

SPINACH

Spinach is packed with nutrients and hence provides great health benefits. A glass of spinach juice consumed every morning will help to ease tiredness and depression. Spinach juice also helps to alleviate conditions such as duodenal ulcers and blood pressure problems. Spinach thus plays an important role in maintaining good health of the body.

Spinach contains vitamins A and C, folic acid, fiber, magnesium and several flavonoids. These nutrients help to protect the body from cancers of the breast, lung and colon. The risk of heart disease is also reduced with the regular intake of spinach juice. Vitamins A and C serve to prevent the oxidization of cholesterol. The thickening of the arteries is also prevented due to inositol and choline, which are substances present in spinach. An increased level of the amino acid, homocysteine, is known to be associated with heart disease. The folate contained in spinach helps to reduce the levels of this amino acid in the bloodstream and so the regular consumption of spinach juice reduces the risk of cardiac problems. Folate also protects the cells of the colon from DNA damage.

Those suffering from high blood pressure require a higher level of potassium and a lower level of sodium in order to regulate their blood pressure. Fresh spinach juice is able to provide a good balance of these two minerals. Spinach also helps in building strength of the bones since it contains vitamin K, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, and phosphorus. Magnesium also helps in protecting the body from complications during diabetes. Cooked spinach is rich in iron and hence is beneficial for those with anemia. Children, adolescents and menstruating women have a higher requirement for iron and spinach is the ideal food for such people. The high amounts of vitamin A present in spinach juice help in improving eyesight. Spinach is also one of the best foods for slowing down the process of ageing. Vitamin C and beta-carotene in spinach protect the cells of the colon from the adverse effects of free radicals.

In case you are wondering how to make spinach juice, all you need is a fresh bunch of spinach. First wash the spinach thoroughly under running water. Then add it to a blender and blend until smooth. You can add the juice of a lime if desired or add a wedge of lime to the glass. Spinach can be combined with other vegetables as well to prepare fresh, healthy vegetables juices. One such popular recipe is spinach and tomato juice made with fresh large tomatoes and a bunch of fresh spinach. If you do not know how to make tomato juice, you can just add a couple of tomatoes to the blender along with the spinach before you blend it.