4 Reasons to Love Just Made

This post was sponsored by Just Made. All opinions are my own.

After writing a cookbook all about Healthy Quick and Easy Juicing I consider myself a bit of a juice aficionado. Through the writing, development and testing processes, I learned that above all else, ingredients matter! Flavor, color, aroma and from a nutrition standpoint, all those plant-based ingredients have a ton of nutrients to offer. I have recently been introduced to Just Made – their product lines of cold pressed juices, shots, smoothies and smoothie bowls are beyond impressive, as is their origin story. In this post we will explore the numerous benefits of cold pressed juice products from a company doing it right – they support farmers from around the world, sourcing some of the most beautiful and nutritious tropical ingredients to create some of the most vibrant, plant-based goodies on the planet.

4 Benefits of Cold Pressed Juice

Whether they are pressed and blended into drinks or used as ingredients in other products, plant-powdered fruits, vegetables, herbs and botanicals pack in the health benefits. Juicing fruits and vegetables is not quite the same as eating them but many of the healthful benefits can be enhanced through juicing. Plus, since many tropical ingredients are hard to come by in American grocery stores, juiced versions allow greater access to these rare and special flavors. Here are 4 reasons why I love them…..

1. Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal and necessary physiological response but too much can wreak havoc on the body in many ways. For this reason, is it crucial to have a steady influx of foods that combat excessive inflammation as part of your regular routine. Fruits and veggies like acai, elderberry, pomegranate, orange, spinach and kale rate amongst the highest in those inflammation-fighting, cell-protecting antioxidants. Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, spirulina and maca root further enhances the anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Immune Support

Some of the biggest contributors to a healthy immune system are found in food. One of the biggest food myths is that vitamin C “boosts” immunity – but the science says something a little different. Vitamins C is essential for a properly functioning immune system – if you are deficient, your immune system can’t work to its full potential – but a true deficiency is unlikely, especially if you can find ways to eat (and drink) enough plant-based foods like citrus, berries, peppers and spinach. Vitamin C’s superpower is linked to inflammation (see #1 above) – the anti-inflammatory power of this vitamin can actually help you fight off illness. Ginger, chia, probiotics further help promote immune health via keeping good gut bacteria flourishing – healthy gut = healthy immune system!

3. Hydration

Never underestimate the power of fluid! Everything good in our bodies happens in a water medium and every cell in our body relies on water. When it comes to hydration, many folks fall (very) short of meeting their fluid needs. The good news is  — it doesn’t just have to be water. While drinking plenty of water is essential to meeting daily hydration goals (aim for half your weight in fluid ounces daily), this can come from a combo of all types of fluids. To help combat fluid loses from exercise (especially in warmer weather) some extra electrolytes – particularly sodium and potassium are also needed. Blend up your favorite cold pressed juice with lots of ice and a packet of your favorite electrolyte powder for the most beautiful and refreshing electrolyte slushie

4. Happiness

The fourth benefit is simple, yet multifaceted – eating and drinking delicious things sparks joy, this is both emotional and scientific. The ritual of grabbing something you love to eat or drink and taking a moment to dive in with all your senses can help you reset and clear the mind before tackling the next daily task. In addition, food chemically impacts mood. For example, the natural sweetness from fruit boosts serotonin, a mood-altering neurotransmitter. Furthermore, functional ingredients in foods can also impact mood for the better by enhancing calm, focus and brain function. See? Those refreshing sips elicit feelings of joy – and that is why foods (and beverages) like these are so special.