By Sasha Houseman of Paleo Superfood Synergy
Studies have shown that consuming vitamin C supplements does not provide the same protective benefits as drinking a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. While the multitude of health benefits of vitamin C has been associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer. Carrots as well have been shown to have small but significant effects on colon cancer while beets are currently being studied for their effects on colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate and testicular cancers. Beets are also a significant source of folate, which is critical during pregnancy, and magnesium, which is severely deficient in the typical Western diet.
There is already significant research to support ginger having great protective effects against colorectal cancer while it actually causes the death of ovarian cancer cells. Ginger also has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which can help people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility. Ginger has also been found to have significant anti-vomiting action has been shown to be very useful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness during pregnancy, even the most severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum.
Clean-Eating Orange Carrot Smoothie
Prep time: 10 min
Makes: 3 servings
Ingredients
4 oranges, peeled
2 carrots
1/2 golden beet
2 tbsp ginger
Directions
- Peel 4 oranges and place in the Blendtec WildSide+ jar. Pulse on high until smooth.
- Chop 2 carrots, 1/2 golden beet, and 2 tablespoons fresh ginger. Add them to the jar and pulse on high until smooth.
- Pour and enjoy the health benefits!
Sources
Block, G., Patterson, B., & Subar, A. (1992) Fruit, vegetables, and cancer prevention: A review of the epidemiological evidence. Nutrition and Cancer, 18(1), 1-29.
Kaefer, C.M. & Milner, J.A.(2008) The role of herbs and spices in cancer prevention. Nutr Biochem, 19(6), 347-361.
The George Mateljan Foundation (2016) The World’s Healthiest Foods. Available at: http://www.whfoods.com/index.php. Accessed August 16.
Wegrzyniak, L.J., Repke, J.T., & Ural, S.H. (2012) Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Rev Obstet Gynecol, 5(2): 78–84.
Zimmerman M. Burgerstein’s Handbook of Nutrition. New York: Thieme; 2001.