Costa Rican Jugo de Zanahoria-Naranja (Carrot-Orange Juice)

My husband and I currently live in Costa Rica. We really enjoy the "bebidas naturales" or natural drinks that are available just about anywhere. I've always known that fresh carrot juice is healthy but carrot-orange juice is the perfect flavor combination. It seems to be the national drink here since you can buy a carton of carrot-orange right alongside the traditional orange juice.

Vitamin A

Carrots are an excellent pro-vitamin A carotenes. Carrots' antioxidant compounds help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and also promote good vision, especially night vision.
Carrot juice is one of the richest sources of beta carotene that can be used in the daily diet. One cup of carrots contains 686.3% DV. It also ranks high as a source of the other vitamins, especially those of the B complex. Its mineral content is equally rich, and includes calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron.

Acid-alkaline Balance

Our blood needs to have a specific pH to help us stay well. A blood pH of 7.4 or 7.5 is slightly alkaline and associated with good health. A pH below this range is increasingly acid. Vegetables are generally alkaline forming.
Some people have asked me about alkaline water. Well, I haven't researched it yet, but if it promotes an alkaline pH in the body it may have health benefits. Making fresh vegetable juices may be a cheaper way to improve acid-alkaline balance while providing nutrients as well.

Here's how I make carrot-orange juice:

3 medium carrots (you may need to experiment to get the right consistency)
pure water
Juice of 1 large orange
1 tbsp. agave nectar

Fill a blender with fresh, chopped carrots. Add water covering carrots by 1/2 inch. Blend juice and strain. Juice 1 large orange. Add agave nectar and stir.
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Sources:
www.whfoods.com
www.livingfoods.com
The New Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford


These statements have not been reviewed by the FDA and are not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease whether physical or mental.Please see your licensed health care professional for all medical concerns.