Every day life and bad habits can leave you feeling flat, tired and not looking as amazing as you could. The good news is its doesn’t really take too much effort or time to start feeling & looking great again. Recently I bought a juicer and have been doing my homework on what juices are the best for you! There are so many combinations but 3 vegetables kept coming up again and again – Bitter Gourd, Celery & Cucumber!

Now I know that it takes some time and trust me it can get messy to make your own juice, but trust me the little bit of effort is worth it in the end! Plus holding on to the juicer as it vibrates all across the kitchen bench is probably a good work out for the arms haha. Here is what I have been drinking lately and below I have added the health benefits of the 3 main ingredients!

Sammi Sparrow’s Green Power Juice

• 1 bitter gourd (take out seeds)
• 2 large cucumber (leave on skin)
• 1 bunch of celery (stalk & leaves)
• 1 pineapple (for a bit of sweetness)
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 1 small piece of turmeric
• 1 heaped tablespoon of wheatgrass powder (if you don’t have the real thing)

Bitter Gourd – is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2 and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese and dietary fibre. It is rich in iron, beta-carontene, spinach and potassium.

• Blood disorders: beneficial for treating blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to toxemia.
• Diabetes mellitus: contains a hypoglycemic compound that is highly beneficial is lowering sugar levels in blood and urine.
• Energy: regular consumption has been proven to improve energy and stamina levels. Sleeping patterns have been shown to improve/stabilize.
• Eye problems: help alleviate eye problems and improving eye site
• Hangover: helps cleanse and repair and nourish liver problems due to alcohol consumption.
• Immune booster: help to build your immune system and increase your body’s resistance against infection.

Celery – has a high content of vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and C and rich supplies of potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and amino acids.

• Acidity: regulates the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity.
• Cancer: known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds.  Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells.  And coumarinswhich help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.
• Cholesterol: This humble pale juice has been shown to effectively and significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Constipation: The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation.
• Cooling: Normalise body temperature (cool as a cucumber). Great for when you have a fever.
• Diuretic: encourages waste removal through urination, dissolution of kidney stones
• Inflammation: an amazing relief for all inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis.
• Kidney function: promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body.
• Lower blood pressure: helps lower blood pressure.
• Nervous system: has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a wonderful drink for insomniacs.
• Weight loss: drink celery juice frequently throughout the day. It helps curb your cravings for sweet and rich foods.

Cucumber – has a big amount of water that is naturally distilled which makes it superior to ordinary water. Its skin contains a high percentage of vitamin A so do not peel off. It contains alkaline forming minerals and is an excellent source of vitamin C and A (anti-ocidants), folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfur.

• Acidity: regulates the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity.
• Blood pressure: regulates blood pressure.
• Connective tissues, building: proper construction of connective tissues in the body including bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
• Cooling: Normalise body temperature (cool as a cucumber). Great for when you have a fever.
• Diuretic: encourages waste removal through urination, dissolution of kidney stones.
• Inflammation: counters uric acid that causes inflammation in joints.
• Hair growth: promotes hair growth.
• Skin conditions: high in vitamin C and anti-ocidants
• Water retention: supplies necessary electrolytes and restores hydration of the body cells.