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Hina Khan knows a thing or two about staying healthy and fit. One look at her social media, and we are so inspired by her dedication to fitness and also her food choices. Because being a fitness enthusiast does not preclude you from being a food enthusiast. It’s all about balance, people. Recently, Hina posted a photo of a glass of neem juice, and we were intrigued about the possible health benefits of the juice.
Neem has been such an integral part of the Indian way of living and wellness for millennia now. Historically, it has been used to treat pain, fever, and infection, while its twigs have been used to clean teeth. Referred to almost as a one-stop shop for all ailments, especially in rural India, this "village pharmacy" is a unique medicinal plant whose leaves, flowers, seeds, fruit, roots, and bark are all used for some medicinal benefit or another. Neem packs over 140 active compounds that may give it numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It has long served as a treatment for ulcers, gastrointestinal troubles, and brain ailments. While scientific research into the properties of is still in its infancy, small studies and anecdotal reports indicate that neem may have a strong role to play in hair health, oral health, keeping diabetes in control, as an anti-inflammatory agent reducing oxidative stress, and in wound healing.
Neem’s role in oral health has, of course, been quite well documented. Barks of neem are still chewed in many parts of India as part of morning routine. In fact, in a 21-day study including 45 people with gingivitis, neem mouthwash was found to be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash, a heavy-duty prescription mouthwash, at reducing gum bleeding and plaque. Neem leaves have been used topically for relieving inflammation, ulcers, and bacterial infections. This may be rare now in urban areas, but we remember a time when people with chicken pox would be swathed in neem leaves to offer relief from itching and also allow for recovery of the rashes. It is the same role that is also at play in neem’s benefits in treating acne. Of course, all of these aspects require more empirical study. After all, anecdotal reports alone cannot substitute for scientific research. It is best to keep your healthcare provider in the loop before you start taking neem supplements.
It is not just neem juice that may be good for you. There are several juices that you can concoct at home that also have a salubrious effect on your system. Here is a list of our favorite health juices that you can make at home. Some of them are not even bitter!
Green Juice
Green juice is a popular choice for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet. This recipe includes a variety of leafy greens, along with cucumber and celery for added hydration.
Ingredients:
• 1 bunch kale
• 1 bunch spinach
• 1 cucumber
• 4 stalks of celery
• 1 green apple
• 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
Wash all of the ingredients thoroughly. Cut the apple into small pieces. Feed all of the ingredients through a juicer. Stir the juice and enjoy immediately.
Carrot-Orange Juice
Carrot and orange make a delicious combination in this sweet and tangy juice. The carrots provide beta-carotene, while the oranges provide vitamin C and other nutrients.
Ingredients:
• 6 medium carrots
• 2 oranges
• 1 inch of ginger
Instructions:
Wash the carrots and oranges. Peel the oranges and cut them into small pieces. Peel the ginger and chop it into small pieces. Feed all of the ingredients through a juicer. Stir the juice and enjoy immediately.
Beet-Apple Juice
Beets are a great source of iron and other nutrients, and they make a beautiful, deep-red juice when combined with apples.
Ingredients:
• 2 medium beets
• 2 green apples
• 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
Wash the beets and apples. Cut the beets and apples into small pieces. Feed all of the ingredients through a juicer. Stir the juice and enjoy immediately.
Pineapple-Kale Juice
Pineapple adds a tropical sweetness to this juice, while kale provides a boost of nutrients.
Ingredients:
• 1 small pineapple
• 1 bunch kale
• 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
Cut the skin off of the pineapple and remove the core. Cut the pineapple into small pieces. Wash the kale. Feed the pineapple and kale through a juicer.
