If you have been looking to lose some weight or you just want to improve the quality of your overall diet, then juicing may be a viable option for you. It can be hard to eat healthy when we are constantly on the move, chasing the kids, or getting caught up with work. Getting your recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables can seem like an almost impossible task. This is why juicing has become so popular. While there may be critics who say that juicing is somewhat silly, and that you should be eating all of your fresh produce, they don’t seem to take into account that a lot of folks don’t have the time or the desire to do so. When juicing is done right it can be a tremendous asset to your health, but juicing may also pose a risk to some if they over do it. Moderation is key, and as a way to supplement your diet, juicing can be rather rewarding.

If you fall into the category of those who just don’t have the time to treat yourself like you should, then getting a centrifugal juicer is going to be your best option. These are extremely fast machines that quickly extract juice from the pulp of a wide variety of fruits and veggies. They are simple to use, easy to clean, and they can provide you with a wonderful dose of the nutrients you need to thrive during the day. We gathered a few of the best centrifugal options that are worth using in your kitchen.

Breville Rules

If you were looking for a masticating juicer then the number of high quality brand names to choose from would be numerous. Omega, Kuvings, Tribest, and Champion all make superb masticating juice extractors that are well built and will give you a great juicing experience. However, for centrifugal machines, there is really only brand name to consider. For years Breville has been the leader when it comes to centrifugal juice extractors. They are extremely well designed machines that owners really love using on a daily basis. There really is not a close competitor when it comes to these types of juicing appliances. One look at the latest juicer reviews and you will see why they continue to be so highly regarded. Below are just some of the Breville models that will give you a terrific experience in your kitchen.

Breville BJE200XL

This is their most basic model and it is a great juicer for a beginner who isn’t sure that juicing is for them and who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money to find out. It has one speed, which is super fast. It also has a built in pulp catcher to make things more convenient. This also helps take up less counter space. Some of its highlights include:

• One speed to simplify the juicing process.
• Low cost model that will set you back about $100. This makes it a perfect starter juicer for those who want to try it first without a big investment.
• Super fast and easy to clean. Take out all of the hassle and time needed to get a great tasting glass of fresh juice.

Breville JE98XL

This model is a great step up from the BJE200XL. It has a slightly higher powered motor and it offers two speeds. You can use the slower speed for softer fruits and the higher speed for harder veggies. This will allow you to get the most juice as possible from various types of produce. This is a mid-range model that is also quite popular.

• Excellent juicer for the money. This will typically cost around $150 and is a good option for those looking for a something a little more robust.
• Plastic housing that is easy to keep clean with dishwasher safe parts.
• Dual speed for greater customization and higher juice yield.

Breville 800JEXL

This is one of Brevilles top of the line models that is worth the investment if you can afford it. This thing is a beast that will handle anything that you can throw at it.

• Stainless steel housing that really shines on your countertop. The extra strong materials and sturdy construction will ensure efficient juicing for years to come.
• Easy to clean with dishwasher safe parts, all of Breville’s models are designed to be as hassle free as possible.
• An even stronger motor that will breeze through even the toughest of foods. This provides an exceptionally fast juicing experience and is an optimal choice for hectic schedules.

A Few Drawbacks

While centrifugal juicers are extremely fast, there are a few trade offs for all of that speed. First, they are quite a bit louder than masticating juicers. The robust motors that spin the cutting discs at high speeds generate a fair amount of noise, similar to that of a blender. Secondly, they are not as efficient and produce slightly less juice when handling leafy vegetables. You might have to run your kale or spinach a few times through the machine to get as much juice as a masticating model.

If you just don’t have the time or the patience to methodically juice your produce, however, then these issues can be overlooked. You will still get a glass full of nutrient dense goodness, and you will get it in a shorter amount of time, and this is the reason why centrifugal juicing machines are so popular today. If your diet is suffering and you are looking for a way to improve it, then one of these juice extractors may be just what you need.

Broccoli is one of those vegetables that a lot of people cringe at the thought of eating. However, if you truly knew just how powerful of a veggie it truly was then you might think twice at turning your nose up at it. It is one food that can have a positive impact in various areas of the body that might make you think twice. A simple resolution of consuming more broccoli can have a profound benefit to your overall health that should make the effort to get over the bland taste worth it in the end.

Potential Benefits

As one of the healthiest vegetables, nutritionists and health organizations recommend that you eat it several times a week. You can either eat broccoli raw or steamed for 4- 5 minutes. Extended cooking destroys most of the essential nutrients, and you should avoid it. Broccoli is an abundant source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Phosphorous, Potassium, and Magnesium.

Broccoli is also a potent source of dietary fibers, Vitamin K, Folate, Sulforaphane, Chromium, and Vitamin B6. The chemical compounds indole- 3- carbinols, glucoraphanin, and carotenoid lutein are also potent in broccoli. Some of the health benefits of this vegetable include:

1. A Healthy Heart

Sulforaphane in broccoli helps to prevent or even reverse damaged blood vessel linings caused by inflammation. Carotenoid Lutein is known to prevent the rate of arterial thickening thus limiting heart diseases and stroke. Vitamin B6 and Folate in broccoli are also useful in preventing stroke, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.

2. Anti- Cancer

Broccoli has robust anti-carcinogens such as beta-carotene, Sulforaphane, Selenium, Indoles, and other phytonutrients. Research shows that indole-3- carbinols assists to convert estrogen from a more potent form to a less strong one, thus prevent the growth of tumors, especially in the breast. Studies have also shown that indole-3-carbinols increases the level of 2- hydroxy estrone, a form of protective cancer estrogen.

Indole-3- carbinols not only prevents breast cancer growth but curbs the movement of cancerous cells to other body parts. Sulforaphane provides protection to people whose genes are colon-cancer susceptible. Studies have shown that anti-cancer properties can be increased when paired with Myrosinase enzyme containing foods such as horseradish, mustard, and wasabi.

3. Immune System

Ascorbic acid, the substance that gives broccoli a purple or green color, beta-carotene, and other minerals such as phosphorous, selenium, copper, zinc, and other trace minerals are powerful immune boosters. An occasional cup of broccoli will be enough to bolster your immune system and resist infections.

4. Detoxifier

The presence of amino acids, Vitamin C, and sulfur makes broccoli a perfect detoxifier. It contains twice as much Vitamin C as in an orange, and this gives it potent antioxidant properties in clearing toxins such as uric acid from the body and keep problems related to toxins such as rashes, gout, itches, boils, rheumatism, arthritis, and so forth, at bay.

Vitamin C in broccoli not only fights free radicals but acts as an antihistamine to ease the common cold discomfort and helps you to live longer.

5. Nervous System

The high amount of potassium in broccoli helps you to maintain a healthy nervous system and assists in promoting an optimal brain function. Potassium also helps to promote muscle growth.

6. Promotes Digestion

Constipation is the origin of a myriad of stomach complications. Broccoli has high fiber content which helps you prevent constipation and get rid of a majority of stomach ailments. High fiber content in broccoli also helps to curb overeating and maintain the level of blood sugars. A cup of broccoli contains as much protein as a cup of corn or rice but with half calories.

Magnesium and Vitamins found in broccoli help to get rid of the stomach acidity aids your digestion and assists the body in absorbing nutrients from the food.

7. Bone Health

Broccoli has as much calcium as whole milk. In addition to this, the Vitamin K also present helps in bone formation. The vegetable is helpful to kids, expectant mothers, seniors, and people at the risk of osteoporosis.

8. Vision

Vitamin A in broccoli helps to promote the retinol molecules formation and enhances color vision. Lutein helps to lower the risk of cataracts that comes with aging.

9. Blood Pressure and Sun Damage

Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium are an essential blood pressure regulators. Glucoraphanin is instrumental in repairing sun damaged skins and in assisting the skin to detoxify itself.

10. Fights Aging

Vitamin E in broccoli is one of the most important Vitamins in the fight against aging and keeping you vitalised. The powerful fat soluble antioxidant helps to clean the arteries, rejuvenate the immune system, and slow down blood and brain aging.

11. Fights Depression

Folate deficiency can cause problems like poor memory, fatigue, depression, and schizophrenia (a mental condition). You can keep these problems at bay by consuming broccoli.

Getting Creative

I found myself in the same boat as folks who just did not like the taste of this green vegetables. But if you exercise a little creativity, then it is much more palatable. If you do not like eating your vegetables, then juicing is one alternative. Adding a few florets of broccoli into your juicer will enable you to get most of the benefits while covering up the taste with other sweeter ingredients. This is the way that I consume most of my broccoli and it has worked great. It’s been the best of both worlds. I get the nutrition without having to really taste it. Broccoli is best raw as extended exposure to heat will break down the nutrients and you will lose some of its health aspects. This is why we always recommend juicing them. Even if you drown them in your favorite salad dressing, getting more broccoli into your diet is always a good idea.