The health benefits from juicing fruits and vegetable is well documented. Most people initially start juicing to lose weight and quickly find out that it also helps existing health conditions. I have been juicing regularly for ten years now and have tried many different recipes, some good, some not so good. Here are five recipes I use on a weekly basis.

Before getting started I recommend cleaning your produce first. When you get your produce home remove any visible dirt then immediately store the refrigerator. When you are ready to juice, fill your kitchen sink up with cold water and add a non toxic biodegradable solution to the water. Ask your local health food store for available brands. Let your produce soak for 10 to 15 minutes then scrub with a natural bristle brush.

1. Digestive Cocktail

1/4 lemon with peel - 1/2 grapefruit (peeled) - 2 oranges (peeled).

Lemons are high in vitamin C. Good for nerves, kidneys, high blood pressure, rheumatism and arthritis.

A great way to start your day. Remember to peel your grapefruit and orange removing the skin but leaving the white section below the peel (the albido, which is high in vitamins and bioflavenoids).

2. Pineapple Orange Bromelain Special

1 whole pineapple - 4 oranges (makes 4 eight ounce glasses).

Pineapple is an excellent enzyme supplier to help digest protein. Oranges are high in vitamin C and good for flu.

Pineapple has a very special enzyme called bromelain. An excellent digestive protein that is very good for those who over indulge in meat and dairy products. Bromelain is also known to reduce swelling in painful joints. Cut off the pineapple at the top and bottom, then place standing up and trim sides with sharp knife. In a downward motion cut around each side of the core. Do not juice the core. Peel the oranges as suggested.

3. Body Cleanser

6 carrots - 2 stalks of celery - 1/2 beet - 1/2 cucumber - 1 green apple.

Carrots are good for eyes, blood, lymph, skin, and digestion. Celery is good for colds, skin, arthritis, heart, and indigestion. Cucumber is great for bladder and kidney cleanser. Green apple is good for liver and gall bladder.

Stir and enjoy.

4. High Energy Green Drink

1 whole head of romaine lettuce - 4 stalks celery - 1 green apple.

Romaine lettuce is good for digestion, kidneys, lung, and nerves. Also high in iron.

A wonderful after noon pick me up!

5. Cabbage Tonic

1/4 head of green cabbage - 3 celery stalks - 1 green apple.

There are whole books on the curative properties of cabbage. It's best known for it's help with digestive problems and ulcers. I found it to be helpful as an acid reducer and relief from sour stomach.

Special Considerations

As always consult with your doctor before trying any juicing recipes. Fruit juice is high in natural sugars and should be used sparingly by those advised to limit their sugar intake. Juicing is not recommended to take the place of medical treatment.