I’ve recently been introduced to the joys of juicing and since purchasing a little juicer a couple of days ago I’ve gone crazy with the fruit and veggies. Here’s a little background on what some popular juicing fruit and veggies contain that are good for your skin and some delicious recipes.

What you eat most definitely has an effect on what your skin looks like (it’s an organ, after all). Sure, some people are lucky in that they can eat a load of chocolate and drink litres of booze and it never manifests on their faces but for lots of unlucky people, this results in spotty and super dehydrated skin. If this is you, downing a juice that’s packed with nutrients that help fight free radicals, retain skin elasticity and add much needed vitamins and minerals to your body is a good idea. If you’re feeling a little off colour or you’ve got an upset stomach, downing a green veggie juice is a good way to get some nutrients without activating your digestive system. If you’re trying to watch your sugar intake, it’s best to cut back on the fruit juice and stick with mostly veggies.

Berries. Blackberries, blueberries and strawberries are all super high in antioxidants, good for fighting free radicals that cause premature aging, like those from sun exposure.

Carrots. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient vital for healthy looking skin. Juicing (or cooking) breaks down the fibre, allowing better absorption of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.

Kiwi fruit. Kiwis contain more vitamin C (which helps fight inflammation) than oranges plus vitamin A and E also. They also have lots of potassium which helps with the growth of new cells.

Grapes. Grapes are a form of berry that contain calcium, chlorine, copper, fluorine, iron, magnesium. Their skins are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A.

Watermelon. Watermelons are, not surprisingly, 92% water so if you don’t like drinking lots of water, this is a good alternative. They promote intestinal elimination so are good for getting rid of toxins.

Alfalfa sprouts. These super sprouts are mild tasting and the only plant that contains full range of vitamins, even the hard to find B12. They are the top source of antioxidants among all vegetables.

Beets. In a similar way to how they help keep the elasticity of arteries, regular consumption of beets can help prevent varicose veins.

Celery. Celery replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with rich minerals. It also helps to normalise body temperature so can be good if you suffer from easily inflamed skin triggered by overheating.

Parsley. Used to help cure bad breath. Health powerhouse, packed with vitamin A, B, C and K and lots of iron.

Tomato. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, B6 and K, beta-carotene and selenium (to fight pigmentation).

Spinach. Spinach is a god source of vitamin K, A, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin B6. It’s also loaded with flavonoids which act as antioxidants protecting from, you guessed it, free radicals.

Cucumbers. Cucumbers contain natural salts, enzymes and vitamins essential for cell growth and repair plus the peel is a high source of antioxidants.

Ginger. Ginger is a source of more than 12 types of antioxidants.

Most of these recipes are pretty common but I’ve added my own twists here and there. I have a very conventional palette and while sometimes I make a concoction that I have to choke down, usually this can fixed by throwing in an orange.

GREEN JUICE (I absolutely cannot drink this without the orange, spew. Throw in an apple if you like them too.)                                     1 handful of parsley, 4 stalks of celery, 1 cucumber, not peeled, 1 handful spinach, 1 orange, peeled, 1 handful alfafa sprouts,            1/2 lemon, 1 green apple (if you like, I don’t.)

STANDARD VEGGIE JUICE 1 handful of spinach, 1 cucumber not peeled, 1/2 orange, 3 stalk of celery, 3 carrots, 1 handful alfalfa sprouts, 1/4 inch ginger (optional)

TOMATO JUICE 6 tomatoes, 3 stalk celery, 1/2 handful alfalfa sprouts, 1/4 inch ginger, 1/4 lime (optional)

BERRY JUICE 1 orange, 1 cup strawberries, 1/2 cup raspberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup grapes

CARROT JUICE 5 carrots, 1/2 orange (optional)

KIWI & BERRIES 3 kiwis, 1 orange, 1 cup strawberries, 1/2 raspberries, 1/4 watermelon, seeded

BEET JUICE 1 beet cut into wedges, 3 carrots, 1/2 handful of spinach, 1 apple (optional)

Happy juicing!