Is juicing the secret to Jack LaLanne's good health?

The benefits of fruits and vegetables are well documented. The Department of Food Science at Cornell University released a report in December of 2004, citing numerous peer reviewed studies that suggest that increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce overall risk for all chronic illnesses. Further, the report insists that it is the synergistic effect of the numerous phytochemicals, that is responsible for the antioxidant and anti-cancer activity of fruits and vegetables. This synergy is lacking in isolated, lab created vitamins and minerals and research does not show similar effects compared to an increase in plant based whole foods.

The American Cancer Society recommends 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The American Heart Association has a free fruits and veggies tracker that you can download from their website, www.americanheart.org, to make sure that you are getting their recommended 5 or more servings each day.

But realistically, how can you maintain such an increase in fruits and vegetables? Jack LaLanne may be on to something with his Power Juicer. Juicing is a creative way to get the benefits of added whole foods into your diet. Juicing also allows more variety which increases the volume of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Most people have their favorite fruits and vegetables. Juicing allows you to sneak in foods that you might not otherwise bother with.

The Power Juicer is easy to use and easy to clean. You can rinse it in hot water, or you can pop it into the dishwasher. And you can use the fiber that is separated during the juicing process, and add it to soups, baked goods and meatloaf. Compared to peeling, chopping, preparing, steaming and finding new recipes for fruits and vegetables, juicing is fast food from nature. You can feel good about not having time for lunch when you walk out the door with a cup of fresh "power juice."

Adding bananas and mangos to a fruit juice blend gives a creamy, luscious flavor that tastes like a dessert. If you like vegetables, a tomato, celery, carrot, beet, spinach and bell pepper blend has a satisfying "soup in a cup" flavor, packed with beta carotene, calcium, magnesium, potassium and other powerful nutrients.

Cancer patients, who find it difficult to eat or swallow while going through chemotherapy, may benefit from juicing. Juicing is a great way to increase a child's intake of vegetables. Carrots are sweet when juiced, and you can always add an apple to sweeten vegetable juice for picky eaters.

Is juicing the Fountain of Youth as Jack LaLanne suggests? Maybe not, but the research suggests that it may be the fountain of good health!