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Expert Advice on the Best Juicing Combos

Feb 26, 2016 ● By Megy Karydes

Juicing is a healthy option for people that want to increase their fruit and vegetable intake, but some combinations may be more beneficial than others. We consulted with local experts to share favorite combos they’ve developed for their clients.

“My favorite juicing pair would have to be pineapple and kale; organic, of course,” says Dennis Dombrow, owner and founder of Juice on Wheels (MyJuiceOnWheels.com). “Certain foods bring out the best in each other. For instance, pineapple is one of the only sources of bromelain [a bioflavonoid] in the world, and kale is extremely high in vitamin C. Vitamin C and bromelain work together and have been known to help with allergies and asthma, faster recover from injuries and surgery and reduce inflammation, digestive disorders and sinus infections.”

“We follow tried and true juicing practices that including juicing vegetables and fruits that are of similar colors—such as kale and green apple together, or red chard and red apple,” says Kimberly King, co-founder of Mingle Juice Bar (MingleJuiceBar.com), in Glenview. “Of course we have developed other combinations that we have found to be both healthy and delicious at the same time. At Mingle, we follow the 80/20 rule, with 80 percent of juice from vegetables and 20 percent from fruits, combined together in our offerings.” 

“Our best juicing pairs include green vegetable, especially kale and spinach, with just enough fruit and mint to make the juice delicious, as well as nutritious,” says Anthony Kamps, owner and manager of Chicago’s 24 Karrots Juice Bar (24KarrotsJuice.com).

Alina Yaccino, owner of Barrington-based Pure Organic Juicery (PureOrganicJuicery.com), proclaims turmeric and pineapple as her favorite combination. “Both have tremendous anti-inflammatory properties and taste delicious combined,” she says.

“The way JuiceRx pairs certain ingredients in our juices and nut milks depends on two things: how certain ingredients taste together, clearly, but perhaps more importantly, to ensure that we’re following proper food combining rules,” says Dean Kasal, of JuiceRX (JuiceRXCleanse.com), in Chicago. “For example, citrus—like orange and grapefruit—is to be enjoyed by itself for optimal digestion. This maximizes nutrient assimilation and minimizes any potential gastric issues.”

“We are very proud of our super-healing Zen Detox cold-pressed juice,” says Paulina Kadzielawska, founder of Pure Juice Café (PureJuiceCafe.com), in Arlington Heights. The juice includes dandelion, cilantro, pineapple, coconut water, turmeric and lemon. “The carefully selected elements of this juice complement each other to create a tropical flavor, while still maintaining incredible healing properties within the ingredient pairings. The compounds found in pineapple enhance the healing powers and absorption of curcumin, found in turmeric. This pairing reduces pain and greatly improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory superpowers of turmeric work also well with the dandelions in the juice, which aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile by stimulating the liver and promoting digestion. The bromelain enzyme found in pineapple also helps with digestion of proteins. Cilantro incorporated in the juice supplies your body with an unusual array of healing phytonutrients and antioxidants, making it an amazing detoxifier. Finally, the juice contains alkalizing fresh coconut water, making it an ideal post-workout concoction.”

Irina Kuznetsova and Karim Raimbekov, chefs, owners and operators of Wheeling’s Purple Sprout (Facebook.com/PurpleSproutCafe), believe their Super Immunity shot, consisting of masticated wheatgrass and an elixir made from horseradish, ginger and other astringent roots, is great for jump-starting the immune system into gear. “It’s a great natural defense builder for the whole family,” Kuznetsova says, adding that one teaspoon of the elixir twice or three times a day as tolerated is recommended. “Lessen the quantity for kids and sensitive stomachs, and mix with a favorite juice or use as a soup flavoring,” she advises.

Thalia Pharris, general manager of Chicago-based Infiniteus Rock and Juice (InfiniteusRocksAndJuice.com), didn’t resist naming its signature juice after a striking, six-foot-tall amethyst crystal that greets customers as they walk through their door: The Helena. “The Helena is our most unique drink,” boasts Pharris. “The combination of nourishing ingredients will alkalize the body and leave your digestive system rejuvenated. With a beautiful purple hue, The Helena stands out. Organic purple cabbage, granny smith apples, basil and lemons combine to send your taste buds on a ride, with each ingredient shining individually.”

Karyn Calabrese, owner of Karyn’s (KarynRaw.com), in Chicago, says that her favorite juicing recipe includes one bunch of kale, four to six sticks of celery, one cucumber, one bunch parsley, one-half lemon, one thumb of ginger and one of handful of spinach.

“‘Get right,’ after a long weekend of dining out with this fresh detoxifying blend of kale, cucumber, pear, lime, and ginger,” advises Melissa Conrad, retail and cleanse consult manager at Chicago’s Hi-Vibe Superfood Juicery (Hi-Vibe.com). “Always cold-pressed and always 100 percent organic, it tackles inflammation and balances pH, while flooding the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s important to choose organic when juicing in order to eliminate dangerous pesticides and chemicals. Treat your body to a little TLC with this tangy nutrient powerhouse.”

 

Get Right Juice

at-home recipe by Hi-Vibe Superfood Juicery

Yields: approximately
32 to 40 oz juice

 

2 medium organic cucumbers

3-4 organic green pears

1 bunch organic green or lacinto kale

1 organic lime (peeled)

1” fresh organic ginger

 

Megy Karydes covers food and travel for magazines such as Midwest Living, USA Today and Travel + Leisure, among others. Find her at MegyKarydes.com.