{ Spicy Grapefruit Juice :: Anti Pain Mocktail }

I have been craving grapefruit juice lately. I swear I could drink gallons upon gallons in one sitting. Today I decided to add a few things to my juice in order to give is some spice and added health boosts. I have decided to call this the anti-pain cocktail because all of the ingredients have that in common. Each ingredient has cardiovascular benefits as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and antifunal properties. Sounds good to me! Right?

It tastes wonderful too, is totally natural raw and organic. If you leave out the honey, it makes a great drink for candida sufferers as well!

Please do not take this if you are pregnant or nursing without speaking with your nutritionist /health professional first. Also, if you are taking heavy medication like blood thinners you might not want to drink grapefruit juice. 

2 teaspoon Turmeric - earthy, peppery and a tad spicy.

In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.

It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. Indians also use it as an anti-inflammatory agent, and remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders. Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease,  cancer, arthritis, and other clinical disorders. 

{via Wikipedia}

½ Chili Pepper - contains Capsaicin

Spicing your meals with chili peppers may also protect the fats in your blood from damage by free radicals—a first step in the development of atherosclerosis. Capsaicin is known to help with pain, help with inflammation, raise metabolism, prevent cancer (that's a huge claim) and more. See more info here

8 sprigs Fresh Basil - This fragrant and flavorful herb, a relative of peppermint.

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. {full article see ezine}

4-5 Grapefruit - low in calorie citrus juice. 

Helps prevent and heal infections of the throat and mouth.

High in Vit C which is great for colds. 

The white pith is rich in bioflavonoids - these are great for the skin, and help reduce cellulite, and fluid retention.

The grapefruit seeds contain a natural antibiotic and antiseptic - another reason to eat or juice them whole. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is used to fight colds, sore throats, parasites, and yeast infections and to relieve indigestion. {for more juice ideas and info}

1-2 Tbls {optional} Raw New Zealand Honey - rich golden liquid is the miraculous product of honey bees and contains minerals when raw. 

It's know to function as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. The processing of honey often removes many of the phytonutrients found in raw honey as it exists in the hive. Propolis is found in raw honey as is caffeic acid methyl caffeate, phenylethyl caffeate, and phenylethyl dimethylcaffeate. Researchers have discovered that these substances prevent colon cancer in animals by shutting down activity of two enzymes, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and lipoxygenase. When raw honey is extensively processed and heated, the benefits of these phytonutrients are largely eliminated. {read more here}

First, I juiced the grapefruit juice in a juicer. 

Then transfered the grapefruit to a Vitamix (or high speed blender) and added the rest of the ingredients and processed on high until smoothe.

I then strained it out through a tight mesh sieve! 

Serves about 2-3 glasses.

Enjoy! And hey - while you have the juicer out - make your kids a hydrating drink:

½ cucumber
3 mini apples or just 1 large one
basil 
raw honey

Here is a pic of them today!

I also was excited when I came across these old photos on my computer today. My oldest son {one standing in the front} turns 3 in May. My youngest turns 2 in May. These past few years have been a total blur. So seeing these photos made me really happy. I barely remember this stage - sniff sniff!