Juice helps hydration

KEEPING a constant tab on your hydration during the day is important, particularly during hot weather.

So whether you are preparing your child's lunch or your own, taking the time to make something like a fruit and vegetable juice could make a big difference to the quality of your day.

These were the sentiments of long-time gardener and health juice fanatic Angela Singh, who says a few extra minutes spent on making these juices heighten your concentration levels and ensures a less dreary day.

"And you don't even have to do it daily, making them a few times a week is a great start," she said.

"Be sure to mix vegetables with fruits because fruits have a lot of concentrated natural sugars, which is great for energy, but nutritious vegetables give it a good balance."

She said combining apples with guavas and a few celery sticks was a good combination, but to be mindful of seasonal fruits and veges.

"Fruits and vegetables are seasonal, so try and use the ones that are in season so you're getting them at their freshest most nutritious point.

"Citruses are a great cleansing agent, so use them where you can in your juices and if you don't have a juicer or a blender, that's fine, use vegetables and fruits which can be squeezed or crushed with regular appliances — bananas, mangoes, celery, cucumbers and tomatoes for example."

She also said to be careful not to make juices that were purely fruit because they tended to have a lot of calories from the natural sugars.

"But these are also good for you because they keep you nutrient-dense. But maybe have it once a week or so because of the calories it contains.

"In general, avoid purchasing these juices from stores unless you're sure they won't give too many calories — making them at home is a lot healthier because you know exactly what you're consuming."