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Carrot Apple Medicinal Wellness Juice

胡萝卜苹果汁

 

 

The Carrot–Apple Juice (胡萝卜苹果汁) is a medicinal-style wellness drink made mainly from fresh apples and carrots.

Carrots are rich in vitamin A, making them excellent for supporting vision and enhancing immune function.

Apples provide abundant vitamin C, promote cardiovascular health, and contain pectin and essential minerals that help lower cholesterol.
 

Their natural aromatic compounds can also soothe anxiety caused by stress, clear the mind, and enhance cognitive function.

Apples additionally benefit skin health—helping lighten pigmentation, improving moisture retention, and enhancing elasticity.

 

This drink contains high levels of beta-carotene, citric acid, malic acid, calcium, iron, and pectin.
It is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience frequent fatigue.

 

Dietary & Medicinal Value

Carrots (胡萝卜) are exceptionally rich in beta-carotene (β-carotene), which is converted into vitamin A in the body through enzymatic action.

• Vitamin A deficiency may cause xerophthalmia, night blindness, dry skin, and reduced resistance of mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and intestines.
• In children, insufficient vitamin A may impair tooth and bone development.
• Modern pharmacological studies indicate that carrots contain hypoglycemic components; yellow amorphous substances extracted with petroleum ether have shown blood-glucose–lowering effects in both animals and humans.
• Drinking carrot juice three times a day can help reduce blood pressure and may contribute to lung cancer prevention.
• Dr. Lidoll, chairman of the British Cancer Research Association, reported that smokers who consume carrots frequently show significantly lower cancer incidence.

 

Eye-Health Benefits

Carrots contain various nutrients that protect eye health.

• Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which combines with proteins to form rhodopsin, the photoreceptor pigment required for rod cells to detect dim light.
• Vitamin A also promotes mucous secretion of epithelial cells, preventing dry eyes.

 

Beauty & Skin Benefits

External Use

Fresh carrot juice (10–30 mL) may be patted gently onto the face after cleansing in the morning and evening.
After it dries, apply a light layer of plant oil for better absorption.

Internal Use

Drinking one cup of carrot juice daily can help reduce freckles and pigmentation.
This is due to its abundant pro-vitamin A, which keeps the skin smooth and healthy, preventing roughness and spots.

 

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Functions

• Strengthens the spleen and stomach (健脾和胃)
• Dispels dampness (祛湿)

 

Indications

Beneficial for:

• Obesity and overweight constitution
• Poor appetite
• Low energy and chronic fatigue
• Excessive sleepiness
• Dream-disturbed sleep

 

Ingredients

• Carrots (胡萝卜) – 4
• Apple (苹果) – ½
• Beetroot (甜菜) – 1
• Fresh ginger (生姜) – 1 slice

 

Preparation

Wash all ingredients thoroughly, place them in a juicer, and extract the juice.

 

Carrot (胡萝卜)

Carrots are highly nutritious household vegetables, extremely rich in β-carotene, earning them the nickname “Little Ginseng” (小人参) for their impressive health benefits.

 

Key Features and Nutritional Value

1. Botanical Classification
   Belongs to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae); originally from the Persian region; now cultivated worldwide.
2. Nutrients
   • β-carotene
   • Dietary fiber
   • Various vitamins
   • Minerals such as potassium and calcium
3. Health Benefits
   • Vision protection
   • Anti-cancer effects
   • Cardiovascular protection
   • Improved digestion
   • Immune enhancement

 

Consumption Tips & Precautions

• Carotene is fat-soluble → steamed, stir-fried, stewed, or boiled carrots are absorbed more efficiently.
• Raw carrot has appetite-enhancing and fluid-generating effects but lower carotene absorption.
• Excessive intake may cause carotenemia (yellowing of palms/soles) or digestive discomfort.
• High glycemic index (GI 71) → People with diabetes should monitor intake.

 

Apple (苹果)

Apples are among the most widely consumed fruits worldwide.
Belonging to the Rosaceae family (Malus domestica), they are rich in nutrients, earning the nicknames “Fruit of Wisdom” and “Fruit of Memory.”

 

Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in vitamins B & C
• High in pectin
• Contains organic acids, antioxidants, potassium, phosphorus, iron

 

Major Health Effects

• Blood pressure regulation (high potassium, low sodium)
• Lowering triglycerides & cholesterol
• Digestive health
• Weight management
• TCM functions: tonifies heart Qi, strengthens the spleen, generates fluids, moistens the lungs, relieves thirst, and alleviates hangovers.

 

Beetroot (甜菜)

Known as the “Ruby of the Earth,” beets are rich in nutrients.

Major Benefits

• Blood vessel dilation & blood pressure reduction (nitrates → nitric oxide)
• Prevents anemia (iron + vitamin C)
• Anti-oxidant & anti-cancer effects (betacyanin)
• Liver detoxification & anti-inflammatory benefits
• Digestive improvement & weight management

 

Precautions

• Excess consumption may increase the risk of kidney stones (oxalates)
• Beeturia (red urine) is harmless
• Kidney-disease patients must limit intake due to high potassium

 

Ginger (生姜)

Zingiber officinale, one of the oldest spices in human history, originating in the East Indies.

Uses

• Cooking, seasoning, and removing fishy odors
• In TCM: warms the middle, disperses cold, improves circulation, and stops nausea/vomiting
• Widely used in ginger tea, beverages, confections, and gingerbread

 

Health Effects

• Aids digestion
• Improves circulation and warms the body
• Shows antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

 

Precautions

Avoid excessive or long-term consumption if:

• Yin-deficient with internal heat
• Gastric ulcer
• Cholecystitis
• Certain inflammatory diseases