Sip and "C": O.J.-based power drinks for summer

Summer's here, and there's no reason why staying healthy and hydrated shouldn't be fun. Beat heat-induced sluggishness with these fresh and fruity power drinks. All three have an orange juice base, which means they are rich in vitamin C, fiber, folate, vitamin B1 (thiamin), potassium, vitamin A and calcium. According to WebMD, regular shots of O.J. can help fight cholesterol and control blood pressure - and who doesn't want that? So head to the kitchen, throw one of these babies together, pour it into a wine glass and drink to your health! 


Açai Ya! 
1/2 C Sambazon organic Açaí (available at Costco)
1/2 C of orange juice


Health benefits:
This particular brand of Açaí juice is rich in antioxidants, healthy omegas, fiber and protein. "Some studies show that Açaí fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry or blueberry. Studies are ongoing, though, and the jury is still out." –WebMD



Just Beet It
1/4 C red beet juice  
1/4 C carrot juice 
1/2 C orange juice 


If you don't have a juicer, simply use a blender and then strain the juice using a thin cloth. Be sure to wash, peel and chop vegetables before blending.


Health benefits:
Red beets have high levels of carotenoid, are an excellent source of folic acid and magnese, and are loaded with antioxidants. "Researchers believe the red pigment (called betacyanin) in beets could protect against development of cancerous cells and might play a role in reducing the inflammation associated with heart disease." –WebMD


Carrots are the richest vegetable source of vitamin A, with high levels of vitamin K and vitamin C. "The latest research on carrots shows these sweet, crunchy veggies may help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. They're also a top cholesterol-fighting food, thanks to ample amounts of soluble fiber — the kind found in oats." –WebMD


Taken for Pomegranate 
1/2 C pomegranate juice
1/2 C orange juice


Health Benefits:
"Pomegranate juice is anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. It contains some of the same polyphenols found in tea, as well as isoflavones found in soy, plus ellagic acid found in berries, which is believed to play a role in cancer cell death." –Dr. Weil


"A recent study by UCLA researcher Allan Pantuck, MD, and colleagues found that drinking only eight ounces of pomegranate juice a day had a significant effect on levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is widely used as a gauge of prostate health.  High PSA levels are a red flag for prostate cancer." –Harry Fisch, MD on www.doctoroz.com


"Eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice may help prevent and slow the growth of some types of breast cancer. A new study shows a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins found in abundance in pomegranates inhibited the growth of estrogen-responsive breast cancer in laboratory tests." –WebMD