2. beetroot tomato juice

a tiny glass of health

  Fresh juices are most welcome when the sun is beating down on you and sweating zaps you of  your energy. Usually we all love juices that are the sweetest..... like passion juice, lemon juice,sugar cane juice. Very cooling but full of sugar. Beetroot helps to lower blood pressure and increase blood flow. No wonder, the vegetables sellers at the market constantly call out to customers to buy the food for blood (chakula ya damu in kiswahili). Research claims that having a beetroot or drinking the juice increases blood flow to the brain and therefore prevents the progress of dementia. Beetroot is a rich source of fibre and helps in combating constipation. The  powerful phytonutrients that gives the beetroot its deep crimson colour helps to ward off cancer. Well, hope you like this juice which is full of lycopene, vitamin C, and B, minerals like potassium, manganese and antioxidants.
   Cooked tomatoes too are beneficial for health. Cooked tomatoes brings out more of the lycopene. This antioxidant reduces risk of heart diseases, cancer and macular degeneration.Cooked tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin C and iron too.
  My mother in law prepares this juice for my father in law everyday. We call it Dada's health drink. Sweet because of the beetroot and a bit sour because of the orange juice. I love it because we don't need to add any sugar.

Updated : 12/8/2015
   My father in law passed on 3 years ago. I still call the juice Dada's health drink. I now try and make it as often as possible for hubby dear. If I have fresh juices ready in the fridge then he doesn't reach out for Ribena :) Hope you enjoy this glass full of goodness and health.

  

my old photo

DADA'S HEALTH DRINK (Beetroot tomato juice)
serves 3 - 4

1(approx. 200g) beetroot peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium tomatoes cut into chunks
½ cup fresh orange juice
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper powder

1. Put about 2 cups of water in a pan over medium heat. Add  the beetroot and tomato chunks and boil till done. Let it cool.
2. Liquidise the mixture in a blender.
3. Strain the juice with the help of a sieve. Press out as much pulp as you can through the sieve.
4. Add the orange juice.
5. Add  salt and pepper. Mix well.
6. Serve with ice cubes or chill it before serving.

Tips :

• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
• Can add carrot juice also if you like.

You may want to check out the following :

basil lemon drink

banana beetroot smoothie

beetroot watermelon juice