by Diane Quinn

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: November 12, 2009

When a physically active, 90 plus year old man claims that juicing produce gives him better health and vitality, people pay attention! Jack LaLanne has dedicated his life to advertising the benefits of fresh foods and physical exercise. A pioneer in the field of alternative health, he often challenges mainstream nutritional opinions. His desire to prove the validity of his claims is what drove him to design the first Jack LeLanne's Power Juicer

Jack LaLanne's theory about the power of juicing is actually quite simple. Ask yourself, are more nutrients consumed when eating one apple or when juicing three of them? Throw in a carrot or two and he believes that you get more fresh vitamins and minerals effectively absorbed into your body than if you took an artificial multi-vitamin in the morning.

There are many health food followers who also believe in the validity of juicing benefits. They believe that when fresh juices are added to a normal, healthy diet, the additional nutrients provide more energy and immunity fighting benefits than can be found any other way. Emeril would call juicing a nutritional way to "kick it up a notch."

However, there are concerns if people rely too heavily on juices. Mayo Clinic dietitian, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. L.D. recommends 2 to 3 cups of any type of vegetable per day for most adults. A fresh vegetable juice counts; but, she points out that juice is missing valuable fiber that could lead to other health problems. Risks include: constipation, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and weight gain.

If you already eat a healthy diet, but would like to add fresh juices to your regime, you may wonder if Jack LeLanne's Power Juicer is a good investment. The four Power Juicer models are the Classic, Deluxe, Pro and Elite, and they all offer the same basic features:

> Surgical quality stainless steel blade

> Quieter operation than over juicers

> Special extraction technology that promises 30% more juice than other juicers

> 3,600 RPM induction motor with a ifetime warranty

> Food chute larger than other models and less produce chopping

> Extra large detachable pulp bin

> Dishwasher safe and easy to clean

> Safety features are built-in

The Deluxe, Pro and Elite models are improved versions of the white-only Classic and all come with a better designed no-drip spout. The Deluxe and Pro models are available in modern stainless steel finish.

The Elite model offers the only soy technology and is slightly larger and of a different shape than the other three models.

You can buy all four models on the Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer on the website at www.powerjuicer.com.

The Classic is $99.80, the Deluxe is $119.96, the Pro is $149.95 and the Pro is $149.97. Shipping and handling is extra.

Want to save some money? Here is a shopping tip: the Bed, Bath & Beyond stores all carry Jack LaLanne's Power Juice Classic. Save one of the many 20% off coupons that they mail or put in weekly shopper papers, and it makes the Classic an excellent bargain.

All the juicers come with complete instructions and an explanation for the pulp, should you wish to save it. His booklet, "Secrets of Power Juicing" contains quite a few juice recipes to get you off on the right foot.

-Fresh Apple Juice

Wash 3 large applies and remove only the stems

Mix sweet and tart apples for best flavor

Add a carrot for a sweet difference and another vitamin boost

Spice it up with a sprig of mint or add a slice of fresh ginger

This easy one will please everyone in your family including any fussy children.

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