The Champion of Champion's
Written: Sep 28 '00 (Updated Oct 10 '00)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
| Ease of Cleaning: |
|
|
| Style: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Many, many health benefits!
Cons: Heavy
|
|
|
| Barbarajo's Full Review: The Commercial Champion Juicer |
Several months ago, I asked the small appliance category manager to add The Champion to the list of juicers for review.
I am happy to say that it was added.
Before it was however, I was psyched about writing about my experiences and health benefits seen, but the closest I could come was by writing an editorial on Jay Kordich's book entitled, The Power of Juicing.
DISCLAIMER
Some of the information is common to both the juicer and the book, so please forgive any redundancy. I tried my best to eliminate as much as I could without sacrificing the integrity of what I think is important for those serious about making a decision on juicing and on whether the Champion is right for you.
An advocate of juicing and its many heath benefits, before my purchase, I did a lot of research on the models available at the time. Over 20 years ago, I had a Department store model by Oster that sold for $50.00. I used it at the time because that was what I could afford, I knew little about juicing or juicers. The end result was that it did not meet my expectations.
I have had juices from many other models including The Juiceman's Juicer, The Ace Juicer and others. It is my humble opinion that this machine is superior to all, though all have some good features and offer benefits.
For the last 15 years, I have been very happy with my Champion Juicer.
Why did I choose a Champion?
It was the number one recommended by most health food stores and health advocates.
What does the Champion offer?
It is classified as a slow speed, masticating type machine. It can be likened to our own digestive process. We place food in our mouth, chew it during the mastication process, break up the cells and pass it onto our stomachs, intestines and finally out the you know where. Similarly, this juicer chews the fibers, and breaks up the cells in the fruit and vegetables providing us with more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals - Liquid vitamins if you will! The end result is a richer, more nutritious, tastier juice than most juicers can provide.
With a little common sense and TLC, it is very easy to assemble and care for.
The Champion can be used as a grater and a homogenizer. Ice creams, sorbets and nut butters can be made with this machine using the homogenizing parts.
With the separate purchase of a grain mill attachment, you can also make flour, corn meal and coffee.
Why Juice and why use a Juicer and not a blender or food processor?
A juicer extracts the life giving juice from the fiber. A blender and processor just puree food and turn it into a liquefied version.
We all know that the human body needs "live food" to build "live cells." One cup of carrot juice contains the nutritional equivalent to 4 cups of raw carrots!
For optimal benefit, most juices must be consumed immediately. At this point, 95% of the food value is instantly released into your bloodstream. Juice therefore provides the body with the necessary nutrients.
Juicing can provide you with all of your bodies nutritional needs, thus eliminating the need for supplementation.
A few health benefits from juicing that you can expect to see:
~ Clearer skin
~ Weight loss
~ Improved respiration
~ Improved Digestion
~ Pep in your step and a...
~ Tilt in your kilt <wink> just a few!
SOME TIPS
~ Don't buy this machine unless you are going to use it.
~ If you are serious, make room for it, so that it is not a burden to take out and put away. Out of sight, out of mind!
~ Get into a clean-up routine. It is easy and will make the process easier all around. Buy a wire vegetable brush to clean the screen. With a good system, it takes less than 2 minutes to clean.
~ When you purchase your produce, wash, dry and refrigerate immediately. In this way, you can have it available at your fingertips without the additional steps of having to wash it at juicing time.
~ It does not come with a device to catch the juice or the pulp. Make sure that you place something for each. I read a review that complained about this machine because the fiber flew all over. Common sense will tell you to place something underneath! I actually thought that was funny. It is not my attention to criticize that writer.
~ For the best results, use fresh, crisp produce.
~ If you have an overabundant supply of produce, you can wash, cut and freeze to use at a later time. A second option is to juice or homogenize and use at a later time. REMEMBER, freezing does not stop the aging process, it only slows it down for a few weeks.
~ Parsley and other herbs last longer when placed stem first in a glass of water. Place a plastic bag on top. Keep them cool, dry and upright.
~ Watercress can be placed upside down in an ice bath and placed in the refrigerator.
~ Experiment. Most juices are absolutely delicious. Finding the right combination is the trick. See my conclusion for more details.
Aside from the vast array of health benefits, listed below are additional benefits of juicing:
~ It provides an excellent way to use excess produce
~ Pulp is excellent for compost piles and gardens
~ You can now buy bulk items that are in season and on-sale.
~ If you are a real trooper, you can grow a lot of your own produce and herbs. Keeps costs down and you now have a great hobby! You can keep your garden organic as well, which brings me to the next question that I want to address.
Do I have to use organic produce?
Certified Organic produce is recommended and preferred. It is more readily available these days and you can even find a wide-variety in your local supermarkets. Prices have come down considerably as well. Remember, even when using organic merchandise, it still needs to be rinsed!
If you cannot purchase or afford the higher-priced organics, several solutions are available on the market that will remove most pesticides. Check with your local health food store. I use Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap. I have been using this 18-in-one use, all natural product for over 30 years. I primarily use it to bathe, but it does remove pesticides in a diluted solution.
A couple of warnings especially for newbies
~ Always combine green juices with other juices, such as the more palatable carrot or apple. Initially, never consume more than 2 ounces of green juice at a time. Green juices can cause gastric distress. This pertains to items such as: celery, spinach, kale, broccoli, wheatgrass, parsley, watercress, etc.
~ Beet juice is a great body cleanser. If you see red in your stools, do not run to the doctor or hospital. You are not dying!
Conclusion
I hope that I have provided enough information about juicing and this fabulous machine for you to make a decision. Minimally, I hope that I have sparked food for thought for those that never thought about juicing.
This machine is heavy, so I purchased The Juiceman Jr for my parents.
I still use Jay's book for reference and for recipes. Be sure to check it out.
For a more comprehensive editorial about juicing and its healing benefits, please visit my epinion on Jay Kordich's, The Juiceman's Power of Juicing, located at: http://www.epinions.com/book-review-56D7-6B8857C-395AA536-prod1.
Health to you all!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250.00
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
Barbarajo
|
|
Member: Barbara Jo Acosta
Reviews written: 97
Trusted by: 58 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.