The Virgin Natural Caipirinha

Summer in Paris, when it’s 35 degrees and the asphalt is melting, there’s nothing more refreshing than an iced cucumber-mint juice. It’s the juice I serve to all my friends when they arrive at my place in summer. The cucumber goes through the juicer like water, and the mint brings a minty freshness that gives you the effect of an internal air conditioning system. It’s also the juice I recommend to my patients who suffer from water retention in summer: cucumber is diuretic, mint stimulates digestion.

Digestive problems? Read my article on the 4R protocol to restore the intestine and assess your tissue acidosis.

The bioactive molecules

Cucumber provides neuroprotective fisetin and structural silicon, while mint concentrates menthol which activates TRPM8 receptors on the oral mucosa, which is what creates the sensation of cold even when the juice is lukewarm¹. Menthol is also a digestive antispasmodic that relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract². The chlorophyll in mint is a natural internal deodorizer³. Since cucumber is composed of 96% water, this juice is a perfect rehydrator for scorching hot days⁴.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is composed of 96% water, making it the most hydrating vegetable in the garden. It contains fisetin, a flavonoid that has demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in studies by Maher et al. (Aging Cell, 2006). The organic silicon in cucumber (8 mg/100 g) supports collagen synthesis in skin and joints. Mint (Mentha piperita) provides menthol, a monoterpene that activates TRPM8 receptors on the oral mucosa, creating a physiological sensation of freshness. Menthol is also a recognized digestive antispasmodic: it relaxes the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract by blocking calcium channels. The rosmarinic acid in mint, an ester of caffeic acid, exerts powerful antioxidant activity and inhibits histamine release. The combined potassium of both ingredients (147 + 570 mg/100 g) contributes to hydro-electrolytic balance.

Cucumber-mint is the ultimate summer juice. Ultra-hydrating, diuretic, digestive and refreshing, it advantageously replaces any industrial beverage. Two ingredients, zero added sugar, and an unparalleled refreshing effect.

Key micronutrient table

Micronutrient	Primary role
Fisetin (cucumber)	Neuroprotectant, anti-inflammatory
Organic silicon (cucumber)	Collagen, skin elasticity
Menthol (mint)	Antispasmodic, freshness, digestion
Rosmarinic acid (mint)	Antioxidant, antihistamine
Potassium	Cellular hydration, blood pressure
Vitamin K1 (cucumber)	Coagulation, bone metabolism

Juice extractor preparation

Ingredients:

• 1/4 fresh pineapple
• 2 peeled limes
• 1 piece of ginger (2 cm)
• A few mint leaves

Pass the whole cucumbers with skin (if organic), then push the mint leaves through with one last piece of cucumber. Serve immediately over ice cubes. This juice oxidizes quickly: drink it within 10 minutes.

What I personally think

I was a bartender at 19 in the Brazilian Northeast. I made more than 50 caipirinhas every evening, my hands covered in lime juice and cane sugar. Today, when I prepare this cucumber-mint juice in the extractor, the gesture comes back to me. Tip: shake the juice with crushed ice. The lime turns white, the juice froths, the presentation is spectacular. It’s the naturopath’s caipirinha.

My recommended extractor

For this recipe, I use the Hurom H310A. Cold pressing preserves all the enzymes, vitamins and phytonutrients that the heat of a centrifuge would destroy.

Promo code: francoisbenavente20 for -20% on the entire Hurom site.

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To go further

Related articles

• 4R protocol for the intestine
• Bloating and gas

Test yourself

• Questionnaire: Tissue acidosis
• Questionnaire: Acid toxemia

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• The Halloween
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• The Virgin strawberry mojito naturo
• The Anti-inflammatory
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Go further

• All my health questionnaires
• My naturopathy shop
• Naturopathy video consultation
• My Living Juices ebook