Tonic Drinks & Waters
Potato, Carrot and Apple Fresh Juice
traditionally associated with alkalising the body, supporting detoxification, and promoting immune health
Why people make this juice
This three-ingredient juice has circulated in wellness circles for decades, sometimes attributed to a Japanese Zen monk who reportedly shared it as a health-building practice. Bro Niu neither confirms nor dismisses such stories — what matters is that all three ingredients are real, wholesome foods with genuine nutritional value. Modern Western diets tend to be heavy on meat and refined foods, which can shift the body’s internal environment in ways that do not serve long-term health. A daily glass of fresh vegetable and fruit juice is one simple, pleasant way to get more plant nutrients, fibre, and natural compounds into your routine. Drink it immediately after pressing.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Generally suitable for most healthy adults as a daily wellness drink
- Good for people managing high blood pressure, digestive issues, or those wanting to increase vegetable intake
- People with kidney disease should be cautious — carrots, potatoes, and apples all contain potassium, which can be a concern for those with impaired kidney function; do not drink daily without checking with a doctor
- Those with low white blood cell counts (e.g. during chemotherapy) should avoid raw vegetables and juices; wait until counts recover and consult a physician
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Potato (shu zai): Rich in potassium and vitamin C; traditionally considered to support the stomach and spleen, and to help the body’s internal acid-alkaline balance.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): High in beta-carotene; traditionally used to support liver function, nourish vision, and provide a wide range of plant antioxidants.
- Apple (ping guo): Provides pectin and natural fruit fibre, which is associated with supporting healthy digestion and gentle detoxification. Fresh apple juice also adds a pleasant sweetness that makes the overall drink enjoyable.
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh potato | 1 medium | Wash well, peel |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Wash well, peel |
| Apple | 1 medium | Wash well, peel and core |
Method
- Wash all ingredients thoroughly.
- Peel the potato, carrot, and apple; remove the apple core.
- Cut into strips or chunks suitable for your juicer.
- Press through a juicer to extract the fresh juice.
- Drink immediately — within 5 minutes of pressing for best quality. Do not store.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh-pressed juice deteriorates quickly, so always juice and drink on the spot — ideally within 5 minutes. If you have high blood pressure, you may add a small amount of fresh celery (xi qin) to the mix; celery is traditionally associated with helping to lower blood pressure. You can also add fresh lemon juice for extra vitamin C and a brighter flavour.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Yan): I have high blood pressure. Can I add celery to this juice? Bro Niu: Yes, a little celery can be added to the juice. Celery has a blood-pressure-supporting effect and works well in this combination.
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Q (Liza): My husband has blood cancer and kidney cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Can he drink this juice? Bro Niu: Blood cancer and kidney cancer patients can drink this vegetable juice. Beetroot juice, carrot juice, and kiwi juice are also fine in moderate amounts, as they are associated with reducing inflammation. However, these juices are high in potassium — kidney patients can sometimes develop high blood potassium levels, so do not drink every day. Every other day, or two to three times a week, is a safer approach.
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Q (Kat): My white blood cell count is low during chemotherapy. The hospital says not to eat raw foods. Is this raw juice okay? Bro Niu: When white blood cell count is low, avoid raw and cold foods for now. Focus on high-protein foods to support recovery. You can use astragalus root (bei qi), codonopsis root (dang shen), goji berries, poria mushroom (fu ling), and red dates simmered with lean pork as a nourishing broth — this is associated with helping to raise white blood cell counts.
Published October 21, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
