The Yoga Health Academy at Purchase College presented their juice bar kickoff last Wednesday. According to students and staff, not only is the juice beneficial to the body, but it is surprisingly cheap.

The kickoff was held in the Dribbles room in the gym. Behind the curved bar in the classroom was a Jack LaLanne juicer, surrounded by a variety of cut up vegetables, including cilantro, celery, cucumbers, ginger, carrots, beets, kale, rosemary, and plenty of sliced red apples to add sweetness to the mix. Set up across two tables next to the bar were colorful fruit and vegetable platters. There were an abundant amount of melons, grapes, pineapples, tomatoes, celery, and broccoli, along with dip and pita chips. Hanging on the wall across from the platters were three poster-sized sheets of paper, all containing the benefits of the ingredients used in the juices.

Julie Broglin, faculty advisor for yoga health, set up the juice bar in order to inform students about their health. In her yoga classes, she always saves time to show films about the importance of choosing nutritional foods and keeping your body healthy.

According to HealthMad.com, most college students eat lots of fast food, which is low in fiber and nutrition. The majority of students also get very little exercise. Studies show that a poor diet and lifestyle during the child and teen years can set up for health problems later – including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

“I don’t only want students to have the great benefits that come from oxygen while doing yoga,” Broglin said. “Oxygen is very good for the muscles, but I want them to have proper nutrition and all of the benefits for their cells. It helps detoxify the body.”

Drinks at the juice bar are affordable for college students, being only a dollar per medium-sized plastic cup. The vegetables and fruit to make the juice is supplied by Chartwells.

“The drinks are a lot cheaper than anything at Chartwells,” said Pavani Srinivasan, arts management major and teaching assistant of Broglin. “Chartwells supports us because we’re a healthy alternative.”

Kim O’Connor, psychology major and president of the juice bar thinks it has the potential to be something big.

“If people know about this and all of the benefits of the juices, it will do very well,” she said. “Especially because it’s at a good price.”

Philosophy major Katie Vitarella said that she loves the “healthy flavor” of the juice.

“It’s so delicious and it’s so good for you,” she said. “I’m trying to defend my immune system, especially now that everyone seems to be getting sick. It’s only a dollar, so why not?”

The juice bar is open on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m., Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. -2 p.m., Thursdays 5-8 p.m., and Fridays 4-7 p.m.