Looking around any high-end gym or yoga studio these days and you’ll see women sipping on something that looks like it’s been scooped from a pond! Juicing seems to be the latest health craze, with celebrities such as Nicole Richie, Fergie, Gwen Stefanie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and many more all signing up.
The juicing diet has been steadily gaining in popularity but before you jump on the bandwagon, be aware of the potential health risks and benefits of juicing.
The benefits of juicing
- Juicing is a fun way to squeeze fruit and vegetables into your diet if you typically don’t like them.
- Going on a juicing diet can be a good way to hit the “reset” button if you have been overindulging.
- Going on a “detox” for a few days can help to jump-start a commitment to a healthier diet.
- Some juicing advocates claim that juicing is better for you than eating whole fruits and vegetables because your body can absorb the nutrients better and it gives your digestive system a rest.
- Eating a plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of heart disease or cancer.
The downsides of juicing
- Juicing is not the nutritional equivalent for whole fruits and vegetables. There are certain nutrients that whole produce provide that a juice can’t, including fibre. The skin and the pulp of fruits and vegetables are where the fibre and most of the vitamins and minerals are, so if you discard these parts you are throwing out the most beneficial parts of the produce.
- A juicing diet may seem like a simple way to lose weight but it can backfire. When juicing you may not get enough fibre and protein to make you feel full. You will then be more tempted to eat that piece of cake! Not getting enough protein could also mean you lose muscle mass. You could make your juice more balanced by adding a protein such as almond milk, Greek yogurt, flaxseed or peanut butter.
- Going on a juice fast to rid your body of toxins is unnecessary as our liver and kidneys are already taking care of that – whether you are juicing or not.
- Calories could add up especially if your juice contains more fruit than vegetables.
- A juicing diet may cause nausea or fatigue due to the absence of fibre, proteins and good fats.
Doing it right
- If you are convinced that juicing is for you, check with your doctor before embarking on this journey in order to prevent potential drug and nutrient interactions (a lot of dark, leafy greens such as spinach or kale are high in vitamin K, which could interfere with certain blood thinners).
- Don’t go straight from greasy foods to green juices. Never start a juice fast without ensuring that you are eating a normal nutrient rich diet for at least a month. Many juice cleanses involve a pre-cleanse program of eliminating foods like dairy and alcohol.
The bottom line? When enjoyed in moderation, there are benefits to juicing because it is a tasty way to obtain vitamins and minerals in liquid form. However, the best way to lose weight and promote optimal health is to eat a well-balanced diet that is made up of all the food groups.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: www.wemd.com, www.mayoclinic.com, www.epicurious.com, www.fitsugar.com,www.fitday.com, www.sparkpeople.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
