Health Benefits of Juicing

Amy Taylor June 18, 2013

Does eating fruits and vegetable in liquid form healthier than their solid form? Over the past years, the juicing diet has dramatically evolved from being an exclusive trend among the health-conscious into a popular diet fad. Nowadays, many people rely on juicing diet with the hope of shedding excess fats and promoting their health. But is this diet approach really a must-try? Are there risks? Let’s find out!

What about juicing diet?

Also known as a ‘juice fast’, this diet involves consuming only raw vegetable and fruit juice and water for a short period of time. It is believed that the juicing diet is one of the most rapid methods of detoxification because of the absence of solid food and reduced food intake. Normally, a juice fast lasts for 3 to 5 days. Doing it for a longer period may not be advisable without the supervision of a health professional.

Proponents of the juicing diet claim that it promotes dramatic weight loss and health boost by flushing out toxins from the body. But some experts argue that the body is more than capable of eliminating unwanted or harmful substances through the liver, kidneys, colon, lymph glands, and skin. They believe the weight loss effect is due to the restricted calorie intake which is far lower than what is normally consumed during non-fast days. There is also no scientific evidence supporting the detoxifying benefits of the juicing diet.

What are the benefits of juicing?

Apart from detoxification, juicing is another good way to deliver essential nutrients to the body easier. Since it’s already in liquid form, it won’t take a long time before the body absorbs them all. However, something is lost when fruits and vegetables are consumed in their juice form – the fibre. Fibre is an important nutrient that aids in digestion and regulates blood sugar levels.

Juicing may also help people get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, especially those who find it hard fitting in loads of cucumber, broccoli, kale, collards, spinach, carrots, and other highly nutritious produce. It is to be noted that the daily recommended servings of the good stuff are 5-7. People who don’t achieve this can incorporate juicing as part of their diet.

Juicing is also a good alternative for people who don’t eat any fruits and vegetables at all. There are combinations that taste really great. Almost any fruit and vegetable can be juiced. Herbs like ginger, cayenne, garlic and cinnamon are also added for more health benefits and flavour. When juicer is not available, blender is a great alternative.

Conclusion

Because of the lack of scientific evidence, it is somehow hard to say whether the juicing diet is a good choice. It appears to be less sustainable than the traditional weight loss methods (exercise + proper diet) because the body could not depend on juice for good. The body also needs solid food, particularly fibre, to maintain good metabolic and digestive functions.

Nevertheless, juicing is a healthy habit that we can consider, not as a diet strategy but an addition to a healthy lifestyle. Maybe instead of drinking fizzy drinks or artificial juices, we can sip natural fruit or vegetable juice (a combination of both would be better!). After a tiring workout, a glass of pomegranate or orange juice for instance may keep us more revitalised than energy drinks containing chemicals and artificial sweeteners. Instead of coffee, maybe we can enjoy a tall glass of smoothie made from our personal choice of fruits and vegetables.

Bottom line – juicing is not really an alternative but a good addition for a healthy, fitter and leaner physique!

Have you tried juicing fruits and vegetables? Did it make positive changes in your energy levels and overall health? We’d love to hear from you. Share your comment below.