The Truth about Juicing
By Sara Butler
Juicing has been popular for a couple of decades now and is seen in quite a few circles as the cornerstone of the health-conscious. Maybe you know someone really into juicing – because many people do it with the impression it can help them to reach a healthy weight, to cleanse their bodies, or to provide their bodies with more nutrients. Just as any other health fad, there’s a lot of information out there about juicing – and a lot of myths right along with it. So, here’s the truth about juicing to help you understand if it can benefit you and help you reach your health goals
What is Juicing?
Juicing is a process by which you take fresh fruits and vegetables and extract juice from them. A kitchen appliance known as a “juicer” does the job for you, extracting the pulp and fiber from the fruit or veg. Some juicers do leave in some of the pulp, but most remove it. It really depends on what type of juicer you buy. You then drink the juice, which is effectively the liquid, along with vitamins and minerals, of the item you juiced.
Myth No. 1: Juicing Improves Health
The fact is that juicing is no healthier than eating whole vegetables and fruits. In fact, the juice is often less nutritious than eating the whole version of the food, which also contains fiber. Your body does not absorb nutrients faster or better from juice than the whole food and probably won’t be as satisfying either since it’s missing bulk to help you feel full. If you want to be healthy, then you need to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, not just drink the juice.
Myth No. 2: Juicing Helps Detox the Body
Many people buy into juicing because it’s touted as a way to cleanse the body of toxins. Here’s the thing: Your body already has a built-in detox system in the form of your liver and kidneys. There is no scientific evidence to support drinking juices helps to eliminate toxins from the body. To keep your organs functioning optimally, you need a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods.
Juicing has its place. If it's encouraging you to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet, then that's a good thing. But realize that juicing isn't going to do more for you than just eating the food whole -- it actually provides your body with less. So, weigh the pros and cons before investing in the latest juicing fad.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.