Juicing, Fad or Fab?

In a juice fast or cleansing, a person consumes only fruit and vegetable juices. Detoxification uses juice cleansing, often in detox diets that lead to weight loss.

A lifestyle switch—what do you gain?

Do you eat the recommended nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day? Less than one-third of Americans do! Juices help increase the intake of healthy antioxidants, soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Some studies have found a potential link between certain juices and health.

• Kale may improve your lipid levels that affect your risk of heart disease
• Carrot may reduce oxidative stress in cells in women treated for breast cancer
• Citrus-based and carrot juice may reduce heart disease risk

What does juicing lose?

It removes the dietary fiber or roughage in plant-based foods. Although our human digestive enzymes can’t completely break down insoluble fiber, it is useful. Insoluble fiber attracts water and softens the stool. You can add this bulk back to your diet by adding chia seeds.

Because it removes fruit and vegetable skin and insoluble fiber, the juice may not have the same health benefits as whole fruits and vegetables.

For example:

• Peeling decreases the vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content of whole fruit.
• It contains concentrated calories and sugar. Too much can cause weight gain and could be dangerous for people with diabetes.
• Women may have an increased risk of getting type 2 diabetes with only one extra juice serving a day.
• Insoluble fiber is good for bowel regularity. It also lowers cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugars. It also promotes the sense of fullness needed for maintaining a healthy weight.
• Juices don’t have protein that keeps us full and helps maintain muscle mass for a healthy weight.

How to find us

Dr. Nangrani treats clients from the outside in. Besides vitamins and hormone therapies, she also provides aesthetic treatments.

Call 281-298-5476 to book your free consultation with Dr. Nangrani and our Spa Director. Together, you will discuss your expectations and design your treatment plan.

Vedas is minutes from I-45 (Houston’s North Freeway) in The Woodlands. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Source Harvard Health