Juicing

What is this juicing thing that everyone keeps talking about?

 Juice cleanses have become one of the popular fad diets over the past few years. Now you can even find juice bars in some gyms to grab a fresh drink post workout. But what is it and why are so many people on this bandwagon?

When fresh fruits and vegetables are added to a juicing machine, the juices from the produce are extracted into liquid form, separating the pulp and solid matter from the juice.

So, what’s the point of this? Combining a variety of veggies and some fruits in juice form can work as supplementation for the nutrients that you may not be receiving enough of in your day-to-day diet. Most of the population in the western world lead excessively busy lives and it can be difficult to get the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables every single day. Although research proves that it is still best to get your nutrients in whole food forms, meaning unprocessed and eaten as grown or raised naturally, juicing is a tasty way to make sure you’re covering all of your bases.

The other common use of juicing is to cleanse or detox your system. Research indicates that we ingest chemicals through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. The purpose of a cleansing program is to eliminate the chemicals that build up in our bodies and replenish with nutrient-dense foods. This method helps strengthen the immune system and aids in the prevention of chronic illnesses.

However, it’s important that juice cleanses, among others, are done safely. Removing solid foods on a whim can shock the body and cause uncomfortable symptoms. It is recommended to transition into a mostly raw foods diet days prior to the start of the cleanse. Weaning off of caffeine and alcohol before beginning the cleanse is also a must. Otherwise you could experience withdrawal symptoms.

If you are interested in starting a temporary or long-term juice cleanse, it is highly recommended to speak with your physician first, as it could affect any current medications or medical concerns.

Even if you are just looking to add a few extra veggies in with a meal, juicing is a simple and delicious way to get your vitamins and minerals.

Happy Juicing!