Juicing is often marketed as a way to lose weight and detoxify your body, but in reality, it doesn’t live up to those promises. When you juice fruits, you’re actually removing the valuable nutrients found in the flesh and left with a sugary, calorie-dense liquid. The real nutrients end up getting discarded as waste.
You might find yourself consuming mostly sugary fruit-flavored water. Potential consequences could be low energy, mood changes, and headaches. Long-term juicing could result in nutrient deficiencies and malnourishment. Certain ingredients used in juicing may contain high levels of oxalates, which can impact kidney function. Research does not back up the idea that juicing and liquid diets are essential for detoxing.
Starting your day with a celery/kale/green apple smoothie might seem like a healthy choice, but it’s important to be aware of potential risks associated with consuming high volumes of green juices. Plants have their own defense mechanisms, such as producing toxins like oxalic acid, to protect themselves from being eaten. Excessive intake of oxalate-rich foods like spinach and beets can lead to kidney problems, including the formation of kidney stones. So, while green smoothies can be nutritious in moderation, it’s essential to balance your diet with a variety of foods to avoid potential health issues.
Other Major Problems with Juicing
1. Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: Skipping meals high in fat and protein can lead to dangerous spikes and drops in blood sugar levels. Keeping blood sugar in check is crucial for preventing diabetes and may also have a connection to Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Sugar Bomb: Juicing too much fruit can result in a concentrated dose of sugar, especially when the pulp and fiber are removed. This can lead to a quick surge in blood sugar, followed by a crash that may lead to cravings for more sugary foods, defeating the purpose of the juice cleanse/fast.
3. Thyroid Trouble: Juicing certain raw vegetables can lead to a concentration of compounds that can interfere with iodine absorption and slow down thyroid function. Overloading on goitrogenic vegetables like kale, spinach, cabbage, and collards can have negative effects on thyroid health.
Leave a Reply