The Pros and Cons of Juicing for Weight Loss
Juicing for weight loss started as a fad or crash diet, therefore I wouldn't have anything to do with it.
Recently a friend of mine shared a smoothie with me and it was delicious.
I asked her for the recipe and she gave it to me.
I was absolutely shocked to find that it had carrot and spinach as ingredients, and that it was made in her 'juicer'! This experience started my research into 'juicing', and I have to admit that I am embarrassed for not doing the research much earlier.
In this article I would like to share some of what I have learned, specifically the health benefits, and the drawbacks of juicing.
Health Benefits The health benefits of juicing are many and powerful.
We eat vegetables to get needed vitamins and minerals into our system, however when vegetables are cooked they lose much of their nutrient content; even if we eat raw vegetables our bodies cannot completely break down the enzymes found in fruits and vegetables.
This means that we actually 'miss out' on many of the nutrients contained in these foods.
The act of juicing fresh vegetables breaks these enzymes down and releases the much-needed nutrients so that we are able to enjoy the full benefits that these foods provide.
Getting these nutrients in liquid form eliminates the digestive process of 'breaking down' solids.
This allows the nutrients to immediately be absorbed into the body and sent to vital organs, and of course through the digestive tract.
A few of the benefits associated with juicing are:
Unfortunately some of these programs aim for the 'lose weight fast' crowd and require a liquid diet consisting of nothing but the vegetable juice for extended periods of time.
Please do not become a victim of this ploy.
Juicing is healthy, but eliminating all other foods from your diet is not healthy and can cause medical problems, some severe.
Adding juicing to your weight loss plan can be very healthy, while aiding in the weight loss process.
As with any other weight loss program, if you eat sensibly you will be fine.
The following list describes some of the drawbacks of a juicing program:
The health benefits received from all the natural vitamins and minerals cannot be denied.
When first beginning to 'juice' taking sensible precautions such as adding new vegetables in small amounts, and adding fruit to the recipes will enable you and your system to truly enjoy the full benefits of juicing for weight loss.
Recently a friend of mine shared a smoothie with me and it was delicious.
I asked her for the recipe and she gave it to me.
I was absolutely shocked to find that it had carrot and spinach as ingredients, and that it was made in her 'juicer'! This experience started my research into 'juicing', and I have to admit that I am embarrassed for not doing the research much earlier.
In this article I would like to share some of what I have learned, specifically the health benefits, and the drawbacks of juicing.
Health Benefits The health benefits of juicing are many and powerful.
We eat vegetables to get needed vitamins and minerals into our system, however when vegetables are cooked they lose much of their nutrient content; even if we eat raw vegetables our bodies cannot completely break down the enzymes found in fruits and vegetables.
This means that we actually 'miss out' on many of the nutrients contained in these foods.
The act of juicing fresh vegetables breaks these enzymes down and releases the much-needed nutrients so that we are able to enjoy the full benefits that these foods provide.
Getting these nutrients in liquid form eliminates the digestive process of 'breaking down' solids.
This allows the nutrients to immediately be absorbed into the body and sent to vital organs, and of course through the digestive tract.
A few of the benefits associated with juicing are:
- Total absorption of needed vitamins and minerals provided by vegetables and fruits, eliminating the need for 'unnatural' vitamin supplements, i.
e.
tablets or capsules. - A smoothly functioning digestive tract means that constipation problems will be eliminated.
- Juicing acts as a natural colon cleanse, flushing toxins from the body.
- Juicing also aids in relieving upset stomach and heartburn.
- The vast majority of juicers' experience an immediate 'up lift' after ingesting the juice.
This is caused by the immediate absorption of vitamins and minerals into our system.
Unfortunately some of these programs aim for the 'lose weight fast' crowd and require a liquid diet consisting of nothing but the vegetable juice for extended periods of time.
Please do not become a victim of this ploy.
Juicing is healthy, but eliminating all other foods from your diet is not healthy and can cause medical problems, some severe.
Adding juicing to your weight loss plan can be very healthy, while aiding in the weight loss process.
As with any other weight loss program, if you eat sensibly you will be fine.
The following list describes some of the drawbacks of a juicing program:
- Some vegetables have a strong taste that is not pleasing.
Experimentation with juicing 'recipes' is needed to find the right mix for your taste.
When beginning a juicing program I highly recommend adding fruit to your recipes.
Fruit makes the juice sweet, and can mask some of the less pleasant vegetable tastes. - Some vegetables can cause unwanted reactions, such as headaches or upset stomach.
Small steps are recommended! Some of the recipes call for vegetables that you probably have never eaten before, such as wheat grass.
When trying new vegetables in a recipe, use a very small amount at first to make sure that your system will tolerate this vegetable. - Good juicers' cost about $200.
00.
There are some available for $50.
00, but with juicers' the old adage of 'you-get-what-you-pay-for' is true.
If at all possible, find a friend that has a 'juicer' and try some recipes before you make the purchase.
The health benefits received from all the natural vitamins and minerals cannot be denied.
When first beginning to 'juice' taking sensible precautions such as adding new vegetables in small amounts, and adding fruit to the recipes will enable you and your system to truly enjoy the full benefits of juicing for weight loss.