Juice cleanses or diets are not new. Once dismissed as a passing fad, they have managed to stick around for almost more than a decade now. A host of celebrities, actresses, singers, wellness gurus and even some doctors and dieticians have all touted the benefits of going on a juice cleanse.
There is a variety of juice cleanses out there. Some such as the Master Cleanse are strictly liquid-based diets, where all solid foods are banned. Others are a bit flexible and you’re allowed to eat a small snack or helping of food every so often.
Demand for juice cleanses hasn’t slowed down either, giving rise to a vibrant market and industry. A look at all the numerous juice cleanse recipes will show you that almost any vegetable, fruit and spice can be juiced from the usual fruits to something as exotic as raw cannabis.
The Appeal Of Juice Cleanses
So what is the hype all about and is it justified?
From the onset, proponents of juice cleanses claimed that these diets help flush out toxins from the body and were an excellent alternative to other traditional weight loss methods. Additionally, going on a juice cleanse for a few days is said to give your body-especially your stomach and digestive system- a much-needed rest. Also, some juice cleanses are said to solve all sorts of medical issues from healing your digestive tract and sinuses to relieving digestive problems and soothing pain. This, of course, depends on the ingredients present in the cleanse.
Are The Claims True?
You have to admit that there’s something appealing about going on a juice diet and shedding pounds instead of sweating away in a gym. But is there any truth to these claims or are juice cleanses just a hoax?
Well, there isn’t a clear-cut “yes” or “no” answer.
Doctors interviewed by the New York Times say that there’s little evidence to back up the claims of detoxification. There’s simply no scientific evidence that going on a juice-only diet will flush toxins from your body and help you lose weight. Especially when your body has no problems detoxifying on its own. After all, that’s what your liver, kidneys, and intestines do. You can achieve the same benefits claimed by juice cleanses by eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting enough rest.
On the other hand, drinking juice made from fruits and veggies certainly does have some health benefits. Firstly, your body does get more vitamins and minerals if you regularly drink juices. Secondly, juice cleanses are a good way of shifting people from bad dietary habits like consuming too much alcohol, coffee or caffeine and eating fatty foods. Cut off these unhealthy foods from your diet and you’ll certainly notice a change. Lastly, taking juice that contains fiber from fruits and vegetables will help keep things moving in your gut, reducing constipation and bloating by allowing you to easily pass stool. You’ll definitely feel better afterward.
When it comes down to it, going on a juice-only diet can do you more harm than good. However, if you do it while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise regimen, you’ll see the benefits. Just do your research beforehand and make an informed decision.
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