by Julie Schoonover, Student Nutritionist What is a juice cleanse?Juice Cleanse Myths DebunkedMyth: Juice Cleanses Will Detoxify the Body The claim that a juice cleanse "detoxifies" the body through eliminating solid food has no scientific support. The body removes toxins on its own through the liver and kidney, and does not need to be "detoxified" with a diet. Myth: Drinking Juice is Better than Eating Whole Produce Juicing advocates may claim that drinking juice is better than eating whole fruits and vegetables, and that removing the fibrous pulp makes the nutrients easier to absorb. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this. The fibrous pulp is actually needed for the full health benefits of the plant. High fiber intake is associated with health benefits like decreased risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. In addition to better fiber content, whole fruit also keeps you feeling more full compared to juice. Also, juice lacks many important nutrients, and can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Using juice as a meal replacement is harmful for the body. It doesn't contain protein or healthy fats, which are essential for muscle maintenance, sustained energy, cell membranes, and hormone balance. Myth: Juice Cleansing is a Good Weight Loss Method Many use this fad diet for weight loss. However, the heavily restricted diet is difficult to maintain over several days. Additionally, the severe restriction slows metabolism in the long term. Research indicates that regular consumption of a high amount of juices can lead to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity. Extreme juice cleanses are associated with negative side effects like dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Also, juices based mainly on fruit can contain high amounts of the natural sugar fructose, which is linked to high blood sugar and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The Bottom LineYour body is frequently exposed to toxins, and removes them on its own using the kidney and liver. A juice cleanse does not provide the body with enough nutrients or calories, and any weight-loss achieved is not sustainable. There are many potential side effects and health consequences that would be harmful to the body. Overall, the juice cleanse is not a healthy practice and can lead to negative health effects.
A smarter and healthier option to improve your diet is to consume a balanced amount of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
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ABOUTTerps With Taste is run by the Student Nutritionist Team with University of Maryland Dining Services. We write content for students, by students. Enjoy! Categories
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