Why the Juice Trend Isn’t Worth the Squeeze
The “health” product that’s been leading you astray
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It’s fairly common knowledge that standard packaged juice products that can be found in grocery store aisles aren’t the best choice for our health. They’ve even been considered as bad as sugary sodas, if not worse. Cold-pressed juices from the refrigerated section of grocery stores, or dedicated juice bars, have been on the decline in recent years… But for the people in the back, it’s time to let this broken record play.
Juices are missing one of the most important ingredients for good health
Most, if not all, fibre is removed in the process of juicing fruits and vegetables. Fibre helps bulk up the stool and sweep everything out of the colon. It’s also what helps keep us full and satisfied after a meal. If you’ve ever had a juice that says it contains several servings of fruits and vegetables, yet you’re hungry an hour later, this is why.
Your best bet is to eat whole fruits and vegetables, the way nature intended. If you don’t find them palatable, experiment with ways of making them more enjoyable. Cut up your favourite fruits and make a fruit salad with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime. Dip raw veggies in hummus, tzatziki or another dip of choice. Sauté or steam veggies with some salt, herbs and lemon juice. The possibilities are endless.
Juices alone take the body on a blood sugar rollercoaster ride
With the fibre removed and most calories coming from fruit, juices pack a huge carbohydrate punch in the form of sugar. Yes, even the so-called healthy cold-pressed juice that you paid $12 for.
When we eat a meal, fibre, fat and protein help to slow down the digestion process, boost satiety, and stabilize blood sugar and the release of insulin. When having juice alone, it throws our blood sugar out of whack, which may lead to jitteriness, lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches, irritability, extreme fluctuations in energy levels and fatigue.
