by Jillian Fernandez
“Reset. Restore. Revitalize.” These are the three words etched on the back of the local Growl Juice Pub’s cold-pressed juice bottles. While these glass bottles full of colorful raw and organic juices serve as great picturesque Instagram posts for many, it makes you wonder just how true these words actually are.
How healthy and beneficial is this recent juice craze?
“Many of these juice places offer a healthy snack or meal option, much better than most fast food. I think they can be great as one small part of a healthy diet,” said nutritionist and Chapman professor Denise Canellos.
According to WebMD, there are things to consider when juicing for health and weight loss. One of them is the fiber factor.
“When you juice, you don't get the fiber that's in whole fruits and vegetables. Juicing machines extract the juice and leave behind the pulp, which has fiber,” read part of WebMD.
As long as this fiber is consumed through different means, than the nutrients provided by pure juices will still prove to be beneficial.
Canellos agreed, “By removing the solid part of the fruit or vegetable being juiced, many nutrients, such as fiber and some protein, are left behind. While fruits and vegetables are very healthy foods, by themselves they do not provide all of the essential nutrients we need each day. A diet consisting solely of juices is devoid of protein, fat and fiber.”
A large benefit seems to be that it is a very easy way to consume your daily fruits and vegetables. With school, work, and the long list that consume the lives of many, it seems that juicing is a very fast and convenient way to take in a healthier diet.
“I think juicing is a delicious and fun way to get all the nutrients you need in just one cup," said junior health science major Ivana Kalika. "When you don’t have enough time in your day to get all the fruits you need, a smoothie is a good way to get that in because it’s quick and it’s satisfying."
“I don’t know the scientifically proven health benefits of juicing, but let me tell you after I drink my daily juice, I feel so good," said physician Jeanne Goodman.
Canellos explained that, “Pure juice does not have added sugar. You are not getting any more sugar then you would eat the fruits and vegetables whole. It becomes an issue when you juice more fruits than you would normally eat – you are getting all of the sugar in the fruits without any of the fiber to slow down absorption of the sugar. This causes a spike in blood sugar that can lead to problems”.
So as long as one consumes the proper proportions of fruits and vegetables in a juice state, it looks like juicing is healthy as long as it’s done right.
“I think juicing and smoothie drinking is healthy for you as long as you use, whole, natural ingredients and avoid concentrated juices,” said junior communication studies major Holly Hovnanian.
The verdict? Juicing advocates conclude that it is not only trendy, but also nutritious as long as you don’t overdo it. Not only is it better for you than a McDonalds hamburger, it even tastes good.
