Juicing has become a wellness staple with promises of glowing skin, rapid detoxification and increased nutrients. But is juicy really so good for you? Let’s talk about the real advantages and disadvantages of juice, especially when it comes to getting gorgeous and radiant skin. In my book Eat Beautiful, there is a lot of information on the benefits of eating fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, nourishing the skin from within. And juicing is the perfect way to get ingredients like apples, kale, spinach and more, packing your diet with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that support radioactive healthy skin. For example, apples provide vitamin C and quercetin. While this helps promote collagen and protect against UV damage, kale provides vitamins A, C, and K for skin elasticity and repair. A plant-rich diet supports not only complexion but overall health. However, many of these foods enjoy most in their overall form to maximize the benefits of digestion and skin clarity (found in apple skin, for example). So should we juice?
The advantages of juice
Juice can offer several benefits, especially for those who struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that juicing increases intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, nutrients essential for heart health, immune function and skin vitality. Drinking juice is also a convenient way to consume a wider range of seasonal fruits and vegetables. This can support cardiovascular health by increasing nitric oxide levels, which can help lower blood pressure. Many people report improved skin, hair and energy levels after adding fresh juice on a daily basis, and studies have shown that even a small daily vegetarian juice can help people meet the recommended vegetable intake.
What about the drawbacks?
Despite its benefits, juicing is not the perfect solution. As mentioned above, one concern is the removal of the fibers during the freezing process. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports a healthy gut microbiota. Without it, juices, especially juices made from fruits, can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can contribute to inflammation and skin problems over time.
Research has shown that a three-day juice-only diet can disrupt the balance of intestinal and oral bacteria, increasing populations associated with inflammation and cognitive decline. Although these changes appear to be temporary, the long-term effects of frequent juice cleansing are still unknown. It is also worth remembering that juicing does not provide protein or healthy fats. Both are essential for skin structure, hormonal balance and energy, so starting your day with green juice and then moving on to a healthy, balanced diet might be a better approach to including juice in your diet.
Seasonal Fruits for Juice
Check out this post for more information on some of the juicy benefits of fruits in the current season. Cucumbers are the perfect base for juice, and adding healthy fats like avocados and bananas can add a balance to the blend. On the other hand, kiwi and strawberries are more skin-friendly vitamin C.
Read next: Skin-friendly Spring Fruits | Try Your Juice Skin-Friendly Fruits
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