Juices and Smoothies: Good for Your Health?

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Aug. 6

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When you’re trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, you end up looking into all sorts of fads and trends that claim to be beneficial to your wellbeing. One trend that has swept across the Western world is juicing and smoothie detoxes. But are these additions to your diet actually good for you? Here’s some information to help you make the right decisions for your overall well being.

Juices and Smoothies: The Perks

Let’s start by looking at the health benefits of juices and smoothies. When it comes down to it, juices and smoothies can be really good for you. If you make yourself from scratch, you can make sure that they only use quality fruits and vegetables, paired with water or healthy alternatives like unsweetened plant-based milk, coconut water or other additions to raise the water content. These drinks will be absolutely packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body needs to thrive. Plus, they’re delicious!

Juices and Smoothies: The Risks

Of course, juices and smoothies can be less beneficial for your health if consumed in the wrong way. If you’re buying store bought smoothies rather than making your own, you need to check the ingredients list to ensure that they don’t have unnecessary additional sugars, artificial ingredients or unhealthy preservatives. You should also be aware that drinking too many juices and smoothies can result in issues such as diarrhoea or dental problems, as these fruits release sugars when blended or juiced down. Finally, you need to make sure that you avoid juice or smoothie detox diets. These encourage you to replace all food in your diet with just juices or smoothies for a while, which ultimately is unsustainable, and doesn't help you learn how to eat a balanced diet with other elements than fruit and vegetables to thrive.

Smoothies to Try

For a good quality smoothie, you’re going to want to invest in the best blender you can. This will create a smooth drink. To create a quality and filling smoothie, take 1/4 - 1/2 cup of your favorite fruits, chop them, place them in the blender and then add a liquid of your choice (such as water, coconut water, a plant based milk etc.), plus a protein source and a handful of greens. This will all blend together to make a delicious, creamy smoothie for you to enjoy!

Juices to Try

To make a good quality juice, you’re going to need a juicer. These can be relatively pricey, but if you get a lot of use out of them, they’re more than worth the investment. One recipe you might like to try is an apple, carrot and ginger juice. The strong flavors incorporated in this drink make it a good alternative to coffee in the morning, perking you up. The ginger in this juice is packed with natural antioxidants and will help to eliminate toxins from your body. It’s also a decongestant, so great if you’re feeling a little under the weather. Make sure to check out this post for more info about juicing.

As you can see, juices and smoothies can be healthy when consumed in moderation and when you know they contain natural and healthy ingredients. So, pick one up and see how you enjoy it!

Looking for some delicious smoothie recipes? Check out my new cookbook, Nourish Your Body: A 30 Day Healthy and Delicious Meal Plan! Filled with lots of tasty and good-for-you recipes, including fast smoothies for busy weekdays, this cookbook can help you fuel and nourish your body so that you feel your best!