Juicing has grown to become a five billion dollar industry and there is no shortage of consumer reports on how great the cleanses make them feel.  Yet, there is no scientific evidence that these cleanses actually detoxify your system, and in some instances, they can even be harmful.

Cautions Around Juicing

1. Besides the steep financial cost of juice diets, the added sugar can be way beyond the American Heart Association’s recommended daily amount making juice cleanses costly to your health.  Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider such cleanses as supplements, and as such, do not regulate their production or distribution.  In other words, because cleanses don’t have to meet the rigorous requirements that other prescription medications do, these companies can make unsubstantiated claims.

2. Speak with your doctor before beginning any detox or cleanse.  These juices have the potential to distort your normal balanced diet, and slow your metabolism long after you stop the cleanse. Certain cleanses may restrict or eliminate an important nutrient (e.g. protein) that is important to your health or medical condition, and by cleansing, you could potentially worsen your health situation.

3. While you may lose some weight during your cleanse, it is primarily due to the drastic reduction in caloric intake and the loss of fluids and waste, and will be promptly reversed once you resume a normal diet.  Too much of a weight loss, especially due to fluid loss alone, can be harmful.  These cleanses/detoxes can be considered fad diets, which we all know are not viable long-term solutions to weight loss and healthy eating.    In general, plant foods in their whole form are much more beneficial due to their high fiber content, nutrients and phytochemicals. Juicing greatly diminishes these benefits. You are much better off focusing on a diet of whole fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

7 Health Benefits of Juicing that Make You Superhuman

• Packs an enormous amount of nutrients in a single serving
• You will experience dramatic weight loss
• Increased mental clarity, alert and focus
• Increased rate of nutrient absorption
• Prevents heart disease, cancer and even rheumatoid arthritis
• Boosts immune system
• Dramatically increases energy levels