“Your body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.” BKS Iyengar, Yoga teacher and scholar.
There are numerous health benefits associated with juicing. Fruits and vegetables are chock full of vitamins and minerals which are necessary for a healthy, well-functioning body. But they also contain antioxidants, compounds which help fight free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for cellular damage and have been found to contribute to illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as heart disease and cancer.
Juices are loaded with nutrients because they are in their raw form. The heat from cooking (and some experts say the heat produced by some juicers) destroys enzymes which are vital to healthy digestion.
In addition, the right combination of juices can help detoxify the body, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, improve the condition of the skin and hair, increase energy levels, and help the body maintain proper hydration.
Helps Detox Our Bodies
Our bodies are under attack by pollutants every day. Add that to the waste products our bodies produce during various cellular processes and the pesticides and chemicals in the food we eat, and you have a recipe for weight gain, inflammation, and illness.
Using juices for detoxing the body is a safe and way to reboot your body by assisting it in flushing waste products and toxins.
Lowers Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Medications known as statins, have been routinely prescribed to help lower cholesterol for years. In fact, statins are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world.
However, statins have several side effects, some which are quite serious. The most common side effects are muscle pain and digestive issues. Other adverse reactions include headaches, fatigue, joint pain, rash, and elevated blood sugar levels.
The most serious side effect is rhabdomyolysis which is dangerous condition which causes the breakdown of muscle and can lead to life-threatening kidney problems.
And a study conducted by the University of South Florida in 2015, found that statins are not as safe or effective as initially thought.
That’s why more people are turning to diet as a way to lower cholesterol levels. Juices which are rich in polyphenols or plant sterols, such as grape, cranberry, blueberry, and cherry juices, are an effective alternative to cholesterol lowering drugs.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining blood sugar at a healthy level is important to avoid the development of Type 2 diabetes, which is a major health concern as it can lead to many life-threatening conditions such as:
- Heart and blood vessel diseases such as stroke and heart attacks.
- Neuropathy or nerve damage which can lead to digestive problems, erectile dysfunction, and even lead to the amputation of extremities.
- Kidney damage.
- Eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and blood vessel damage in the retinas which can lead to blindness.
- Alzheimer’s disease. Although it’s not clear how, Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
A healthy diet can help prevent – and even reverse – Type 2 diabetes. Juicing allows you to easily consume the optimal levels of nutrients and which will regulate blood sugar.
Healthier Skin
One of the first things someone notices about you is the condition of your skin. And your skin usually reflects your physical state. Whether you have been eating poorly, drinking too much alcohol, or not getting enough sleep, it will be reflected in the state of your skin.
Drinking freshly prepared fruit and vegetable juices helps your body eliminate toxins which improves the overall condition of your skin. The high-water content keeps your skin hydrated and supple, while the antioxidants in the juice protect skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
Improves Energy
How does juicing increase your energy levels? It’s easy. Feeling tired and drained is a common side effect of adrenal fatigue. Your adrenal glands are overworked when you are under a lot of stress, especially if you aren’t eating a healthy diet. Exhaustion is also common when your body is dehydrated, overwhelmed by toxins, or lacking some essential nutrients.
Juicing allows you to recharge your body with the vitamins and minerals you need, helps your body flush away toxins and waste products, and keeps you hydrated which will dramatically improve your energy levels.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is important because our bodies depend on it. Our bodies use water to lubricate our joints, flush toxins, maintain its temperature, and keep our organs functioning properly.
Signs that you may not be drinking enough fluids:
- Your urine is dark in color.
- Dry mouth and bad breath.
- Dry or flushed skin.
- Craving sweets.
- Headache.
- Muscle cramps.
It’s recommended that the average person drink 6 to 8 glasses of water (48 to 64 ounces) per day. That’s difficult for most people to do though. They simply forget or don’t like water enough.
That’s why juicing is ideal for maintaining proper hydration. When you’re consuming most or all of your calories in liquid form, you’ll get more than enough fluids. And the fact that you can easily create a variety of tasty juices ensures that you’ll be motivated to drink them.
