The Truth About Sugar Content in Juice Cleanses: Are They Really Healthy?
Published Date:
Not all sugar is bad, you know. When people talk about sugar, you probably think of the plain old table sugar - the ones you find in coffee shops, inside those little packets. That’s where the misconception starts. You see, that kind of sugar is generally considered bad for you because it is added sugar. Added sugar can lead to weight gain, risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. You can still enjoy added sugars, just don't go overboard.
The good news is that not all sugar looks and is like that. We have naturally occurring sugars from fruits and vegetables. These are the types of sugars that are essential to a balanced diet! That’s why we’re here today - to talk about sugar content in juice cleanses.
Juice Cleanses and Sugar
The best way to learn about sugar and juice cleanses is by asking questions. So why don’t we do that?
What Is A Juice Cleanse And How Long Is It?
A typical juice cleanse involves consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a set period of around 1 to 7 days. During this time, people are told to avoid solid foods to give their digestive system a break while the body (particularly the digestive system) rests. These juices are generally said to be full of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help flush out toxins and aid in weight loss.
On the surface, it sounds like a great way to give your body a boost, right? After all, fruits and vegetables are healthy, so drinking juice should be too, right? Well… sort of.
Can You Juice Cleanse With Any Fruit and Vegetable Juice?
Technically, yes. You can. Does that mean you should? No! Not all juices are made the same. Take the ones at Little West. They contain zero added sugars and preservatives. Every bottle is packed with fruits or vegetables - nothing more. They aren’t watered down either.
Compare those to the juice cartons on the shelves of your local supermarket and check the label. Those are probably riddled with added sugars, possibly made with concentrates, or even filled with artificial sweeteners to make them taste better. You should not juice cleanse with these - that can only spell trouble!
Check Out - Juice Cleanse for Beginners Complete Guide
Does Juicing Spike Blood Sugar?
Generally, yes. Fruits and veggies contain fiber, a key component in slowing down the absorption of sugar. When juice is made, a large chunk of fiber is removed during the process. That means that your blood sugar will tend to spike more rapidly - regardless of how fresh your juices are.
Is Juicing Good For Diabetics?
This one is a little tricky because not everyone’s the same. If you want to safely do a juice cleanse, we do have a few recommendations - but it’s always best to seek a professional’s opinion if you have certain restrictions. One should be more thorough when juicing for diabetics!!
Opt for veggie-based juices if you can. Cucumber, celery, spinach, and kale are a few veggies low in sugar. You can add in a few bits of fruit for sweetness and flavor, but do be mindful of the portions. You can also water down some of the juices if you’d like, but that would mess up the nutritional content of them. And go for fresh or cold pressed juices if you can’t make your own. This way, you’re more certain of the ingredients in your juices.
Can I Add My Own Fiber?
Of course! In fact, that’s an excellent idea. Fiber-rich ingredients like chia seeds or flaxseeds can add some much-needed fiber to your juices and help slow down sugar absorption. Another neat thing about adding fiber is that it keeps you feeling fuller for longer, helping you power through your juice cleanse!
Is A Juice Cleanse Right For Me?
That’s up to you to decide! You know your body better than anyone else. If you’re new to juice cleansing, maybe try it out for a day and gradually work your way up - making sure to get ample rest in between those trials. And, again, nothing beats a professional’s advice. If you’re worried, a quick chat with them would do wonders.
Also Read - How Juice Cleanse Boost Immune System?
The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Sweet Tooth
We’ve mentioned some good things about Little West juices earlier. We bet that made you curious! If you’re ready for some life-changing juices, shop around and see for yourself.