Juices contain nutrients that may help promote heart health, boost brain function, and improve skin appearance.

However, no solid evidence suggests that juicing is healthier than whole fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of Juicing

1.

An image of a woman drinking a green smoothie

Oscar Wong / Getty Images

Cold-pressed juice is made by slowly crushing fruits and vegetables with a hydraulic press.

It generates minimal heat, which helps preserve vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural flavors.

As a result, it’s often thought to be a more nutrient-dense option than traditional juicing methods.

Melissa Nieves, RD, LDN

Easy to Digest

Juicing, including cold pressing, removes the indigestible fibrous skin and pulp.

This can be helpful for people who follow alow-fiber diet.

Research shows thatcarotenoidsmay help protect the skin against damage due to sunlight.

Juicing with vegetables like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes increases your vitamin A and carotenoids intake.

Collagen is a protein that helps keep bones strong and skin smooth.

Immune System Boost

Cold-pressed juices can be a concentrated source ofimmune-supporting nutrients.

These include:

6.

In contrast, beverages sweetened with sugar and artificial sweeteners were linked to a higher risk.

Boost Energy Levels

Juicing helps keep you hydrated, which is important forstaying energized.

Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish.

Risks of Juicing

1.

Not Diabetes-Friendly

Juices made mostly from fruit may not be ideal for those with diabetes.

That’s because most of the fiber, which slows down sugar absorption, is removed during juicing.

Increased Risk of Food Poisoning

Unpasteurized cold-pressed juices may contain bacteria that can increase the risk offoodborne illness.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid them.

Does Juicing Help Slow Down Aging?

Juicing may offer some anti-aging benefits, especially for people who don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.

This gives your body a range of nutrients and plant compounds.

If you’re juicing your produce, use mostly vegetables to keep the sugar content low.

Add a small amount of fruit for sweetness.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for a 3:1 vegetable-to-fruit ratio.

This helps keep the sugar content low while maintaining the health benefits.

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