Let’s be real – who doesn’t love a glass of fresh juice? It is quick, easy to prepare, rich in nutrients and provides you with energy. Green juice, in particular, has earned a reputation as a health powerhouse. Rich in vitamins, it is often considered essential to a healthy diet. Also, it is known to help detox the body. But does this all have to be? If you’re sipping on the idea that this is the ultimate health drink, you might want to keep reading. Nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar recently dropped some surprising truth bombs about this popular drink on Instagram.
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Can green juice be a healthy part of your diet? Here’s what you need to know:
Shalini says that the health benefits of green juice depend on how it is made. If you are using raw leaves, it may actually cause more harm than good. While green leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients, they also contain anti-nutrients like oxalates. When raw, these anti-nutrients do not break down. “When you consume a glass of raw green juice, you are also consuming a lot of anti-nutrients,” explains Shalini. This can mess with the health of your stomach and liver. Therefore, she recommends cooking green vegetables before juicing them for maximum benefits.
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Does cooking leafy vegetables really destroy their nutrients?
This is where many people go wrong: cooking green leafy vegetables doesn’t remove all the nutrients. In fact, Shalini points out that cooking actually helps remove those harmful nutrients. Once the anti-nutrients are gone, your body can better absorb the good stuff. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also found that cooking leafy vegetables increases the amount of vitamin C, especially in Indian spinach. So if you’ve been avoiding eating cooked green vegetables thinking that you’ll lose all the nutrients, it’s time to reconsider.
How often should you drink green juice?
Even though green juice is full of good stuff, moderation is key. Shalini suggests drinking it about three times a week to get maximum benefits. By following this 3-day routine, your body can absorb all the nutrients without overloading yourself with anti-nutrients. Want to try a healthy green juice recipe? Here’s one to get you started.
Also read: Want glowing skin? This Cucumber and Pineapple Juice Deserves a Place in Your Diet
Now that you know the real deal, make sure to make your green juice the right way. Stay healthy and keep sipping!
