What Is Green Juice Good For? 6 Health Benefits

1. Rich in nutrients

Although green juice should not replace a healthy diet, it is an easy and convenient way to get some of the benefits of eating more vegetables. Green vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for overall health.

2. Promotes hydration

Green juice can help promote hydration, especially if it is high in water-rich vegetables such as cucumber. 

3. Aids weight loss

Drinking green juice can help with temporary weight loss. According to one study, people who drank green juice lost an average of 3.3 pounds, with the effect lasting for up to 2 weeks. The study concluded that consuming raw vegetable juice may impact gut bacteria and promote weight loss, although more studies are needed to better understand the impact of green juice on weight loss.

4. Promotes digestive health

Green juice is rich in nutrients that feed and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can potentially promote digestive health and prevent problems such as constipation.

5. Lowers inflammation

Since green juice is made from green leafy vegetables, it may help reduce inflammation and diseases related to inflammation, such as heart disease.

6. Easy to digest

Green juice is easier to digest and therefore beneficial for people who are recovering from surgery on the stomach and intestines.

Low in fiber

Juicing removes much of the fiber in fruits and vegetables. Fiber is crucial to your health, helping digestion, improving blood sugar, managing cholesterol, and protecting against disease.

Since green juice is relatively low in fiber, you should avoid using it as a substitute for your vegetable intake. Instead, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and follow a balanced diet.

May raise blood sugar

Juices can cause blood sugar spikes, mainly because of the sugars in the fruit and the fact that green juices lack fiber and protein.

To avoid rapid sugar spikes, you can pair your green juice with a meal or snack that provides you with fiber and protein. Some of the best foods or snacks to pair your green juice with include:

• Flax crackers with cheese
• Veggie sticks with tuna salad
• Oatmeal with unsweetened milk and almond butter

Be mindful of what you are putting into your juice. If you decide to buy store-bought green juices, keep in mind that many of these contain added sugars, and avoid those that are not made from just fruits and veggies.

Can harm your kidneys

Green vegetables are high in oxalates, which is considered an antinutrient. Oxalates bind to minerals in food and prevent the intestine from absorbing them, which can lead to kidney stones and even kidney failure.

As with most things, it is best to consume green juice in moderation and incorporate it into a healthy, balanced diet.