How many times have you drank fruit juices? How often do you eat your vegetables? Although we agree that doing both is quite healthy, as fruits and vegetables are naturally good and contain all the vitamins and minerals needed by the body, we also need to consider that we might be doing it wrong! Why, do you ask? Let’s find out why you should eat your fruits and juice your veggies!
Benefits of Eating Fruits Instead of Juicing Them
No doubt juices nourish your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. In its liquid form, all the nutrients of whole fruit will be readily available for your body to absorb. However, juicing removes some important nutrients that can be retained by eating the whole fruit.
- Eating whole fruits provides your body with fiber, which is eliminated during the juicing process.
- A whole fruit protects you from the sensitivities that can be caused due to the heat generated by the juicer, ultimately decreasing the nutritional value of the fruit.
- Your blood sugar will not spike as much with whole fruits, making them recommended for people with Diabetes
- Fibers present in whole fruits keep you full for longer and provide relief from constipation
- As a snack, whole fruits relieve hunger pangs, and the digestion process takes longer compared to gulping down juice in one go. Eventually, this helps in mindful eating and keeps you fuller for longer.
Benefits of Juicing Vegetables
Eating vegetables is good for your health, but there are certain benefits of juicing them that you can incorporate in your daily diet for maximum health benefits.
- Juicing vegetables allows you to incorporate more than one vegetable at a time.
- Juicing a large volume of vegetables provide more vitamins than eating a green salad with just one or few veggies.
- Juices from some vegetables are more effective in lowering blood pressure and relaxing the muscles that line blood vessels.
- Vegetable juices may increase the speed of detoxifying your body as they are readily absorbed and digested.
- The water content and vitamins of some vegetables are lost during the cooking process, so juicing can help retain these nutrients.
Points to Remember
- Our digestive system is designed to handle fiber and extract nutrients from a variety of foods, including whole fruits and vegetables.
- Modifications can be made depending on your need, situation and availability.
- We need at least 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit each day
- Vegetables and fruits of similar color generally contain similar protective compounds. To gain more benefits, it is best to choose fruits and vegetables of different color and varieties.
We hope this article helps you make a healthy shift. Remember that there is no hard and fast rule to this. Do what works best for you but before following this, do consult your dietician or nutritionist.
For more on nutrition, fruits and veggies, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.
Do you remember the days when you were active and indulged in sports. Be it a game of football or cricket in your alley or shooting 3 pointers at your college’s basketball court, running all over the place with your friends created cherished memories. If this was an integral part of your childhood, you are familiar with the health benefits of playing sports!
A young woman, who seemed slightly on the heavier side, approached me on the walking track at the Coimbatore-Race Course. She asked for tips on health management and weight reduction, even suggesting that I create a group to help with these goals. This encounter inspired me to share my thoughts in this blog.
