Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of a healthy diet because they provide us with valuable nutrients that are essential for the proper functioning of the body, some of which are known to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. But what is the best way to consume them? Should we eat them raw or should we prefer the juice?
If you are not used to eating fruits and vegetables, it is better to at least consume their juice. However, if you compare juicing to eating whole foods, you may be shocked by the difference in their nutritional value.
The issue of fiber in fruits and vegetables
You’ve probably heard that whole grains are better than those in white bread. A similar principle applies to eating fruits and vegetables whole instead of juicing them.
This is because when they are juiced, they can lose up to 90% of their fiber A scientific study published in the National Library of Medicine necessary to absorb their benefits, for example, the health-valuable antioxidants naturally associated with fiber are lost as fruits and vegetables are juiced.
One of the most important reasons to eat fruits and vegetables regularly is their fiber content, which promotes optimal gastrointestinal health, keeps you fuller longer, and contributes to stable blood sugar levels. If you choose to juice them, you gain sugar, water, vitamins and minerals, but lose valuable fiber.
Does juicing help you lose weight?
Some people may choose to juice, thinking it will boost their weight loss efforts. However, this claim is not valid. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories of your intake, i.e. to create a calorie deficit.
As we mentioned before, the fiber released when fruits and vegetables are juiced remains the “key” to feeling fuller and therefore less likely to overeat. In addition to getting enough juice, you may need more fruit than you consume and therefore consume more calories.