Should You Be Drinking Green Juice?

 Should You Be Drinking Green Juice?

 

Fad diets and trends are constantly floating around, with some sticking around longer than others. ‘Green juice’, ‘drinkable greens’, or ‘green powder’ is one I have seen floating around for quite some time on Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook. So, what’s the deal with these juices and should you be drinking one?

 

 

What Is Green Juice?

 

The name says it all – a juice that is green. From there, different brands can add different ingredients. Typically, you’ll find powdered fruits and vegetables, powdered herbs, digestive enzymes, pre and probiotics, green tea powder (aka Matcha), and more. Similar to a protein powder, these greens can be purchased in a powder form and are mixed into water to create the ‘juice’. These products can range in price anywhere from $30 – over $100 per container. 

 

Is Green Juice Healthy?

 

Unlike protein shakes and powders, green juice is usually low is calories and macronutrients They mainly consist of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. While this may sound helpful if you are worried about getting enough nutrients, there are some differences between green juices and actual fruits and vegetables. 

 

Actual greens are higher in fiber and nutrients than the powder. The fiber and water naturally found in these fruits and vegetables help to slow down digestion and allow for better absorption. Additionally, some green powders contain over 50 ingredients, which can include sugar and sugar substitutes. Most importantly, as with any supplement, most claims and formulations are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

 

So… Should You Be Drinking Green Juice?

 

In my personal opinion – No… Eat green foods instead!

 

Fruits and vegetables are delicious and can be prepared in so many ways – if you try enough, you will find some that you love. Green juices are extremely pricey, so I suggest saving your money investing your time in trying to eat whole foods instead. While green juice may help you increase your nutrient intake for some micronutrients, eating the real thing is always the healthiest option. 

 

With that being said, some people feel great when they drink green juice and won’t eat fruits or vegetables otherwise. And although their claims are not evaluated by the FDA, that doesn’t mean these powders are bad for you. One positive of the green powders is most of their ingredients are freeze-dried or extracts, so they have a longer shelf-life than fresh fruits and vegetables. If they work best with your lifestyle, then go ahead and buy them. Just be sure to do your research and choose brands that have third-party testing certifications, so you know their label and ingredients are accurate. And as always, talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements to make sure it is safe for you. 

-DZ