Claim: The body absorbs more nutrients from juice.
Fact: The theory is that fiber, often filtered out of juice, is too taxing on the digestive system, and that fiber impairs digestion of fruit and vegetable nutrients. The opposite is true. The digestive system needs fiber to function properly and to remain healthy.
Claim: Juices help cleanse toxins from the body.
Fact: No convincing evidence supports this claim. The liver and kidneys efficiently process and eliminate toxins.
Claim: Juicing helps with weight loss.
Fact: Weight loss (or gain) is about calories consumed and burned. Homemade juices can have high amounts of natural sugars and surprisingly high calorie counts.
Claim: Juicing is economical.
Fact: Juicing machines cost $30 to $300. For frequent juice drinkers, the cost of juicing at home may be lower over time than purchasing 100 percent juice. However, grocery costs can easily increase because of the volume of produce needed to make juice. The most economical approach may be to consume whole fruits and vegetables.
Aimee Blanchette
Source: Mayo Clinic Health Letter, February 2011
