Tag Archives: #juicing

Is Juicing Heart Healthy?

Posted on by

Juicefasting176814603

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people living in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. While no one juice or juice blend can prevent heart disease or repair damaged heart and blood vessel tissue, some juices contain heart-friendly nutrients. Some juicing proponents say that juicing is better for you than is eating whole fruits and vegetables because your body can absorb the nutrients better and it gives your digestive system a rest from working on fiber. Pomegranate, beet and red grape juices could give your cardiovascular system an overall health boost.

Pomegranate juice has shown the ability to lower blood pressure and is considered a heart-healthy fruit juice. Scientists found, as published in “Nutrition Journal,” that beet juice, combined with a low-nitrate diet, lowered blood pressure as soon as six hours after drinking the juice. Grape juice is naturally high in flavonoids, particularly in the case of red or purple grape juice. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants that can protect your cells from damage from aging and may help reduce your risk of developing cancer and heart disease. An article from “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology” said studies have shown that red grape juice provided protection from “bad” or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which can cause hardened arteries. The scientists concluded that medical findings made it reasonable to suggest including purple grape juice in a daily diet as a way of reducing the risk of developing heart disease.

As with all premade juices, check to make sure there is little added sugar to derive the most benefits from the juice. Also, make only as much juice as you can drink in one sitting because fresh squeezed juice can quickly develop harmful bacteria. When juicing, try to keep some of the pulp. Not only does it have healthy fiber, but it can help fill you up.

Although these juicing ingredient suggestions have proven to prevent heart disease it is still important to check in with your doctor for heart health tests. The Department of Cardiology at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is available to assess and treat heart conditions and diseases. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What are the Benefits of Juice Cleanses?

Posted on by

Juicefasting176814603

Juicing or juice cleanses are growing in popularity as more people are using this practice as a way to lose weight or improve their health.  Juice bars are popping up everywhere as the demand for freshly-made and all-natural juices increase.  There are a few advantages that can be achieved by juicing.

Some advantages of juicing include:

  • May be an easier way for some to obtain the daily fruits and vegetables that are essential in maintaining a healthy diet. Many people find it more convenient and less time consuming to drink fruits and vegetables instead of eating them.
  • May help in promoting weight loss- if it is done correctly and the body is not deprived of vital nutrients and fiber.

There also disadvantages associated with all-juice diets. Disadvantages include:

  • An increase in LDL cholesterol. An all-juice diet for a prolonged period of time is not recommended as studies have shown that it may increase LDL cholesterol levels. Depriving the body of whole foods that are rich in nutrients could also weaken its ability to fight infections and function properly.
  • Juicing can prove dangerous for individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. High levels of fructose, which is the sugar found in fruits can elevate blood sugar levels.  Excessive juicing can cause high levels of potassium and minerals to build up in the blood- this can become hazardous if one has kidney disease.
  • Juicing may not be the healthiest or most effective way to lose weight as your body may think it is starving and lower its metabolic rate. If your body is being deprived of the daily recommended caloric intake it could begin to burn muscle tissue instead of fat to provide energy, causing the loss of muscle mass.

If you choose to juice, consult your physician, especially if you have chronic health conditions and juice in moderation. Juicing can be beneficial if it is done properly and is supplemented with nutrient-rich whole foods. It is recommended that a glass of juice can be used to substitute one meal for example breakfast or lunch for the day. Most healthcare practitioners caution that juicing should not surpass the duration of a few days.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.