Juicing is frequently viewed as a nutritious method to boost intake of vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables, whether as a daily habit or a cleanse for detox or weight loss. A study on juicing diets suggests it could be having the opposite effect and shows alterations can happen to the oral microbiome, with potential subsequent health impacts that may be harmful.
Recent research reveals that a three-day regimen of consuming cold-pressed juice, which extracts juice from fruits and vegetables while eliminating fiber, can cause changes in gut and oral bacteria associated with inflammation and cognitive impairment.
Juicing may harm gut health by eliminating vital fiber, resulting in a high sugar content that can promote harmful bacteria and upset the gut microbiome. Fiber plays a key role in supporting healthy gut bacteria that create anti-inflammatory substances such as butyrate.
The study involved three groups of healthy adults: one group drank only juice, another combined juice with whole foods, and the third followed a diet of exclusively whole plant-based foods. Researchers measured the bacterial communities from saliva and stool samples before, during, and after the diets, using gene-sequencing methods to examine bacterial shifts.
The group that drank only juice exhibited the greatest rise in bacteria linked to inflammation and increased gut permeability, whereas the whole plant-based food group displayed more beneficial microbial changes. The group combining juice with whole foods experienced some bacterial shifts, though less pronounced.
The results indicate that although juicing delivers nutrients, its lack of fiber and high sugar levels may harm microbial balance, causing long-term health issues. If you often begin your day with juice, try combining it with whole foods to minimize the risk of microbial disruptions.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition
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