Green juice is one of the most prominent trends of the modern era, as many celebrities and social media stars promote it for its many benefits. What is green juice? What are its benefits? And does it have any side effects? Follow us in this article on the Dalili Medical website to discover everything you need to know about this topic and more.

What is green juice?

 

Green juice is a drink prepared from green vegetables, and it often has a bitter taste, so small amounts of fruits are added to it to improve its flavor and sweeten it. Among the fruits that can be used: apples, berries, kiwi, grapefruit, lemon, and orange. It is preferable to drink fresh green juice prepared at home, as many ready-made juices contain added sugar that may be harmful. In addition, packaged juices undergo a heat-based pasteurization process to kill harmful bacteria, but this heat may negatively affect the beneficial plant compounds found in fresh juice.

**Green Juice Nutrition**

Green juice is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost your health. Here are some of the nutrients you can find in green juice:

- **Vitamin C**: This vitamin is essential for supporting your immune system and skin health. You can get plenty of vitamin C from citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, as well as leafy greens like kale and spinach.

- **Vitamin K**: This vitamin plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health. It is found in abundance in dark leafy greens like kale and spinach.

- **Folic Acid**: This nutrient is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects. It can be found in leafy greens like kale and spinach.

- **Potassium**: This mineral is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. It is found in fruits and vegetables like bananas, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Is it safe for pregnant women to drink green juice?

 

Green juice or any unpasteurized juice is considered unsafe during pregnancy, as the vegetables used may contain bacteria and germs that may be dangerous to the health of the pregnant woman.

Should we drink green juice?

 

Despite the wide popularity that vegetable juice has achieved and the great promotion of it on social media by bloggers and celebrities, it does not provide exceptional therapeutic benefits and does not surpass the benefits provided by a complete meal containing vegetables and fruits. Therefore, this drink is considered to be greatly exaggerated. However, it can be a beneficial addition to your diet if consumed in moderation, but it should not be used as a substitute for vegetables and fruits. It is important to be careful when buying these juices from stores, and to read the product label to ensure that it does not contain added sugars, especially if you suffer from diabetes or any problems affecting blood sugar levels. You should also take into account that juices alone cannot be relied upon to meet your body's nutritional needs.

### Green juice ingredients

There is no official recipe or specifically agreed-upon ingredients, but most vegetable juices contain a range of common ingredients, such as: celery, turnip, chard, spinach, wheatgrass, cucumber, parsley, and mint. Juices can also include some green fruits such as apples, pears, or lemons. Colorful fruits and vegetables are often added to enhance the flavor. The most prominent ingredients used in preparing this juice are:

- Celery

- Chard

- Turnip

- Cucumber

- Spinach

- Mint

- Parsley

- Coriander

- Cabbage

Some fruits are also added to improve the taste of the juice and sweeten it. The most famous fruits used with green juice are: apples, kiwi, lemon, berries, grapefruit, orange, pineapple, and avocado.

### Best time to drink green juice

Green juice is very beneficial when consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, as this helps the body absorb nutrients and enzymes better and more effectively.

If you can't drink it in the morning, you can drink it in the middle of the morning or early afternoon. It is preferable to avoid drinking green juice before bed, as it may negatively affect the quality of sleep.

**When is it preferable to drink green juice?**

 

It is preferable to drink vegetable juice in the morning as a start to your day, as one cup of it can improve gut health and boost the immune system. This option is important for anyone seeking to achieve a healthy diet.

**Is green juice considered a meal?**

 

It is important to know that green juice is not considered a substitute for meals, and it cannot be considered a meal in itself. However, it can be added to your daily diet to increase the essential nutrients the body needs, due to its vitamins and nutrients.

**When do the results of drinking green juice appear?**

 

The period of time that results appear after drinking green juice varies from person to person, and depends on several factors, including:

- Green juice ingredients

- Quantity and frequency

- General diet

- General health of the body

**Is green juice good for the stomach?**

 

Introducing green juices to your diet enhances the health of the digestive system by providing essential nutrients, such as digestive enzymes. These juices contribute to improving overall gut health, leading to a more efficient and comfortable digestion process, and they also support the growth of beneficial bacteria.

**When is the best time to drink green juice?**

 

- **Morning:** Some people prefer to drink green juice in the morning on an empty stomach, as this time is considered ideal for providing the body with the necessary nutrients after aNight fasting.

- **Before meals:** You can drink green juice before main meals, which helps increase your consumption of vegetables and fruits and adds healthy nutritional components to your meals.

- **During the day:** You can drink green juice at any time of the day as a snack or alternative, it is an excellent option for hydrating the body and getting concentrated nutrition.

- **Before exercise:** If you exercise, you can drink green juice before exercise for extra energy and greater focus.

- **Any time that suits you:** You can choose the time that suits you during the day to drink green juice regularly.

Types of vegetables and fruits used in green juice

Many different types of vegetables and fruits can be used to prepare green juice, based on personal taste and health needs. Among the common vegetables used in making green juice are: spinach, celery, lettuce, parsley, and coriander. Among the common fruits are: pineapple, apple, banana, grapes, and lemon.

In addition, you can also customize the ingredients of green juice according to the health goal you seek to achieve. For example, you can add plant-based protein powder or coconut oil to increase the protein and healthy fat value of the juice.

No one can deny the benefits of green juice. It is an ideal choice to improve your overall health and increase energy levels. Enjoy choosing from a variety of vegetables and fruits and discover the secret of green juice for better health

Who should avoid green juice?

 

Green juice is healthy for most people, but there are some exceptions. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking medications or have diabetes, are on blood thinners, have gout, or have kidney stones.

If you have any medical condition, it is best to talk to your doctor before adding green juice to your diet.

People with the following conditions should avoid green juice:

- Diabetes: Green juice can cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar closely when drinking green juice.

– Kidney disease: Green juice contains a high percentage of potassium, which can be dangerous for people with kidney disease.

– Digestive problems: Green juice can exacerbate digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. If you have any digestive problems, it is best to talk to your doctor before trying green juice.

**Benefits of green juice for weight loss**

**Boosting metabolism:**

Green juice contains ingredients that help boost metabolism, which helps the body burn calories faster and more efficiently.

**Reducing appetite:**

Thanks to its richness in fiber, green juice helps reduce appetite and increase the feeling of fullness for longer periods, which helps reduce the amount of food consumed.

**Improving digestion:**

Green juice helps improve digestion thanks to its ingredients rich in fiber and water, which helps expel toxins from the body.

**Benefits of Green Juice**

**Reducing inflammation:** Fresh green juice helps reduce inflammation within the body, as inflammatory processes are the basis of many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

**Improving digestion:** Fresh green juices contain enzymes that promote digestive health, and most health experts believe that about 80% of the immune system is located in the digestive system.

**Boosting the immune system:** Green juice provides the body with phytonutrients and chlorophyll, also known as “liquid sunshine”, which strengthens the immune system and helps control inflammation, in addition to increasing red blood cell production and enhancing the ability of cells to transport oxygen.

**Balancing blood sugar:** The ingredients in green juice have healing and cleansing properties, making it a great way to start your day. You can add any fresh vegetables you have available to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced.

**Boosting liver health:** Studies indicate that green juice can promote liver health, as the vegetables used in its preparation, such as kale and spinach, contain great benefits for liver health.

**Heart Health:** Many studies have shown the benefits of vegetable and fruit juices on cardiovascular health. Researchers have found that these juices contribute to improving heart health by lowering blood pressure. Researchers have attributed these benefits to several factors, including the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of juices, in addition to their ability to prevent platelet clumping, which reduces the risk of blood clots.

**Rich in chlorophyll:** Some researchers believe that consuming chlorophyll can help treat anemia and other conditions resulting from a lack of hemoglobin.

**Kidney Stone Treatment:** Although green juice contains a high percentage of micronutrients, the juicing process may lead to an increase in the concentration of antinutrients found in vegetables. Oxalic acid is the main antinutrient in green juice, as it is present at much higher rates than regular meals, which can lead to high concentrations of it harming the kidneys.

**Alkalinizing Effect:** When our bodies are more acidic, elements such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are pulled from our bones and organs to neutralize the excess acids, resulting in mineral deficiencies. Drinking green juice first thing in the morning is one of the best ways to start the day, as our bodies are usually more acidic at this time. Consuming green juice helpsGreen juice made from fresh leafy greens and fruits helps balance the body's pH levels, giving you long-lasting energy.

**Bioavailability:** A cup of fresh vegetable juice is one of the most bioavailable food sources, as it is easily absorbed by the body, unlike synthetic multivitamin tablets or capsules.

**Boosts energy levels:** Drinking fresh juices daily in the morning on an empty stomach helps increase your energy throughout the day.

**Improves mood:** These juices contain a range of minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients that contribute to improving your psychological state.

**Green juice for pregnant women**: It contains essential nutrients that are increasingly needed during pregnancy, such as iron, calcium, vitamin C and fiber.

**Meeting the body's needs for vegetables and fruits**: Women over the age of 19 are advised to eat 2.5 cups of vegetables daily, while adult men are advised to eat 3 cups. If you drink green juice daily, it may be easier for you to increase your intake of vegetables and fruits.

**Improves micronutrient absorption**: Green juice helps increase the concentration of micronutrients in the body, making them easier to absorb.

**Detox**: Green juices are sometimes marketed as a way to “cleanse” the body, but they’re not a magic bullet. A juice-only diet for several days doesn’t seem necessary, as the body has natural mechanisms to detoxify itself through its liver, kidneys, and digestive system. While green juice won’t remove all the “toxins” from your body instantly, it can provide nutrients that support your body during its natural detoxification process.

**Hydrate your body**: Green juices are primarily water-based, which helps to hydrate the body, especially in the morning when our energy levels are low. Instead of drinking tea or coffee as many people do, opt for a glass of green juice.

**It affects your gut microbiome**: **In addition to providing easily absorbed nutrients, drinking green juice regularly may also affect your gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that live in your digestive tract, most concentrated in a part of your large intestine known as the cecum. This microbiome is made up of hundreds of species of microorganisms, and the types found in it depend largely on your diet. The microbiome offers many benefits, including helping you digest certain nutrients, producing vitamin K and some B vitamins, and protecting us from other microorganisms that may cause disease.

**Improving your skin:** Green juice is an excellent choice for your skin due to its added hydration benefits, giving your skin a clear, healthy glow.

**Anti-aging:** Green juice contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and manganese, which are antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidation, helping to combat the signs of aging. You can include tomatoes, berries, carrots, and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, as well as dark leafy greens like spinach.

**Collagen production:** Green juice is rich in vitamin A, which helps slow down the signs of aging and prevent the deterioration of skin cells, in addition to vitamin C, which enhances collagen production and helps reduce the appearance of acne.

**Treatment of skin inflammation:** Green juice contains a group of vitamins such as A, C, K, E, B1, B2, and B3, in addition to calcium, beta-carotene, and lutein, which enhance the repair and maintenance of the skin. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which add to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cleanses the body due to its high chlorophyll content.

**Supports heart health**

Green juice contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and essential plant compounds that contribute to promoting heart health. It is rich in antioxidants that help lower high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves heart function.

**Increasing bone density**

Green juice plays an important role in maintaining bone health, as it contains a high percentage of vitamin K, which is essential for stimulating the production of proteins needed to form bone mass and enhance its density and strength. It also contains vitamin D, which contributes to improving the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the bones, which helps build the skeleton and increase collagen production, which supports the strength and flexibility of the bones and protects their cells from damage. In addition, green juice helps reduce joint inflammation and relieve bone pain.

What are the ingredients of green juice?

 

There are no specific ingredients that must be adhered to when preparing green juice, but the most prominent ingredients that can be used are:

- Coarsely chopped celery.

- Turnip.

- Cabbage.

- Cucumber.

- Peeled and coarsely chopped ginger.

- Lemon juice.

- Sliced ​​apple.

- Parsley or coriander leaves.

- Mint leaves.

- A cup of water.

- Ice cubes.

It is preferable to choose fresh vegetables with a dark green color, and make sure that they are free of bruises or defects.

**How ​​to prepare green juice**

 

To prepare green juice at home, you can follow the following steps after knowing its ingredients:

1. Wash the green vegetables and apples well under water.

2. Cut all the ingredients into medium-sized pieces.

3. Put the cucumber and celery in a food processor and mix them at high speed until you get a smooth mixture.

4. Add the remaining ingredients and a cup of water to the food processorFood and mix for 3 minutes until the mixture is homogeneous and smooth.

5. Filter the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or a nut milk bag.

6. Press the mixture with a spoon to extract the juice.

7. Pour the green juice into a glass and add ice cubes, then drink the juice immediately, or you can cool it in the refrigerator overnight.

**Green juice with lemon**

**Ingredients:**

- Kale

- Romaine lettuce

- Carrots

- Cucumber

- Lemon

- Water

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Put the previous ingredients in the blender in the quantities you prefer.

2. Mix the ingredients well until they are homogeneous.

3. Filter the resulting juice and enjoy its taste.

**Easy-to-digest green juice**

**Ingredients:**

- 1 celery stalk

- 40 grams of kale

- Fennel as desired (can be replaced with cucumber)

- 1 cm of fresh ginger root

- 2 peeled pears

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Cut the ingredients into small pieces (you can peel them if you like).

2. Put the ingredients in the juicer and mix well.

3. You can filter the juice to get a smoother consistency.

4. It is preferable to drink the juice fresh immediately after preparing it, and you can keep it in the refrigerator for three days, or in the freezer for a week.

**Green juice with apple**

**Ingredients:**

- One green apple

- 4 sticks of celery

- ½ medium-sized cucumber

- A small piece of ginger

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Wash the ingredients well.

2. Cut the ingredients into small pieces that fit the size of the blender.

3. Put the ingredients in the blender and mix well.

4. Stir the mixture with a spoon until smooth, then enjoy its delicious taste.
**Green juice with four ingredients**

**Ingredients:**

- One and a half green apples

- ½ peeled orange

- A cup of Swiss chard

- ½ stick of celery

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Cut the ingredients into small pieces (you can peel them if you wish).

2. Put the ingredients in the juicer and mix well.

3. Enjoy the refreshing juice!

### Green juice for beginners

This juice is an ideal choice for beginners, as it is prepared from simple ingredients and tastes delicious, and it is one of the most prominent healthy and nutritious drinks.

To prepare the juice, always use a piece or two of fruit such as an apple, pear or lemon, in addition to leafy vegetables such as spinach, which is the best choice for beginners. You can also add some water-rich vegetables such as cucumber or celery, with other ingredients to enhance the nutritional value such as ginger, turmeric and superfoods.

#### Ingredients:

- 2 pears

- 2 handfuls of fresh spinach

- 1 stalk of celery

- 0.5 inch piece of ginger root (about 1 cm)

- 1/4 fennel bulb (or 2 stalks of celery)

#### Method:

Wash and chop all ingredients, no need to peel the pear or ginger root.

This green juice is best consumed fresh, but you can also store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours.

**Green Juice Recipes**

- A mixture of lettuce with zucchini, cucumber, ginger, celery, lemon, and kale leaves.

- A mixture of pineapple with spinach, chia seeds, cucumber, pear, and mint.

**Potential Risks of Green Juice**

After reviewing the ingredients of green juice, it is necessary to point out some of the potential negatives of consuming it. It is always advisable to consult a specialist doctor or nutritionist before introducing green juice to the diet.

Among the potential harms of green juice are:

1. **Negative effect on the kidneys**

Green vegetables are rich in oxalate or oxalic acid, which are anti-nutrients that bind to some minerals and vitamins, preventing the digestive system from absorbing them effectively. Therefore, excessive consumption of green juice may lead to increased levels of oxalate, which may cause kidney problems such as kidney failure and stone formation.

2. **Lack of dietary fiber**

Green juice lacks the dietary fiber necessary for any balanced diet. Fiber plays an important role in supporting heart health, maintaining blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels within normal limits, and also contributes to improving digestive system functions and reducing disorders such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers and diverticulitis.

3. **High blood sugar levels**

Green juice contains small amounts of dietary fiber and protein, which are essential elements for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

**Negative interactions with medications**

Green juice can contain high levels of components that may interact negatively with different types of medications, such as:

- Grapefruit juice, which can negatively affect several medications, including cholesterol-lowering medications, blood pressure medications, and blood thinners.

- Leafy vegetables rich in vitamin K, which may reduce the effectiveness of some medications, such as blood thinners.

**Malnutrition**

If green juice is relied upon as a substitute for main meals for a long time, the body may be exposed to multiple health risks as a result of malnutrition.

It is important to note that the percentage of fiber in juice is lower compared to whole fruits and vegetables, so relying only on juice may lead to a lack of dietary fiber and the benefits it provides to the body.

Tips for preparing green juice

- Make sure to consume green juice in moderation with healthy meals.

- Before buying juice, read the nutritional label and avoid products that contain large amounts of added sugar or juices with an unnaturally sweet taste.

- Stay away from green juice that contains sodium benzoate as a preservative.

- It is best to prepare green juice at home usingThe qualities mentioned above.

- Make sure to drink fresh green juice, preferably within 24 to 72 hours of preparing it.

- Choose fresh and good vegetables when preparing the juice.

- Make sure to wash the vegetables well, especially leafy vegetables.

- Don't forget to remove spoiled leaves before starting to prepare the juice.

Make sure to wash the vegetables well, especially leafy vegetables.

Don't forget to remove spoiled leaves before starting to prepare the vegetable juice.

It is best to enjoy the juice immediately after preparing and filtering it, although it can be kept in the refrigerator overnight.

When leaving the juice for some time after preparing it, we may notice that it begins to separate, and you can stir it before drinking it.

The color of the juice may change slightly to brown due to the oxidation of the apples.

Be sure to add a generous amount of vegetables, and look for fresh, high-quality vegetables that are firm and bright, not wilted or spotted.

It’s important to stick to a healthy liquid base, with vegetables like celery and cucumbers used to provide moisture in your juice mix, or coconut water.

It’s best not to add too much fruit or fruit juice to keep the sugar levels down.

Some people like to add some herbs, with parsley and cilantro adding a distinct herbal flavour to their green juice. If you prefer a strong parsley flavour, use flat-leaf parsley, as curly parsley is much milder.

You can also try adding ground turmeric, cinnamon, maca powder or bee pollen to boost the nutritional value.

Serve a glass of green juice surrounded by slices of apple, ginger, kale and cucumber on the table.