Therapeutic Juices

Juice therapy involves consuming raw fruit or vegetable juices.
Holistic nutritionists use fresh juices to deliver concentrated nutrients and phytochemicals.
Juices can be used for health maintenance or disease treatment.
Juicing can be preventative (staying healthy) or therapeutic (treating a medical condition).
Treatment protocols vary in duration and combination with other foods.

Ayurvedic principles teach that juice consumption strengthens body tissues.
From 1917, extraction was promoted as the only beneficial method.
Juice should ideally be consumed immediately after extraction due to nutrient loss.
If immediate consumption is not possible:
- Store in the fridge.
- Add an antioxidant (e.g., vitamin C, lemon juice, or turmeric).

Juicing removes most dietary fiber.
Fruit and sweet vegetable juices (e.g., carrot, beetroot) can be high in kilojoules and naturally occurring sugars.
Juice fasting is not suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- People with diabetes
- Those with ulcers or heart conditions
Organic acids in some fruits and vegetables may erode tooth enamel; using a straw can help.
Excessive consumption of certain vegetables can lead to toxic compound intake:
- Goitrogenic compounds from cruciferous vegetables
- Oxalates from spinach and silverbeet